RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON SODOMY.
By: John Kabonga H.D
Evangilist, Psychologist, Public Speaker and Researcher.
(A) Christianity.
The traditional interpretation sees the primary sin of Sodom as being homoerotic sexual acts, connecting the Sodom narrative with Leviticus 18 , which lists various sexual crimes, which, according to verses 27 and 28, would result in the land being "defiled":
“ for the inhabitants of the land, who were before you, committed all of these abominations, and the land became defiled; otherwise the land will vomit you out for defiling it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.”
Some scholars, such as Per-Axel Sverker, align this passage with the traditional interpretation, claiming that the word abomination refers to sexual misconduct, and that while homoerotic acts were not the only reason Sodom and Gomorrah were condemned, it was a significant part of the picture. Others, the earliest of whom was Derrick Sherwin Bailey , claim that this passage contradicts the traditional interpretation altogether. In their view the sins of Sodom were related more to violation of hospitality laws than sexual sins.
This also coincides with traditional Jewish interpretations of these texts as well. The primary word in contention is the Hebrew word yâda‛ used for know in the Old Testament. Biblical scholars disagree on what "know" in this instance refers to, but most of conservative Christianity interprets it to mean "sexual intercourse", while the opposing position interprets it to mean "interrogate."
Lot's offering of his two virgins has been interpreted to mean that Lot is offering a compromise to assure the crowd that the two men have no untoward intentions in town, or that he is offering his virgins as a substitute for the men to "know" by sexual intercourse.
Those who oppose the interpretation of sexual intent toward Lot's guests point out that there are over 930 occurrences of the Hebrew word (yâda‛) for "know" in the Old Testament, and its use to denote sexual intercourse only occurs about a dozen times, and in the Septuagint it is not rendered sexually.
Countering this is the argument that most of the uses of yâda‛ denoting sex is in Genesis, (including once for premarital sex: Genesis 38:26), and in verse 8 sex the obvious meaning. Its use in the parallel story in Judges 19 is also invoked in support of this meaning, with it otherwise providing the only instance of "knowing" someone by violence.
What does Bible say about Sodomy?
Question:
What is the definition of sodomy according to the Bible? Why is it a sin?
Answer:
Sodomy, according to a 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia article, is considered a capital sin. Capital sins (according to Catholics) are those that, while they are pursued, lead to the committal of other sins. Other than lust, under which sodomy is considered a sub-category, the other capital sins are envy, gluttony, greed, pride, sloth and wrath. Interestingly, in another 1913 Catholic article related to sex, they state that "most theologians" believe that even anal sex within marriage (which they label as sodomy) constitutes adultery and is therefore a sin. The word sodomy does not appear in the King James Version of the Bible, as well as the NKJV, NASB, NIV and at least several other translations. According to dictionary.com, this English word did not exist before the 1300's A.D.
Webster's Dictionary defines sodomy as having sex (either orally, through the anus, etc.) with a person of the same gender (homosexuality, lesbianism) or with any kind of animal (bestiality). This explanation of the term is roughly supported in the Scriptures.
As early as Abraham and Lot (roughly 1900 B.C.), sodomy was considered a sin (Genesis 19:1 - 7). God also reiterated that this practice was against His will when He gave His laws to Israel.
Although the Bible sometimes alludes to this behavior, it clearly condemns the practice (Genesis 13:13, 19:5, 19:7, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13 and so on).
The city of Sodom was so well-known for its open and shameless indulgence in this wicked behavior that it lent its name to those throughout history who pursue it (sodomites). This sin, an offense against nature, was many times connected with idolatrous practices.
This is why the Biblical term 'sodomite' (Strong's Concordance #H6945 as found in Deuteronomy 23:17, 1Kings 14:24, 15:12, 22:46, 2Kings 23:7, etc.), in the Hebrew, means a (male or female) devotee (prostitute) to licentious idolatry. Although allowed and encouraged in some non-Biblical or non-Christian religions, it was never tolerated in the worship of the true God.
The book of Leviticus, which was given directly by the Eternal, contains his instructions for all mankind and not just for Levitical priests or Israelites. It states the following about sodomy between humans and includes what we would call bestiality. No man is to have sexual relations (sodomy) with another man; God hates that . . . If a man has sexual relations with another man, they have done a disgusting thing, and both shall be put to death . . .
”If a man has sexual relations with an animal, he and the animal shall be put to death. If a woman tries to have sexual relations with an animal (a form of sodomy), she and the animal shall be put to death.” (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, 15 - 16).
The New Testament clearly reveals directly to us what happens to those who reject the knowledge of God and His command that this type of behavior is a sin (Romans 1:24, 28).
The Biblical definition of Sodomy is any copulation (sex) with someone of the same gender . It is clearly condemned in the Bible. Sex through the anus within marriage (man and woman), however, is not prohibited in Scripture (though it still may not be wise to do).
(B) Islam.
While the Quran clearly disapproves of the sexual practices of the "people of Lot" ("What, of all creatures do ye come unto the males, and leave the wives your Lord created for you?" ), only one passage has sometimes been interpreted as taking a particular legal position towards such activities:
"And as for those who are guilty of an indecency from among your women, call to witnesses against them four (witnesses) from among you; then if they bear witness confine them to the houses until death takes them away or Allah opens some way for them (15). And as for the two who are guilty of indecency from among you, give them both a punishment; then if they repent and amend, turn aside from them; surely Allah is oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful. (16)"
Qur'an <<4:15–16>>( Translated by Shakir )
1) Quran.
The basic text of Islam is the Quran , believed by Muslims to represent the direct revelation of God to the prophet Muhammad . In terms of direct references in several places in the Qur'an, anal intercourse is identified with liwat, the "sin of Lot's people". Lot was commissioned as a prophet to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
His story is used to demonstrate Islam's disapproval of rape and homosexuality. [3] He was commanded by God to preach to his people on monotheism and to stop them from their lustful and violent acts.
“And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Indeed, you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds. Indeed, you approach men and obstruct the road and commit in your meetings [every] evil." And the answer of his people was not but they said, "Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you should be of the truthful. " He said, "My Lord, support me against the corrupting people." And when Our messengers came to Abraham with the good tidings, they said, "Indeed, we will destroy the people of that Lot's city. Indeed, its people have been wrongdoers."
<< Quran, Sura 29 ( Al-Ankabut ), 28-31>>
The Quran expresses clear disapproval of lutis (described as male homosexuals rather than as sodomites). In the Qur'an, Lot is quoted as saying to his people:
“Do you approach males among the worlds. And leave what your Lord has created for you as mates? But you are a people transgressing." They said, "If you do not desist, O Lot, you will surely be of those evicted." He said, "Indeed, I am, toward your deed, of those who detest [it].”
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“And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Do you commit immorality while you are seeing? Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly."
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The Qur'an directly comments on the people of Lot and on the nature of their sins:
“By your life, [O Muhammad], indeed they [people of Lot] were, in their intoxication, wandering blindly. So the shriek seized them at sunrise. And We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay. Indeed in that are signs for those who discern.
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Although the Qur'an does not contain a specific punishment or guidance for a luti , the context clearly indicates homosexuality as a moral corruption and describes the punishment for such action for the people of Lot when it grew widespread and accepted in their society.
“And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, "Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds? Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people." But the answer of his people was only that they said, "Evict them from your city! Indeed, they are men who keep themselves pure." So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [with the evildoers]. And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how was the end of the criminals.
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2) Hadiths.
The hadith are reports of Muhammad's sayings and deeds from those close to him in his lifetime. Sunni Hadiths on the subject of anal intercourse between individuals clearly state that it is strictly forbidden.
The four Sunni schools unanimously disapprove anal intercourse as several hadith state:
"If anyone [resorts to a diviner and believes in what he says (according) to the version of Musa) or] has intercourse with his wife (according to the agreed version) when she is menstruating, or has intercourse with his wife through her anus, he has nothing to do with what has been sent down to Muhammad."
— Narrated by Abu Hurairah , Book of Divination and Omens, Sunan Abu Dawood , 3895.
"Allah is not shy to tell you the truth: do not have intercourse with your wives in the anus."—Narrated by Ahmad, 5/213.
"On the day of resurrection, Allah will not look at a man who had intercourse with his wife in her anus"
—Narrated by Ibn Abi Shayba, 3/529; narrated and classed as sahih by Sunan al-Tirmidhi , 1165.
"[Make love to your wife] from the front or the back, but avoid the anus and intercourse during menstruation"
—Reported by Ahmad and Sunan al-Tirmidhi .
"He who has intercourse with his wife through her anus is accursed"
—Narrated by Abu Hurairah , Book of Marriage, Sunan Abu Dawood 2157.
"If you find someone doing the deed of the people of Lot, then execute the doer and the one to whom it was done."
—reported by Ibn Abbas , Book of Legal Punishments, Sunan al-Tirmidhi , Book 17, Hadith 40 [Number 1456], classed as hasan according to Darussalam.
"Verily, what I fear most for my nation is the deed of the people of Lot."
—Narrated by Jabir , Book of Legal Punishments, Sunan al-Tirmidhi , Number 1374, classed as hasan.
3) In marriage.
The same ruling applies for heterosexual relationship (i.e., married couple) when performed as "an alternative" while the wife is menstruating. When married, it is rightful and obligatory for the husband and the wife to mutually fulfill their needs but only by upholding the guidance of Hadith and the Qur'an. The Quran says:
“And they ask thee concerning menstruation. Say, "It is a harmful thing, so keep away from women during menstruation, and go not in unto them until they are clean. But when they have cleansed themselves, go in unto them as Allah has commanded you. Allah loves those who keep themselves clean." <>.
According to Sunni Islam, anal intercourse is haram even if husband and wife mutually agree on it because mutual agreement does not allow something that has been made forbidden in Sunni hadith. Yusuf al-Qaradawi , a contemporary Sunni Muslim scholar, states that anal intercourse is prohibited and a wife must abstain from it should her husband demand it, and may seek divorce over it if her husband persists or tries to force her, as the act is forbidden.
Scholars like Qaradawi and Salih Al Munajjid have clarified that it doesn't nullify the marriage, and the wife must seek divorce in order to separate from the husband. Couples who have done it should repent and stop repeating such major sin.
4) Law (Shariah).
a) Sunni opinion.
Islamic law, or shariah , developed during the 8th and 9th centuries in several different "schools" based on varying interpretations of the Quran and the hadith. Many hadiths , the reported sayings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, prescribe harsh punishments for homosexuality, and this is reflected in the majority of shariah, the Islamic legal codes.
Since sexual relations under shariah are only permissible within heterosexual marriage, it follows that sex outside such marriage is adultery and/or fornication, both of which attract punishments.
Homosexual sodomy, defined as adultery or fornication or both, thus attracts the same penalties as those crimes (flogging or death), although the exact punishment varies with schools and scholars.
Abu Eisa At-Tirmidhi said, “The people of knowledge disagreed over the legal punishment for the sodomite. The view of some of them is that he should be condemned to death, whether he is married or unmarried, and this is the saying of Malik, Ash-Shafi’ee , Ahmad , and Ishaq .
Scholars among the jurists of the companion’s students such as Hasan Al-Basri , Ibrahim An-Nakh’ai , Ata’ ibn Abu Rabah and others said that the legal punishment for sodomy is equivalent to the punishment for adultery, and this is the saying of Sufyan Ath-Thawri and the people of Kufa.”
One passage in the Qur'an takes a particular legal position towards proven adultery, as well as homosexuality in conjunction with the punishments mentioned in hadith as the punishment is prescribed for 'unlawful sexuality':
“Those who commit unlawful sexual intercourse of your women- bring against them four [witnesses] from among you. And if they testify, confine the guilty women to houses until death takes them or Allah ordains for them [another] way. And the two who commit it among you, dishonor them both. But if they repent and correct themselves, leave them alone. Indeed, Allah is ever Accepting of repentance and Merciful.”
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Despite unanimous disapproval of homosexuality in Islam , in practice, cultural norms in different Muslim countries vary from punishment to condemnation, and only a few Muslim countries actually carry out such punishments.
b) Shi'ite opinion.
Most Shia scholars do not permit anal intercourse. Those who do say it is extremely makrooh. There are strong indications that Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini looked unfavorably upon anal penetration as codified in his two volume work, Tahrir al-Wasilah .
According to Grand Ayatollah Sistani , anal intercourse between a married couple is permissible under the condition that "permission is bound to wife’s agreement", but the act itself "is strongly undesirable." According to Grand Ayatollah Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi , "anal sex is allowed with her (wife's) permission. Although very hated and discouraged."
(C) Judaism.
“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.” <>
Classical Jewish texts are seen by many as not stressing the homosexual aspect of the attitude of the inhabitants of Sodom as much as their cruelty and lack of hospitality to the "stranger". The 13th-century Jewish scholar Nachmanides wrote, "According to our sages, they were notorious for every evil, but their fate was sealed for their persistence in not supporting the poor and the needy."
His contemporary Rabbenu Yonah expresses the same view: "Scripture attributes their annihilation to their failure to practice tzedakah [charity or justice]."
Prohibitions on same-sex activities among men (#157) and bestiality (#155–156) are among the 613 commandments as listed by Maimonides in the 12th century; however, their source in Leviticus 18 does not contain the word sodomy . The idea that homosexual intercourse was involved as at least a part of the evil of Sodom arises from the story in Genesis 19 (NIV):
“Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them." <>.
Note to the Reader.
Biblical Verses about Sodomy.
Leviticus 18:22 ESV.
“ You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
Leviticus 20:13 ESV.
“If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
Jude 1:7 ESV
Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Romans 1:26-27 ESV.
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 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.
Deuteronomy 23:17 ESV
“None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute, and none of the sons of Israel shall be a cult prostitute.
turn to me,” declares the LORD.
