"Does God REALLY think homosexuality is a sin?"

This is a question that is asked of those who, like me, have found their faith quite recently, but also those who have followed God for decades, and it does seem a very hard one to answer without having done some research.

Now, at first glance it appears like there's no doubt, the Bible has the following sentences:

"Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin." (Leviticus 18:22 NLT)

"Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT)

"The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching." (1 Timothy 1:10 NLT)

So, the case against homosexuality seems pretty conclusive... God is against it.

BUT....!

The thing is, NOWHERE in the Bible does it talk about a homosexual (gay) male! In other words, nowhere does it say anything about a man who is naturally attracted to other men. And this is an important point.

We have to look at the time the Bible passages were written. 

During the Roman era, heterosexual men would have homosexual relationships by choice, quite openly and legally. Many were married to women, but would still have male lovers. 

From Homosexuality in ancient Rome in Wikipedia, it states:

"It was expected and socially acceptable for a freeborn Roman man to want sex with both female and male partners..."

"Acceptable male partners were slaves and former slaves, prostitutes, and entertainers..."

And rather more disturbing: 

"...Roman men in general seem to have preferred youths between the ages of 12 and 20 as sexual partners..."

Therefore...

It is my honest belief that the Bible is not referring to a homosexual/gay male, but the practice of homosexuality as a choice by heterosexual males.

So, a naturally gay man (or woman), to my mind, is fine where the Bible is concerned.

And if you don't agree, before you judge or condemn gay people because of what you believe the Bible says, remember to also follow these two verses:

"God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbour?" (James 4:12 NLT)

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37 NLT)