Homosexuality

[nailit]

Why do most religions consider homosexuality a sin worthy of death and eternal punishment?
Never really understood the 'reason' behind this way of thinking.
Ive had a few homosexual friends over the years and they have been great people to know. Its a fact that they havn't 'chosen' their sexuality any more than Ive 'chosen' mine. We are what we are.
Why would God (of whatever religion) who supposedly created an unimaginably large and diverse universe care a jot about what two consenting adults get up to in the privacy of their bedroom?
To date there have been over 600 species of animals that have shown to exhibit homosexual behaviour so why are humans any different?
Would very much like to hear from any religionists on this site (or anyone for that matter)
Thanks

[Gavmacp]

I think God or whoever Gods have had frightening experience of homosexuality which has coloured their doctrine.

[Jennykenny]

People are afraid of anyone who is 'different'.

[DaisyNonna]

Not everybody is afraid of people who are different.
We are all individuals so are all different to some extent.

[joggerjayne]

Whoever wrote that bit of the Bible, or whichever book, was possibly a repressed homosexual, trying to overcome their own gay feelings.

A large number of priests seem to have continued that tradition. Although, sadly, directing their affections towards the young and the vulnerable.

[Buenchico]

When you first ask a 'believer' this question the usual answer is simply 'because God said so'.

When you investigate that statement further, it actually means 'because it's written in our holy book'.

When you examine that statement you'll find that some pre-Abrahamic texts, which provide the basis of the holy books of three major religions (Judaism, Christianity & Islam) simply recorded the views of a particular society at a particular time but (regrettably) those views have forever after been taken as 'the word of God'. (That, of course, is utterly ridiculous but convincing a 'believer' isn't easy!)

[DTCwordfan]

My view is that they are up their own asses.

[douglas9401]

Because they are joyless, po-faced hypocrites who would have the whole world painted slate grey so that the cold rain shows up all the better.
It's why the Wee Free tie up the swings on the sabbath: if I ain't getting to do it then nobody is.

[Old_Geezer]

I can but guess. But I suspect that since the aim of the tribe is to go forth and multiply, to become strong to hold up against the other opposing tribes, and homosexual relationships do not achieve this, it is little wonder it was discouraged as strongly as possible. And, I'd suspect, thought to be an abuse of the body God had given you, an insult to him for his gift, as likely as not.

To place the problem with a God is looking at it the wrong way around.

I do not understand why, pointing out other species have the same issue, makes any difference to the discussion.

[tamborine]

Jesus never produced offspring and circulated within male companions. He asked his desciples to leave their families & follow him in proof of their belief in him, (or words to that effect). As a female I find his request odd but the desciples didnt?

As for one sex pairings, how do we procreate further generations? At least its an advantage to reduce population growth. I say, live & let live. What species do you refer to?

[joggerjayne]

If God didn't mean us to have gay feelings, he would not have given us women who look like Jennifer Garner.

[jennyjoan]

Well I have absolutely no qualms with equal sex being with being equal sex - none whatsoever - as those in question are happy.

However I don't believe in that marriage as after all if two by two equal sex would never produce procreation - so life would never go on.

[douglas9401]

Looks like by your definition, I'm gay, jayne. who knew? :-)

[joggerjayne]

Always welcome in Brighton, douglas! x

[DaisyNonna]

What about those people who never marry? Bachelors, spinsters?
Oh and monks, nuns and Roman Catholic priests?

[ummmm]

Jenny, what about the infertile? Should they not be allowed to marry?

[PankySmooch]

And to think these religions came out with this hatred when homosexuality was kept quiet, imagine how they feel now with the likes of Louis Spence and Rylan mincing about like they do.

[Maydup]

Since when has marriage been about reproduction Jenny?

Do you believe therefore, that women over 50 shouldn't marry?

[DaisyNonna]

OG How can you discourage homosexuality? It is not a lifestyle choice.

[tamborine]

//Why would God (of whatever religion) who supposedly created an unimaginably large and diverse universe care a jot about what two consenting adults get up to in the privacy of their bedroom? //

Who cares what happens in bedrooms but some insist on shouting about their antics, like attention seeking kids.

[Mamyalynne]

Because 'Gods' didn't write the holy books - men (as in mankind did) misguidedly as it transpires.