Condemn gay marriage, or just gay rape?

With the issue of gay marriage being so relevant right now, I figure it would be a great time for a fresh discussion of what the Bible truly says about the issue.Modern translations of the Bible into English make it clear as day that engaging in homosexual behavior is sin. But some people say that these translations are not accurate, and that the original phrasing in Greek and Hebrew only condemns gay rape, prostitution, temple rites, etc. From this viewpoint, the Bible is silent on the issue of same-gendered marriage.Is it valid historical, linguistic, and cultural scholarship to interpret the Bible in this way? Or is it needlessly complicated hand-waving that explains away a valuable teaching and shoehorns human reasoning into scripture?See a biased take here: Religion, the Bible and same-sex marriagesEdited by jt, : No reason given.

Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.

Hello JT,It seems like this thread is getting off to a slow start.As a Christian I will reply as to my understanding of the scriptures. First and foremost, the laws and commandments of God are made to help man. They are not made for a hinderance to trap man or bring condemnation to him. Yes, actually virtually any translation makes this clear. But so what? The Bible also clearly defines heterosexual behavior as sinful. In fact, there are significantly more verses addressing heterosexual sin than there are homosexual sin. The point is that there is only one sexual activity that is blessed, and that is sexual activity between one man and one woman within a marriage relationship. All other heterosexual and homosexual activity is condemned. Yes many people say alot of things about the Bible. However the scripture is not silent on marriage. Marriage has had a definition in every known cultural language including the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic of the Bible. Many passages address marriage, and they are excusively related to a relationship between a man and a woman as is the definition. I think it is the second statement. There is an intrinsic value in marriage that cannot be achieved naturally in a homosexual relationship. (multiply and fill the earth) God makes man aware of that value over and over again in scripture. There are also diseases associated with all types of sexual activity outside of a mariage relationship. Again, God's laws are for the good of man.Gay marriage is not something new. Reference to this concept occurs within the Roman Empire before 100AD. However, the Romans got the concept from the Greeks long before, and it was probably practiced during those times as well. It is interesting to note that the most often quoted New Testament passage against homosexuality is in the book of Romans.

Of course, as we're all well aware, marriage is not a requisite to "multiply and fill the earth". Just how many marriages are a result of a pregnancy? And how many bastards are there (using the original definition)? Marriage is not required to increase human population. It really is nothing more than a form of social, legal, and political control. And you can still get those diseases within marriages. For christ's sake, you don't even have to kiss to spread oral herpes. Just drink out of the same cup with someone who has a cold sore. Then your partner catches it from you (in the marriage, no less). Marriage does not give you immunity from STDs.

So then it should be illegal for a woman past menopause to Marry? Or For a man who had his testicles blown off in combat?

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There is no better love between 2 people than mutual respect for each other WT Young, 2002Who gave anyone the authority to call me an authority on anything. WT Young, 1969

Nobody said it was....strawman Do you see out of wedlock pregnancies as an overall plus or a minus to society? God sees it as a minus. Your connotation makes me think you agree with Him. Quite a few the last I checked. Again, I will ask you, do you think bastardized children are an overall plus or minus to society? Then why would homosexuals want it? Or for that matter, why would you, or anyone else want to legislate this control on them? Not unless at least one partner has had sexual relations outside of marriage. I guess you don't understand the difference between oral herpes (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2). Genial herpes is considered an STD. HSV-1 is not.Sex only within marriage by both partners guarantees no STD's. This includes virginity before marriage.

How much straw do you need for this strawman?

If a person is going to say that marriage is solely legal between a man & a woman because homosexuals marriages can't produce children then the items I mentioned should also apply. Stupidity works both ways.One more thing, provide one non religious reason that shows any reason why homosexuals should not be allowed to marry each other.Edited by bluescat48, : added line

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There is no better love between 2 people than mutual respect for each other WT Young, 2002Who gave anyone the authority to call me an authority on anything. WT Young, 1969

except both viruses cause herpes in both places.

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There is no better love between 2 people than mutual respect for each other WT Young, 2002Who gave anyone the authority to call me an authority on anything. WT Young, 1969

marriage by definition relates to male/female relationships ... it did so in the bible, and it does so in every nation on earth todayif gays want to create a word that defines their own relationship, they should do thatmost of them are fairly creative people... surely they can put their heads together and come up with something

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marriage by definition relates to male/female relationships

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50 years ago, marriage by definition didn't include whites marrying nonwhites in most states. Why didn't they just come up with something different?

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Those who would sacrifice an essential liberty for a temporary security will lose both, and deserve neither. -- Benjamin FranklinWe see monsters where science shows us windmills. -- Phat

WrongSame-sex marriage - Wikipedia

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The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Same-sex marriages are also legal in Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, and Norway...

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same sex marriage has all happened in recent timeskeep it in context please.

the color of a persons skin wasnt an issue until the slave tradeyour clutching at straws

Sorry, I have a thing about making factual statements that goes beyond strict adherence to the letter of the original post.{ABE} In other words, if you don't want me calling you out because you stated something as fact that is obviously not true and that can easily be checked, then don't do it.Simple as that. Edited by anglagard, : No reason given.

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Read not to contradict and confute, not to believe and take for granted, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider - Francis BaconThe more we understand particular things, the more we understand God - Spinoza