Is homosexuality a sin?

Answer: Most Christian groups say yes.

Theological Traditions Included: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Non-Calvinist Protestant, Calvinist Protestant, Progressive

Quick Comparison

• Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions interpret biblical passages concerning homosexuality as a clear condemnation of homosexual acts.
• These four traditions consider homosexual acts to be intrinsically sinful and contrary to God’s design for human sexuality.
• Progressive Christians often interpret these passages in light of their historical and cultural contexts, arguing that committed, monogamous same-sex relationships characterized by love and mutual respect are not inherently sinful.
• All five traditions emphasize the need for compassion and pastoral care when ministering to individuals with same-sex attraction.
• Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions call those who struggle with same-sex attraction to a life of chastity, prayer, and finding their identity in Christ.
• Progressive Christians emphasize acceptance, affirmation, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church community.

Hear from Each Perspective

Ordered by number of adherents

John / Catholic

The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered and contrary to natural law. However, the Church distinguishes between homosexual acts and homosexual orientation. While the inclination towards same-sex attraction is not inherently sinful, acting upon those desires is considered morally wrong. The Church calls individuals with same-sex attraction to live a life of chastity, embracing their identity as beloved children of God. Through prayer, participation in the sacraments, and the cultivation of virtuous friendships, those who struggle with their sexual identity can find support and grace to live according to God’s plan for human sexuality. The Church emphasizes the need for compassion, respect, and sensitivity when ministering to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Anthony / Eastern Orthodox

Homosexual acts are considered sinful according to Orthodox teaching, which upholds the traditional biblical understanding of human sexuality. The Church calls those who struggle with same-sex attraction to a life of chastity, prayer, and spiritual growth. While condemning homosexual behavior, the Church also emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and pastoral care for individuals experiencing same-sex attraction. The focus is on the person’s identity in Christ, rather than their sexual orientation. Through participation in the sacramental life of the Church and the cultivation of virtues, all people are called to grow in holiness and find their fulfillment in God.

Caleb / Non-Calvinist Protestant

The Bible consistently portrays homosexual acts as contrary to God’s design for human sexuality. As a non-Calvinist Protestant, I believe that engaging in homosexual behavior is sinful. However, experiencing same-sex attraction is not inherently sinful; it is acting upon those desires that goes against God’s will. The Church should respond with compassion, offering support and guidance for those struggling with their sexual identity. All people, regardless of their sexual orientation, are called to practice chastity according to their state in life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the support of the Christian community, individuals can find the strength to live a life that honors God.

Nathan / Calvinist Protestant

Homosexual acts are clearly identified as sinful in Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. God’s design for human sexuality is rooted in the creation account, which establishes marriage between one man and one woman as the normative context for sexual expression. Calvinist Protestants hold to the traditional biblical understanding of homosexuality as a deviation from God’s perfect plan. While all people are born into a state of sinfulness, those who struggle with same-sex attraction are called to practice chastity and seek spiritual transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church should offer pastoral support and guidance, helping individuals find their identity in Christ rather than in their sexual orientation.

Hannah / Progressive

I believe that the traditional interpretation of biblical passages concerning homosexuality is largely influenced by cultural biases and outdated understandings of human sexuality. When viewed in their proper historical and literary context, these texts do not provide a clear and unequivocal condemnation of all same-sex relationships. Moreover, the overarching message of the Bible is one of love, compassion, and inclusion. I believe that committed, monogamous same-sex relationships characterized by love and mutual respect can be a valid expression of human sexuality and are not inherently sinful. The Church should embrace and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals, recognizing their inherent dignity and their capacity to form loving, Christ-centered relationships.

The Key Differences

1. Biblical Interpretation

• Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions generally interpret biblical passages concerning homosexuality as a clear condemnation of homosexual acts.
• These traditions view the biblical texts as timeless moral truths that are applicable to contemporary contexts.
• Progressive Christians often interpret these passages in light of their historical and cultural contexts, arguing that they do not provide a definitive moral stance on all same-sex relationships.
• Progressives emphasize the overarching biblical themes of love, compassion, and inclusion when approaching this issue.

2. Moral Status of Homosexual Acts

• Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions consider homosexual acts to be intrinsically sinful and contrary to God’s design for human sexuality.
• These traditions uphold the traditional understanding of marriage between one man and one woman as the normative context for sexual expression.
• Progressive Christians distinguish between exploitative or promiscuous sexual behavior and committed, monogamous same-sex relationships characterized by love and mutual respect. They argue that the latter can be a valid expression of human sexuality and are not inherently sinful.

3. Pastoral Response

• All five traditions emphasize the need for compassion, sensitivity, and pastoral care when ministering to individuals with same-sex attraction.
• Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions call those who struggle with same-sex attraction to a life of chastity, prayer, and spiritual growth.
• These traditions encourage individuals to find their identity primarily in Christ, rather than in their sexual orientation.
• Progressive Christians emphasize the need for acceptance, affirmation, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church community.
• Progressives argue that the Church should celebrate the gifts and spiritual experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and support them in their journey of faith.

My Thought

To sift through this question as a Christian in modern society is quite difficult. It forces one to take a hard look at how the ethics of our religion operate.

Justin Bailey — Creator of ChristianAnswers.ai

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