Same-sex relationships: A 1st-century perspective

William Loader

doi:10.4102/hts.v70i1.2114

Abstract

Read in the light of other Jewish literature of the time, not least, Philo of Alexandria, Paul’s comments in Romans 1 about same-sex relations should be seen as a rhetorical ploy to gain a sympathetic hearing for his argument from the Roman recipients of his letter by appealing to common ground in deploring the sins of the Gentile world before turning to challenge them about the fact that all have sinned, and so need the good news of God’s righteousness revealed in Christ. Typically Paul’s focus is not just acts, but attitude and misdirected passions, which he sees as the result of misdirected and perverted understandings of God. Based on the Genesis creation stories, Paul assumes that all people are heterosexual and that the prohibitions of Leviticus should apply also to lesbian relations. Where these assumptions are not shared, Paul’s conclusions must be revisited in the light of informed compassion and responsible ethical insight.

Highlights

It is somewhat fortuitous that we have in the New Testament (NT) some reference to same-sex relations
Our best resource for extensive Jewish comment is Paul’s contemporary, Philo of Alexandria, who happily engages at the interface of Jewish and Hellenistic Roman culture in a way that enables us to recognise perspectives informing his thought from both sources
Same-sex relations were seen as evils typical of pagan society as they had been for centuries, attested already in Leviticus 18 which warns against the practices: You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. (v. 3)

Summary

Original Research

Affiliations: 1Emeritus Professor in New Testament, Murdoch University, Australia. Note: Prof. William Loader is a research associate of Prof. How to cite this article: Loader, W., 2014, ‘Same-sex relationships: A 1st-century perspective’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 70(1), Art. Paul’s focus is not just acts, but attitude and misdirected passions, which he sees as the result of misdirected and perverted understandings of God. Based on the Genesis creation stories, Paul assumes that all people are heterosexual and that the prohibitions of Leviticus should apply to lesbian relations. Based on the Genesis creation stories, Paul assumes that all people are heterosexual and that the prohibitions of Leviticus should apply to lesbian relations Where these assumptions are not shared, Paul’s conclusions must be revisited in the light of informed compassion and responsible ethical insight

Introduction

Philo of Alexandria

Jewish literature beyond Philo

The New Testament apart from Paul

Recent interpretations