Romans 1:26-27 "...for even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. (27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due."
This was the apostle Paul's letter to the Roman church. In this first few chapters he is warning them about being delivered over to a debased mind. Many conclude that this passage is talking about homosexuality specifically. I would challenge that...
Paul talks in metaphors sometimes and especially when he's talking about idol worship, worshipping of other gods. God also talked somewhat metaphorically when He referred to idol worship, usually calling the offending party "lustful". Paul may well have been using the same terminology here.
Then again he also could have been talking about traditional male and female roles. Paul came from a culture where the masculine roles were defined. Going to a Roman culture was probably a shock to his system.
As this chapter (Romans chap.1) goes on Paul goes on to list many sins "...(vs 29) being filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, malice, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil mindedness, are whisperers, (30) back biters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful, (32) who knowing the righteous judgement of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
Most clobber specialists stop there. Satisfied with their assessment and that all of mankind is fully condemned. Clearly, in that one chapter all of mankind is "...deserving of death..."
But they miss the point of all that which is the very first verse of chapter 2 "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever manner you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." You can sum up those "same things" as sin.
This is where you would drop the mic. Paul wasn't condemning anyone but pointing out that no one is worthy t point out flaws in another because by judging one you condemn yourself, under the law of death.
God loves the LGBT community because HE CREATED US...and I will defend that until I stand before Him.
With Love
Jeff Utnage
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