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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
“Homosexuality practice and the effect on local society”
Submitted to Dr. Ronnie Campbell
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the completion of
THEO 650
Ethics and Christian Ministry
Tracey Mills
July 8, 2018
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Outline
I.
Introduction……………………………………………………..
pg. 3
II.
An Overview of Marriage.………………………………………
pg. 4
a.
Marriage, the institution of God…………………………………
pg. 5
b.
Two becoming one flesh……………...…………………………
pg. 6
III.
The consequence on society and health………………………….
pg. 7
IV.
HIVand AIDS in the homosexual community …………………
pg. 8
a.
Procreational issues……………………………………………….
Pg. 10
V.
Enforcing minority morals upon the majority……………………
pg. 11
VI.
Effects of Homosexuality practice in the bible ………………….
Pg. 12
VII.
Conclusion………………………………………………………..
pg. 13
Bibliography
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Introduction
In today’s society one may ask, “What is marriage?” The appearance and definition of
marriage has changed over the years. However, biblically marriage remains the same from the
foundation of the world. The institution of marriage is under God the Father. Marriage is the
union between male and female for procreations; if able or one desires, companionship and
raising productive children in society. Homosexual marriage is immoral, it impacts society
negatively and goes against biblical standards.
The establishment of marriage is noted in Genesis 2:18 wherein God states “The LORD
God said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Furthermore, the reason is stated in verse 24, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother
and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”1 The altering of the entities consistently
occurs as the responsiveness of marital selection. Gay marriage brought a paradigm shift in June
2015 by the United States Supreme Court. Such a change allowed the impartiality and
advancement of homosexuality. As of July 2017, twenty-one countries have endorsed gay
marriage. The writer will present the biblical authoritative criteria for marriage and the
consequences of homosexuality practices in society.
An overview of marriage
1Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in New International Version
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The sanctity of holy matrimony entails a covenant between male, female and God. It is
man and woman correlative compliance to enter this agreement. Ashley Montague, the author of
“The Cultured Man” affirms that there is no society wherein marriage does not exist in some
format.2 This organization is sensationalism universally. Because each development has an
origin, there has to be an explanation for this component of global society. The logical two
possibilities are: The supernaturality of the origin of marriage, or its beginning naturalistically.
Individuals who believe in evolutionary theory support that marriage is “a human development
from animal mating relationship.”3
Peterson and Locke, writers of “Encyclopedia Americana Volume 18” states that
intellectuals are inclined to footmark the formation for matrimony of twosome exercise of bestial
humanity below. It is argued that ongoing connection between one or more males and females
are coming among birds and higher mammals.4 The author, Wayne Jackson of “Marriage: As
Designed by God” disagree with the previous statement of the evolutionary assumption of
marriage by indicating although it is factual that some animals appear to mate for life, the ape
family in comparison to the evolutionary scale of bird is higher but the interpretation is not the
notion that marriage progression form categories of creatures were developing more variety.5
Marriage biblically is absolute. God created Adam and from his side via surgical procedure
2 Ashley Montague. The Cultured Man (New York, NY: Permabooks, 1959), 240.
3 Julian Huxley, Religion without Revelation (New York, NY: A Mentor Book, 1957), 34.
4 Harvey Lock and James Peterson, Encyclopedia Americana. Vol. 18. (New York, NY: 1961),
311.
5 Wayne Jackson. “Marriage: As Designed by God,” ChristianCourier.com.
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/843-marriage-as-designed-by-god.
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formed Eve. They were purposely designed to cleave to one another, Genesis 2:21-25. In
Matthew 19:6, Jesus cites the Old Testament verification of “So they are no longer two, but one
flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Because marriage was
designed and created by God the Father, only HE has the power and authority to change the
axiom. Individuals do not have the wherewithal to consider the revered human affiliation in a
discourteous manner.
Marriage, the institution of God
The wonderful attribute about marriage is that although humankind has fallen due to his or
her sin nature the institute of marriage has not. Instituted by God, marriage has withstood for
thousand of years. The bible recounts in Genesis that marriage is holy. Humanity of course, has
defiled it. Yet, marriage is God ordained for a man and a woman uniting; “the two shall become
one flesh.” While on earth, Jesus referred to marriage. HE states, “what God has joined together
let no one separate.6
The strength of marriage and the inviolability in the sinfulness of divorce are the statement of
the Lord. Jewish leaders taught that if he was not pleased in the marriage, he could divorce her.
But Jesus emphasized the sacredness of matrimony when he joined them together, male and
female not humankind. Christian marriage entails a wedding vow of commitment by the bride
and groom. Such a vow speaks of his or her faithfulness regardless of trials, circumstances, or
tribulation. The vow is declared before God and those who gathered indicating there will be good
times and bad times but yet, ordained by God. Again, in the institution of the marriage there will
be trials and tribulation, but the expectation is for him and her to weather the storm together.
Marriage is intended to be a lifetime pledge between male and female unless death occurs.
6Matthew 19:6
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Two becoming one flesh spiritually
The two becoming one flesh in scripture implies that the joining of union must pertain to
specific details. Firstly, marriage is between a male and a female. The first marriage that God
performed has a concrete template, according to John Davis author of “Paradise to Prison”. He
or she who endeavor to escalate a biblical case for homosexuality must completely abandon
reasonable hermeneutics.”7 Secondly, marriage was designed to be an absolute agreement.
Rebellious men decided differently, a descendent of Cain was a polygamist (Genesis 4:19). This
particular situation reveals it as a divine aberration.
Although polygamy was permitted during the Old Testament it was never idealistic
and history signifies the anguish of this practice in I Kings 11:1-3, II Samuel 5:13, and Genesis
30:1-24. The laxness was unacceptable therefore, Jesus call humanity back to HIS original plan,
Matthew 19:8. Thirdly, marriages were designed with a hierarchical approach of the husband
being the head of the wife, as Christ Jesus is the head of the church. Ephesians 5:22 indicate that
the wife is to “submit” to her husband. This does not entail dictatorship or any form of abuse, but
the authority within the home as provider and final decision maker. Fourthly, marriage is for a
lifetime. Husband and wife are to cleave to one another and leave parents. God joined and they
are not be separated because he and she are bound by the law of God, until the death of one
another, Romans 7:2. Although it is common today, husbands and wives have no right to change
partners as if their changing their clothing.
7John Davis. Paradise to Prison – Studies in Genesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker,1975), 78.
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Consequences on Society and Health
Homosexuality has a lasting but negative effect on the well-being of society. Because
God is the establisher of marriage only HE can shape its formation. With any product there is a
manual with operating guidelines, warranty information, functionality, features and other entities.
Likewise, it is with marriage, God created man in his own image, the image of God created he
him: male and female created he them.8 This scripture provides the support that God intended
male and female to join as one, not male and male or female to female. The scripture does not
provide the joining of Adam to Adam nor Eve to Eve. Adam was awakened from sleep to see his
“help meet,” Eve; flesh of his flesh. Humankind has attempted to change the order of marriage
without God’s consent or authorization. The consequence of this immoral decision of gay
practice will be discussed along with its health issues, social and emotional development of
children, and procreation of humanity while subjecting minority morals’ upon the majority.
Defining homosexuality as painless is the goal of many activist according to the homosexual
author Uvashi Vaid who stated their goal is “to create a homosexual environment of healthy,
natural and normal individuals. That is most important.9 However, the reverse is indicated in the
homosexual newspaper entitled “New York Blade News:”
Reports at a national conference about sexually transmitted disease indicate that
gay men are in the highest risk group for several of the most serious diseases.…
Scientists believe that the increased number of sexually transmitted diseases
(STD) cases is the result of an increase in risky sexual practices by a growing
number of gay men who believe HIV is no longer a life-threatening illness.10
8 Genesis 1:27
9 Urvashi Vaid Quoted in in Gabriel Rotello. Sexual Ecology: AIDS and the Destiny of Gay Men
(New York: Penguin Books, 1997), 286.
10 Bill Roundy. “STD Rates on the Rise,” New York Blade News, (December 15, 2000), 1.
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As a result of the above information, an examination of health problems that are preeminent in
homosexuals engaged in sexual acts and behavioral patterns are reviewed.
HIV and AIDS in the Homosexual Community
Homosexuals are more susceptible to contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) than
heterosexuals. The Center for Disease Control study of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
share that the rate of sexually active men with men supersede at a higher rate than women and
heterosexual men. Based upon the research there are many factors for this high rate of
homosexual infection such as psychosocial problems like illegal drug use, depression, sexual
partners age, low rates of HIV testing among African American homosexual men.11 This is
confirmed by a Nigerian medical practitioner who stated that many Nigerian young men are
indulging in this immoral behavior and many indulge for monetary means. The young men of
Nigeria are prone to anal infection in which she currently treats a handful of them.12
It is common knowledge and common sense that anal sex practice is not humanly normal, and
it creates health issues. The publication entitled “The Gay Bowel Syndrome: Clinical-Pathologic
Correlation in 260 Cases,” provide this information. H.L. Kahzal and other authors note that
“the clinical diagnoses in decreasing order of frequency include condyloma, acuminate,
hemorrhoids, nonspecific prostates, anal fistula, perirectal abscess, anal fissure, amebiasis,
benign polyps, viral hepatitis, gonorrhea, syphilis and etc.13
S.E. Goldstone posits that for a period following receptive anal sex, the internal anal
sphincter is stretched and is unable to contract strongly, thereby failing to completely seal the
11 New CDC Studies Shed Light on Factors Underlying High HIV Infection Rates Among Gay
and Bisexual Men., CDC Press Release.
12 Ibid.
13 Dr. (Mrs.) is a Medical Dr who has her own private practice at Lekki Family Practice in
Lagos, Nigeria
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anal opening until the muscle regains its original tone. Repetitive anal sex, especially with large
penises or rectal insertions of large objects may damage the internal anal sphincter, thereby
preventing complete sealing of the anus, and leading to fecal mucus seepage (anal or fecal
incontinence). Additionally, anal sex exacerbates fecal seepage by stimulating colonic motility,
which sends feces from the colon down into the lower rectum14
Emotional and Social development of children
Families where one or both parents are homosexual are sometimes referred to as, "non-
heterosexual families of choice" (Weeks et al., 2003). While it is recognized that the traditional
family is changing, this does not imply there is a crisis in the family. Many of the values the
family is supposed to represent are still intact. The only legal activity in which these parents
cannot currently engage is marriage. There are numerous sources available to assist gay and
lesbian parents in their parenting role as impacted by their sexual orientation. In most cases, the
children were born before a parent decided he or she was gay.15
Steps have been taken to legalize gay marriages but the well being of the children should be
placed under consideration. The bible states to train up a child and when he or she is old they
will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). Both father and mother figures are needed for the child
for mental, educational, spiritual, and social development. According to research by the
University of Illinois children with father’s involvement inquiring about his or her daily activities
and relationship do better than those who have no inquiry or input.16 Therefore, humankind is to
14 S.E. Goldstone, The Ins and Outs of Gay Sex: A Medical Handbook for Men., Dell Publishing,
New York, NY, 1999.
15Janice Selekman. "Homosexuality in children and/or their parents." Pediatric Nursing,
September-October 2007, 453. General OneFile.
16Kristen Finello. “The Role of Fathers with Daughters and Sons” Parents,
http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/style/the-role-of-fathers-with-daughters-and-sons/
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“replenish” the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl
of the air, and over every living creature that move on the earth, Genesis 1:28.
From mere observation children enjoy having the attention of their mother, father, or both in
the home where he or she can share day to day issues. When parents actively listen to their child
concerns, encouraging the child, or correcting them when necessary children are prone to have a
healthy social, mental, and educational development and tend to be well rounded. However,
depriving the child of any interaction with their parents lead to serious impairment mentally,
socially, and emotionally. Children are impressionable, resilient, observant, and well adjusted.
Procreation Issue
Humanity is to carry on the work and order of God in creating because the scripture declares
that “ye are gods,” Psalms 82:6.17 In Genesis 1:28, God blessed and commanded humanity to be
fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of
the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that mov eth upon the earth.” For
humanity to be “fruitful and multiply” God designed a legal order union between a male and
female otherwise known as marriage. There are those who may even engage in sex reassignment
surgery (SRS) or gender reassignment surgery. “This is when a transgender person’s physical
appearance and function of their existing sexual characteristic is altered.”18 Some may claim that
advance technology and science can accredit one to have children without the natural process of
intercourse between a man and a woman, but when two people in a homosexual relationship
decided to have a child, an external donation is need which is a sperm count to procreate a child.
Consider if homosexuality is the ideal marriage plan and everyone participated as such; within a
century of time society will be unable to continue the homosexual culture because there will be
no young people to procreate with this culture. This was not God’s plan for humanity.
17 Psalms 82:6
18 Wikipedia
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Enforcing minority morals upon the majority
Gay marriage legalization is having the morals of minority while enforcing it upon the
majority. This is reversed but either way there is a problem. One should not be forced into
morality but there are exceptions to the rules. The purpose of having morals is to prevent one
from stealing, killing, raping, indulging in substance abuse, murdering and so forth.19 Therefore,
one would say undoubtedly there is nothing wrong in forcing morals on someone. What is
morally right and wrong, one would ask? Diversifying morals in an environment causes stress.
Hardship and harm occur because of the imposition of the minority morals on others.
An example of an imposition which causes harm is in the military where transgender policies
are supported, yet a female officer is recognized by her fellow officers but later decides that she
is a male trapped in a female body, this is a transgender transitioning process from female to
male. As a result of the transition process she will not be recognize as a he and now has all rights
as a male soldier with liberty to use the same restrooms, barracks and so on as males. This could
create a strange environment with him with no adequate male part but due to law changes there
is no sense of ramification because transgender person is endorsed by the law. Now the male
soldiers are repressing and suppressing emotions and feelings towards that male/female
individual. Furthermore, the law coerces Christian judges to marry homosexual couple against
their Christian belief such is commanding the few moral upon the majority.
Effects of Homosexual Practices in the Biblical Era
God despise homosexual practice as noted in the beginning of this study, it was
considered an aberration for one to be homosexual or even having a discussion about legalizing
the manner. Any individual that practiced this act during the Hebraic law was punished by the
penalty of death according Leviticus 20:13. The scripture indicates that God destroyed Sodom
19 David Platt. Counter Culture: A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture in a World of Poverty,
Same-Sex Marriage, Racism, Sex Slavery, Immigration, Abortion, Persecution, Orphans and Pornography.
Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub. Inc., 2015.
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and Gomorrah because of their sin practice of homosexuality. It would be applicable to examine
Genesis 19 before furthering the discussion of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19 states:
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot
seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
2And he said, behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and
tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And
they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
3And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him and entered into his
house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
4But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the
house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
5And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, where are the men which came in to thee
this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.
6And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,
7And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
8Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring
them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do
nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof…
13For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face
of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.20
Theologians have presented theories to exemplify the validity of why the land of Sodom was not
destroyed as a result of the practices of homosexuality. The theories advanced by scholars are:
the men of the land were castigating and selfish to foreigner, the men desired to degrade their
visitors, the wanted to appoint in bestiality and so on.21 An analytical comparison of the above
chapter will present that the angels were on assignment to destroy Gomorrah and God had
already provided direction before arriving in the city of Sodom. Genesis 19:13, state “for we will
destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and
the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.” The previous statement annihilates the argument to validate
that Sodom and Gomorrah were not destroyed by God because of homosexual practices.
The previous scripture reiterates that God despises homosexual practices. This act is
detestable in the eyes of God. However, the reminder is that God is love and God shows mercy
20Genesis 19
21Michael L. Brown. Can You be Gay and Christian? (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House Publishing,
2014),130.
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to humanity. God’s mercy is new every morning and God remains faithful, Lamentation 3:22-23.
But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another, Psalms 75:7. God punishes an entire
nation because HE was grievously offended by homosexual practice categorization.
Conclusion
The opening of this research paper, the writer asserted that “gay marriage is immoral and
contradictory to biblical standard as well as has an adverse impact on society.”22 The writer
began with the introduction, progressing with the union establishment of marriage between a
male and female. Ideal marital traits were discussed which homosexuality relationship do not
possess and voids the concept of homosexual marriage as a marriage. In addition, the writer
demonstrated that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of immorality practices of
homosexuality which furthermore proves that God abhor such affiliation. In conclusion, the
writer was able to prove and substantiate that gay marriage is immoral and morally bad based
upon biblical standards. “Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a
man who lacks self-control.” In other words, if we do not control our own lives from the inside,
somebody else will control them from the outside.” 23
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22Daniel R. Heimbach. True Sexual Morality: Recovering Biblical Standards for a Culture in Crisis. Wheaton, IL:
Crossway, 2004. 23Myles Munroe Quote
23
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