Was lesbianism a sin?

[tonychanyt]

I think so, Romans 1:

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;

That's lesbianism, a woman having sexual acts with another woman. Meyer explained:

How very prevalent among the Gentiles was the so-called Lesbian vice, λεσβιάζειν (Lucian, D.Mer. 5. 2), women with women abusing their sex, see Salmasius, foen. Trapez. p. 143 f., 152 f.

Paul continued:

27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Paul described both male and female same-sex sexual activity as going against the natural order established by God.

 

[AlexB23]

Yes, Romans 1:


That's lesbianism, a woman having sexual acts with another woman. Meyer explained:


Paul continued:


Paul described both male and female same-sex sexual activity as going against the natural order established by God.

My friend from a vocation and life skills class (have not talked to her in two years) is a lesbian, and a Christian. Hopefully, she turns away from this stuff. Her name is Eva.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Lesbianism is homosexuality too. And an abomination to the Lord.

Not that anyone here said otherwise, but I think it's worth mentioning that according to the New Testament condemnations of homosexuality, like the condemnations of lying, those who will not see the Kingdom of God are those who are liars —those who lie— and homosexuals, which are those who engage in the act of homosexuality. It does not mean that it is of itself a sin to be attracted to same sex, but against nature and against God to engage in it.

And I'm not saying, either, that it is ok to train oneself in what excites one sexually, without actually engaging in it; I'm just saying that to call someone a homosexual, and to condemn them for attractions they have been told are natural, is not what the condemnation is referring to. Else, my propensity for exaggeration condemns me.

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

Yes, Romans 1:


That's lesbianism, a woman having sexual acts with another woman. Meyer explained:


Paul continued:


Paul described both male and female same-sex sexual activity as going against the natural order established by God.

In no way would I be advocating the Lesbian life-style, but most readers jump to conclusions for Romans 1:26; there is another possible interpretation.

Throughout history Church Fathers and theologians have interpreted this verse as referring to homosexual activities between women, but the phrase 'natural use' and 'against nature' may also refer to the practice of anal sex for women. Observe how in verse 26 the phrase 'toward another' is missing while this is used for the men in verse 27.

One of the peculiar omissions in the Torah is that lesbian activities between women were not prohibited or mentioned, while penetrative sex between men was punishable by death. Other prohibitions for women in the Torah are quite specific so it doesn't read as an accidental omission that this was left out.

We know from Acts 15 and multiple statements from Paul in his letters that the Apostles presumed the Torah Laws on marriage/sexuality matters to be binding for gentile believers, so the Torah framework should be our guide here. Torah is 'instruction' in a broad sense, not just Mosaic Law with its commandments and prohibitions, but also God's plan for mankind as laid out in the Creation account for Adam and Eve.

I'm not taking a position here, just pointing out an alternative interpretation.

 

[tonychanyt]

One of the peculiar omissions in the Torah is that lesbian activities between women were not prohibited or mentioned

Good point. I softened my position in the OP. Thanks.

 

[eleos1954]

I think so, Romans 1:


That's lesbianism, a woman having sexual acts with another woman. Meyer explained:


Paul continued:


Paul described both male and female same-sex sexual activity as going against the natural order established by God.

The “lust of the flesh” is all desires centered in your nature without regard to the will of God. It is that which constantly fights against the things of God in your life. The lust of the flesh is contrary to the desire to do the will of God. He created them male and female

Mark 10:6-9 ESV​

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”