The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Is same-sex attraction sinful? Charles Hodge sheds biblical light

In this day and age this particular question is being discussed quite a bit in Christian circles. For those who are wrestling with this particular question, I found an article that I found quite helpful.
http://www.dennyburk.com/is-same-sex-attraction-sinful-charles-hodge-sheds-biblical-light/
Here is an excerpt from that article.

Tom

Here's an argument from the lesser to the greater:

Matthew 5:27-28 (ASV) "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Since it is a sin to have lustful thoughts toward the opposite sex, how much more is it sinful to have lustful thoughts toward someone of the same sex, which God has deemed an abomination?

Agreed; yet does attraction equal lust?

Tom

Pretty much. The original word means "to set the heart upon" and can be used both positively or negatively. The same word is used in Matthew 13:17 and Luke 22:15.

You are using the word attraction differently than I usually see it.
Is it not true that when a man meets a woman, he is either attracted or not attracted to that woman?
If he is attracted to the woman he may peruse her to find out if she is the person he wants to marry.
In the way I have used the word "attracted" I don't necessarily see it equaling lust.

Tom

Myshkin is correct. The Greek word being referred to is epithumeo which means: to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise):--covet, desire, would fain, lust (after). Even by your own example, "attraction" would be "lust", for the man is looking for a woman to marry, surely one cannot disregard or ignore the physiological (sexual) desires that accompany the attraction. And what else would you call a man being attracted to another man? or a woman being attracted to another woman? If either is pondering whether the other individual of the same sex would be a good "mate", is that lustful?

Pilgrim
First of all I must state that I accidently used the word `peruse~ rather than "pursue".

I must admit that for someone to be attracted to another of the same sex for the purpose of marriage is lust.


I must admit here I am a little confused. In my mind I am not sure how a man can't be attracted to a woman in order to pursue marriage. While it is true, we should never look upon a woman lustfully. I have been a Christian for about 35 years and every single Christian man who I know (who I have talked about this with), said they became attracted to their future wives in one way or another. Sometimes that attraction was not physical it had more to do with their character.
I am beginning to think the problem has more to do with the word "attraction", than what I am trying to say.

Tom

The attraction that Scripture teaches is unlawful is not simply referring to friendship (philew), but rather that which is romantic (eros). Initially, it may not be sexual, but nevertheless, it is a relationship that goes beyond simple friendship. Yes, there is an attraction which is solely lustful, i.e., sexual in nature. One may be attracted to inanimate objects or animals, e.g., you may be attracted by a Ferrari or a TV because of the way it displays the picture, etc. But with humans, an attraction in most all cases is more than cosmetic or functional... would you not agree? And it is THAT kind of attraction which is salient in this discussion and which the word lust encompasses.

I could be wrong, but I don't think my wife is bothered if I say another woman is pretty or beautiful because she knows I'm merely referring to looks--like a flower is pretty or beautiful. But if I said I'm attracted to another woman, I'd probably be in trouble.

I forget who said it, (could have been John Owen) said our hearts are idol factories. So regardless of what the subject is, we have a tendency to prove this quote true.
So when it comes to relationships, possessions etc... when we take our eyes off of Christ and His Word, chances are we will sin. Keep Christ the center and we can’t go wrong. Our goal should be on giving God the glory and we can’t do that without getting to know His Word.


Are you saying that engaged couples should always just remain in the friendship stage until after they are married?

Speaking from experience, when my wife and I were engaged if it wasn’t for the Lord, we would definitely have given into lust. For that reason, I recommend engaged couples not to put themselves into situations where they may give into temptation. Lots of prayer and Scripture reading and discussion around these things should be a priority.
Saying all that, although my wife and I were definitely best friends when we were engaged I can’t honestly say that I thought of her as just my best friend. I fell in love with her and that love made me want the Lord’s best for her. I wish I could say that I did that perfectly, but I can’t.

1. The topic, which you started, is: "Is same-sex attraction sinful? ...".

2. It has been offered that any such attraction is inherently sinful because it is something which Christ forbids (Matt 5:27,28). And of course, there are other perspicuous passages which forbid any and all forms of homosexuality.

3. It was then suggested that homosexual attraction is akin to "lust" because that attraction transcends simple friendship (phileo) but rather it is romantic in nature and invariably includes a sexual desire.

4. You then have balked at the notion that attraction is lust, when in fact it has been explained that the definition of the word used in Scripture for lust epithumeo is an attraction; which can be either good or sinful.

5. But now you have tossed in a little 'ringer' in bringing in the situation of "engaged couples". Again, the topic is homosexual attraction, not heterosexual attraction. And further, the new scenario is an attraction between engaged heterosexual couples.

a. The attraction between an engaged heterosexual couple is ROMANTIC in nature which indeed goes beyond simple friendship, and hopefully so.

b. However, if sexual desire is present, which by nature it should be, that desire is sinful because the covenant of marriage has not been made. This is the spirit of the law to which Christ taught in Matt. 5:27,28. One does not need to physically engage in sex to be guilty of adultery or fornication.

So, to once again answer your original question; YES, same-sex attraction; the implication being the attraction is romantic in nature, is sinful.

Pilgrim

I never intended to give the impression that I was balking at the description given of the word 'attraction".
I also realize that the subject was same sex attraction and I tried to say I agree with you same sex attraction is sinful.

The other issue concerning opposite sex engagement I brought up probably should probably have its own thread and I am sorry I didn't make one.

What I was trying to comprehend in my mind was attraction in a Christian engaged couple.
I agree with you that lust starts in the heart as all sin does. I also believe that when lust occurs during an engagement it is sinful.
Yet, I can't seem to wrap my mind around the issue of how an engaged couple can't be "attracted" to each other.
Maybe the word "attracted" is not the word I should be using at this point, but I can't think of a better one.

Sorry, I have belabored this topic too long.

Tom