"In the Gospel of John, the disciple John frequently refers to himself in the third person as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved'." 4 One might argue that Jesus loved all of his followers in a non-sexual way. Thus to identify Jesus' love for John in a special way might indicate a sexual relationship. The disciple was "the" beloved. He was in a class by himself.
2006-09-01 13:34:21 · 19 answers · asked by abascious 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
During the Last Supper before Jesus' execution, the author(s) of the Gospel of John describes how the "beloved" disciple laid himself on Jesus' inner tunic -- his undergarment. See John 13:25 and 21:20. Robert Goss, assistant professor of comparative religion at Webster University in St. Louis, LA, noted that Jesus and the beloved disciple: "... eat together, side by side. What's being portrayed here is a pederastic relationship between an older man and a younger man. A Greek reader would understand." 5 Jesus appears to have loved all of his male and female followers in a close, trusting, non-erotic manner.
2006-09-01 13:34:39 · update #1
On the other hand:
bulletSome commentators have suggested that it was a common practice in Judea at that time for heterosexual man to lay his head on another's undergarment. Such behavior was common between two heterosexuals in an emotionally close but non-erotic relationship during the first century CE. 6
bulletJenny Stokes, research director for Saltshakers, a conservative Christian group in Australia, said that there are five words for love in Greek (the language in which the Gospels were written:
bulletAgape: spiritual, unconditional love,
bulletEros: erotic love,
bulletPhilia: love between friends,
bulletStorge: familial love.
2006-09-01 13:35:01 · update #2
The Gospel references to "the disciple whom Jesus loved" use the word "agape." 3 Whether the authors originally used "eros" and the word was subsequently changed is open to speculation.
2006-09-01 13:35:27 · update #3
"Jagannath" interprets the Gospels differently. He argues that Jesus may have been bisexual. He wrote:
"In the Book of John a word is used eight times that means 'is in love with' with the implication of sexual intimacy. Five times it is used with reference to Jesus' relationship with John. Once it is used to define Jesus' relationship with Lazarus. And it is also used to describe his relationship with Mary and with her sister Martha." 7
2006-09-01 13:35:50 · update #4
During the crucifixion, in John 19:26-28, Jesus is described as seeing his mother and an unidentified man: "the disciple standing by, whom he loved." Again, Jesus probably loved all of his 12 or 70 disciples in a non-sexual manner. But this particular disciple is identified as "the" disciple who Jesus loved. That might indicate a special intimate relationship with one special disciple.
2006-09-01 13:36:10 · update #5
During the crucifixion, in John 19:26-28, Jesus is described as seeing his mother and an unidentified man: "the disciple standing by, whom he loved." Again, Jesus probably loved all of his 12 or 70 disciples in a non-sexual manner. But this particular disciple is identified as "the" disciple who Jesus loved. That might indicate a special intimate relationship with one special disciple.
2006-09-01 13:36:11 · update #6
The late Morton Smith, of Columbia University reported in 1958 that he had found a fragment of a manuscript which at the Mar Saba monastery near Jerusalem. It contained the full text of Mark, chapter 10. Apparently the version that is in the Christian Scriptures is an edited version of the original. Additional verses allegedly formed part of the full version of Mark, and were inserted after verse 34. It discusses how a young man, naked but for a linen covering, expressed his love for Jesus and stayed with him at his place all night. More details.
2006-09-01 13:36:29 · update #7
J Richards" suggested that Mark 7:14-16 shows that Jesus approves of homosexual acts. The critical phrase reads: "There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him..." Richards suggests that Jesus gave great emphasis to this teaching, directing it to everyone. Richards suggests that the sentence refers to dietary laws and also extends to "blood transfusions, medication, organ transplants, and artificial insemination" and to homosexual acts as well. 8On the other hand, these words have historically been interpreted as overturning the Mosaic law about eating,
2006-09-01 13:37:16 · update #8
Mark 14:51-52 describes the incident when Jesus was arrested by the religious police. It describes how one of Jesus' followers was scantily dressed. The King James Version says he had a linen cloth cast on his naked body; the size and location of the cloth is not defined. The New International Version says that he was "wearing nothing but a linen garment." When the police tried to seize him, they were able to grab only his cloth; the man ran away naked. Reverend Peter Murphy wrote: "We don't know from the sources what really was going on, but we do know that something was very peculiar between Jesus and young men." 11 (Emphasis in the original.)
2006-09-01 13:38:13 · update #9
in Matthew 8:5-13: and Luke 7:2: "One day a Roman Centurion asked him to heal his dying servant. Scholars of both Scripture and Ancient History tell us that Roman Centurions, who were not permitted to marry while in service, regularly chose a favorite male slave to be their personal assistant and sexual servant. Such liaisons were common in the Greco-Roman world and it was not unusual for them to deepen into loving partnerships....Jesus offered to go to the servant, but the centurion asked him simply to speak a word of healing, since he was not worthy to welcome this itinerant Jewish teacher under his roof. Jesus responded by healing the servant and proclaiming that even in Israel he had never found faith like this! we see him simply concerned about — and deeply moved by — their faith and love." Kelly implies that Jesus' sensitivity towards the gay couple might have arisen from his own bisexual or homosexual orientation. 1
2006-09-01 13:39:20 · update #10
Some commentators argue from silence. They note that there is no passage in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) that directly describes anything about Jesus' sexuality. There are many direct and indirect references to Jesus' sensuality. He was accused of being a "drunkard and a glutton" and of partying with "prostitutes and sinners." He apparently enjoyed a tender foot massage from a woman. Yet, neither Jesus' sexuality nor his celibacy is mentioned. Yet, sex is referred to, elsewhere in the Bible, quite often. One might argue that the books in the Christian Scriptures might have once described Jesus' sexual relationships, but that these passages have been vigorously censored by the later church because they were unconventional.
2006-09-01 13:39:53 · update #11
Other commentators have noted that Jesus is silent towards homosexuality in the Gospels. Yet, Paul's opinions and those of many other authors in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) are clearly stated. They conclude that Jesus might have been gay. Odler Jeanlouie speculated: "Is it meaningful that, in the Sermon on the Mount, central to his teaching, he offered a one-way trip to the Kingdom of God, to anyone who is persecuted?
2006-09-01 13:40:14 · update #12
Hey... maybe.
2006-09-01 13:36:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
Since there is no precise statement about Jesus' sexual orientation in the Bible, we can safely start with the assumption that Yeshua of Nazareth/Jesus was a heterosexual. Probably only about 5% of males have a homosexual orientation -- both in ancient Judea during the 1st century AD, and in North America today. So, without considering any other factors, the chances of Jesus being gay is very slim -- about one in twenty.
The vast majority of Christian theologians have probably never seriously considered the possibility that Jesus was gay. If they were asked their opinion on the question, the vast majority would probably consider him to be heterosexual; many probably assume that he was devoid of erotic or sexual feelings.
On the other hand, there is an often quoted concept that reading the Gospels is like looking down a well. What you see in both cases is a reflection of yourself. Social activists often view Jesus as a social activist. Spiritual people frequently look upon Jesus as spiritual. Heterosexuals may see at Jesus as a heterosexual. Homosexuals may look upon him as gay, etc.
Jesus was an observant Jew who, according to the Gospels, was often followed by Pharisees and scribes who severely criticized him. He was charged with being possessed by Satan. He was accused of being a party animal who consorted with the dregs of society -- prostitutes, tax collectors, etc. Yet there is no record of them accusing him of being gay. In 1st century Judea, same-sex behavior among men was a most serious offense, worthy of the death penalty. If Jesus were gay, and if the Jewish establishment knew of his orientation, they would certainly have used it against him. Yet there is no record in the Gospels or in subsequent Jewish literature of the topic ever having been mentioned.
On the other hand, the Pharisees may have accused Jesus of being gay. But the story might have never made it into the Gospels. It would have been a very bad thing in those days, people were stoned for it under the law.
2006-09-01 20:36:17 · answer #2 · answered by isoar4jc 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It seems as if you are more interested in making a statement than in asking a question. I supposed you would argue the same about God since he so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. We have no evidence that Jesus was a homosexual. Why don't you go to a good church, and you can ask that question?
Jesus love you. Even if you have not figured out what love is.
2006-09-04 23:58:12 · answer #3 · answered by Spork 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Probably not. People tended to act all like that back then. It's probably not an issue. I'm not saying he wasn't, but I might argue that the whole thing was a big fat lie and that Jesus didn't exist before I would even begin to concern myself with whether he was gay or not.
2006-09-01 20:50:59 · answer #4 · answered by Cattlemanbob 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When Satan enters into your heart, you can say anything you want about Jesus. Satan allows for grossly distorted translations that justify everything from women priests to gay marriage to pedophilia, et al. Satan loves you - keep up the good work. Jesus will forgive you if you repent and renounce Satan.
2006-09-01 20:41:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Are u serious? why would Jesus go against everything He taught us to contradict Himself?
2006-09-01 23:05:45 · answer #6 · answered by Sofa P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really know to pull the fanatics' chain. LOL
2006-09-01 20:57:53 · answer #7 · answered by LaRue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is absurd. Jesus, as the Son of God was sinless! You go a long way to read into the Gospel what you want. Have some respect, please!
2006-09-01 20:41:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
The world may never know...
2006-09-01 20:39:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, Jesus was not homosexual. Jesus did not sin. John is his cousin,of course He loved Him.
BTW, how dare you!
2006-09-01 20:41:38 · answer #10 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It is folks like you who prove that the Devil is alive and well on planet Earth!
2006-09-01 20:38:42 · answer #11 · answered by altruistic 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋