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Thinking Deeper: Part 3 – Research and Biblical Teachings Assignment
PSYC710
June 15, 2022
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Introduction
In the contemporary era, the topic relating to ‘homosexuality’ is considered to be a
highly debated moral concerns that individuals encounter. In recent times, several researchers
have shared their points of view on the subject matter and have highlighted the concerns that
may arise by accepting it in the social setting. The perspective of the Bible on homosexuality is
pretty straightforward. In order to start a holistic discussion relating to the specific moral issue,
it is essential to get an in-depth insight into the subject in its entirety, including the aspects
relating to marriage, and sex, from the biblical perspective (Kanbur, 2020). For comprehending
the discussion relating to homosexuality topic by Meyer and Staunton, it is fundamental to
understand how the Bible perceives topics such as marriage, sex as well as homosexuality. This
paper has been presented so that a detailed insight can be presented into biblical teachings
relating to homosexuality. In the latter section of the paper, a brief description has been
presented relating to Meyer and Staunton’s unique conclusion on the homosexuality topic. a
Discussion of the issue
A majority of people have diverse perspectives and viewpoints when it comes to the
homosexuality topic. In the 21st century, the concept of same-sex marriages is considered to be
a fundamental right for individuals belonging to gay or homosexual communities. Meyer has
emphasized the issue since the issue has magnified, and its presence can be felt in almost all
parts of the world. In spite of the fact that the supreme court has legally accepted gay marriages,
there exist conflicting and contrasting views in the Christian churches (Barnes & Meyer, 2012).
Homosexuality and homosexuals face opposition from political conservatives. Meyer has
identified homosexual unions as a relationship that takes place between a couple of consenting
adult individuals. He has further argued that such a unification does not lead to any kind of
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violation of the fundamental rights of other individuals. It can not be considered to be unfair
because it does not infringe the autonomy of an individual. As per his perspective, there is no
wrongdoing in the moral sense if there exists mutual consent between two homosexual
individuals. On the basis of the premises as well as the conclusion, Meyer’s views can be
considered to be a valid argument.
In order to present his arguments in an entirety, Meyer has set a solid foundation in his
book. One of the most fundamental things that he has done is framing a definition that is
grounded on morality. He has used moral philosophy to do so. Then, a detailed analysis of the
‘Divine Command Theory’ has been provided by the author. It has helped in differentiating
between what is right and what is wrong. The Bible has expressly condemned the concept of
homosexuality and homosexual individuals (Ventriglio et al., 2021). Such a form of
condemnation has given rise to a serious question relating to divine commands. Leviticus has
also been highly critical of the homosexual concept, and he has condemned several things which
people in the prevailing times no longer consider to be wrong or immoral in nature. Some of
these issues include the prohibition of wearing clothes that are made up of a diverse range of
fibers and the consumption of meat that contains blood. The main question that arises is ‘are all
the commands of the Almighty moral?’ The answer to the question is ‘no.’ This gives rise to
another vital question relating to the criteria that are used for the ascertainment of whether a
command is moral or not.
It is necessary to differentiate between commands that are moral and the commands that
are regarded to be of other types, such as membership rules as well as ritual purity. The proper
understanding of these elements is vital to get a comprehensive into the true biblical teachings.
Meyer has asserted that a majority of Leviticus commandments belong to the other type, and
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they are limited to individuals belonging to the Jewish community. The author’s views suggest
that same-sex unions and companionships belong to the specific category.
Additionally, Meyer has offered background materials to present the available evidence
upholding the contentious that if a person is gay, it does not arise from his or her personal will.
It is rooted in genetics as well as biology. Despite most conservatives believe being gay is a
personal choice, Christians such as the Seventh-Day Adventists have started acknowledging that
being gay is not someone’s personal choice. Instead, they are not able to change it.
There exists a tiny gap between Meyer’s arguments relating to homosexuality and
Staunton’s perspective on the topic. Staunton considers homosexuality to be unnatural, and he
believes that homosexuals overlook the advice and words of God and the scriptures relating to
homosexuality (Barnes & Meyer, 2012). Both old and new testaments contain several passages
that can be referenced to gain insight into the concept of homosexuality. Over the past centuries,
the definition of culture has evolved, and homosexuality has become more accepted. In fact, it
is even considered to be natural, normal, and healthy. The unacceptance of homosexuality is
considered to be a form of discrimination in the contemporary world.
Bible considers homosexuality to be a sin that is immoral as well as unnatural. Even if
its definition, the federal legislation, states, and gender are modified or changed, it is
challenging to alter the course for which the Almighty has ordained marriage. Truth is absolute,
and it cannot be altered. Similarly, homosexuality and biblical teachings relating to the topic are
absolute. Staunton has identified that the word ‘heart’ in Bible represents the center where
emotions, reasoning, and thoughts of individuals align. The ‘Sin’ concept that is taught in Bible
can be located deep within the human heart. The manner in which how the Bible is interpreted
should be streamlined with the truth, and the will of the Almighty must be respected. For
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executing God’s will, instead of leaning on one’s personal understanding, it is necessary to take
into consideration God’s will. In contemporary times, it can be quite difficult to do so. a
It is necessary to examine the impact of homosexuality on marriage. God created the
marriage concept for the purpose of companionship and procreation. Meyer has drawn on this
specific outlook, and he has stated that homosexuality may have a damaging effect on the
marriage institution. According to him, a gap person who is in a homosexual relationship may
take the decision to divorce and move away from the same-sex relationships. It can be assumed
that for a gay individual it is a better choice to be in a heterosexual marriage, even if the
relationship is of low quality (Barnes & Meyer, 2012). He has argued that marriage’s ultimate
goal is happiness. Although accepting same-sex unions could lead to increased instances of
divorce, it could avert such kinds of marriages from occurring, primarily. a a
Existing research shows that kids who are raised by homosexual couples generally have
judgments that make them similar to children who are raised by heterosexual parents. Such
studies indicate that these kids are able to adjust in a better way as compared to children
belonging to single-parent households. Thus, at the end of the book, Meyer has shown his
support for gay rights as well as homosexual unions and marriages (Ventriglio et al., 2021). The
core element on which Meyer has based his argument is that the institution of marriage is a
positive thing regardless of the gender of the partners. This is because it nurtures well-being and
happiness. He has further demonstrated the moral side by supporting homosexuality by stating
that it fosters happiness in society because homosexuals do not violate the rights of other
individuals. Homosexuals do not cause any kind of harm to others since they respect autonomy
which is a virtuous deed.
Conclusion
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It can be concluded by stating that biblical teachings on a number of occasions are based
upon the points of view of others on a specific issue. The discussions that have been presented
by Meyer and Staunton give a comprehensive insight into the topic of homosexuality. After
considering their perspectives, it is evident that biblical teachings have diverse interpretations
that are based on one’s point of view on the subject. Both the authors have presented strong as
well as critical arguments relating to the subject of homosexuality. There exist considerable
differences between their respective perspectives. While Meyer has supported the concept of
homosexuality and homosexuals, Staunton has taken a critical stance against these elements.
Meyer considers homosexuality to be moral. He has used ‘Leviticus’ as a source of reference to
show that it is not easy to differentiate between moral laws and other kinds of laws that have
been prohibited by the Almighty. He has pointed out that there are individuals in the modern
church context that are practicing several things that have been forbidden by God. Thus, he has
questioned why one must consider homosexuality to be immoral.
Staunton has considered homosexuality to be a form of deviance from the normal and
natural course that has been set by the Almighty. He has not extended his support to
homosexuality since it disrespects God and the institution of marriage that he has created. He
has further pointed out that instead of following the path that has been created by God,
individuals tend to focus on their personal thinking and overlook the words of God. Thus, it can
be concluded that the difference is based on how two different individuals understand the holy
book of Bible. The biblical teachings should be comprehended from a wider perspective so that
the words of God can be streamlined with the truth.
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References
Barnes, D. M., & Meyer, I. H. (2012). Religious affiliation, internalized homophobia, and
mental health in lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry,
82(4), 505.
Kanbur, N. (2020). Internalized Homophobia in Adolescents: Is it really about Culture or
Religion?. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 29(2),
124.
Ventriglio, A., Castaldelli-Maia, J. M., Torales, J., De Berardis, D., & Bhugra, D. (2021).
Homophobia and mental health: a scourge of modern era. Epidemiology and Psychiatric
Sciences, 30.
