Shouldn't Chrisitans really just leave the whole "abomination" argument alone, because they all commit them?

Question

Abomination in the bible was NEVER used just for homosexuality, but for some reason Christians seem to focus on it more than any other abomination, especially the ones that they themselves commit.

It is also used for eating seafood that lacks fins and scales (Levitius 11:11), eating certain birds of prey, including bats (Leviticus 11:12) and all insects (Leviticus 11:23 and 11:41) and other biblically unclean animals (Leviticus 20:25);

Here's the kicker... remarrying the person one previously divorced (Deutoronomy 24:4); telling lies (Proverbs 12:22); being proud in heart (Proverbs 16:5); justifying the wicked (Proverbs 17:15); and cheating in business (Proverbs 20:10 and Proverbs 20:23) are ALL abominations as well. If they have ever told a lie, or even if they consistently tell "little white lies" they are abominations to their god, just like homosexuals.

They justify themselves by saying Jesus died for their abominations, so why can't the say the same for homosexuals?

Proverbs 6:16 - 18 lists six things which are also abominations: "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief."

In other words: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Otherwise, leave other people alone!

ver_jen, I commend you for making an effort, but you forget that telling lies is in the same category with homosexuality. You can't say to a homosexual that they are worse than other Christians because they act on urges without regard for god when Christians tell lies all the time and think nothing of it if they pray for forgiveness.

If you ever tell ANY KIND of lies, including telling your spouse that you'll be ready in a minute when you know you will take at least 5 more minutes, then you are committing an abomination just as bad as the homosexual that acts on their homosexual urges. There is no difference.

CMW: read the question again... slowly... try to comprehend what is being said... read it s...l...o...w...l...y, and adjust your answer accordingly.

p.s. CMW, shrimp eaters have chain-restaurants, diners, grocery stores, and everything they need to satisfy their abomination fetish. It's already mainstream, so they don't need a lobby. You probably work with and have family members that commit that abomination, and you don't treat them any differently than you treat non-shrimp eaters.

(((Suzanne))) the NT also has more than enough scripture to prove many of the other abominations as well, especially lying:

(Matthew 15:11) It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles [him].

again, CMW, read the question s...l...o...w...l...y...! I never said that homosexuality was not on the list of abominations. If you don't intend to adjust your answer, that's fine with me. It just shows that you have a lack of critical thinking and comprehension skills. I didn't want to point you out on it, but you're not leaving me much choice.

Answer 1

I agree entirely that it's theologically improper to argue against homosexuality from an OT standpoint; actually, I've been quietly campaigning among my Christian brethren about this for quite some time. For the most part, my words fall onto deaf ears.

To be fair though, I must point out that the NT contains more than adequate proof that God still disapproves of this behavior.

EDIT: (((Confirmed Atheist incognito))) I couldn't agree more.

Answer 2

You're right that many things are called abominations, including some dietary instructions. You're wrong that homosexuality is not on the list.

Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.

The probable reason that homosexuals are talked about more is that shrimp eaters (for one) don't have a political lobby or agenda. If you put yourself in the headlines day after day, expect to be talked about.

Edit: I read the question and have no intention of adjusting my answer to suit you.

I will add, however, that you're being snotty to one of the few people who (a) defends homosexuals vis-a-vis other sinners and (b) has demonstrated lack of hatred for gays. Before I was married, I had 2 gay roommates. They certainly didn't think I treated them differently and I'm guessing they knew me better than you do. You are making one heck of a lot of assumptions (judgments) about people. None of which alters the fact that God did call it an abomination, along with many other things.

Edit: LOL, what a bunch of nonsense. You are the most arrogant, judgmental person on R&S. You imagine that by telling people you are intellectually superior, it makes you so.

As I have already stated (if you read slowly) I do defend gays with regard to other sinners. I see no reason to restate it, just because you missed it.

Edit Wednesday AM: I appreciate your 360 attempts to clarify your position. I have already addressed homosexuals with regard to (vis-a-vis) other sins. It does not need revisiting. I've been consistent on this point at R&S. Much as I sincerely appreciate your contacting me, I would humbly suggest that you read your comments as if someone else had written them to you. They are at best condescending and rude. That is the sole reason I choose not to answer your questions, your condescension, not that I find them pointless. On the contrary, the questions are usually interesting. However, having been here before, had I known this was you, I would have tiptoed out the door to avoid this pointless bickering, for which I try not to make room in my life. We all have choices. We can pick thumbs down and move on or we can attack. Go in peace, Confirmed Atheist.

Answer 3

I would say that the primary difference is that, with most of the abominations mentioned, the gay rights movement is trying to convince people that it isn't an abomination.

Levitican law has already been shunted aside by Christians since they say that Jesus fulfilled that law (whatever that means) so dietary "abominations" don't apply. Ironic that tithing is still big - but I digress...

Other abominations like lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, etc... are still accepted as abominations by Christians. When caught, they repent and say the won't do it again and all is forgiven.

The gay issue is dicey because gays want people to re-write that part of the bible that talk against adultery (can't get married if you're gay line of thought) and homosexuality and not make it sinful anymore. There is no repentance here so the Christian's won't accept it.

Answer 4

Those other things you have listed above, I try my best to abstain from... yes, even the unclean foods. I am attempting to do things Gods way. If someone is Homosexual and is attempting to do things Gods way, then it is not an abomination. Homosexuals are not condemned just for having those urges.... it is perpetually acting upon them without care of how God feels about that activity.

God loves everyone, even homosexuals. You can love someone and hate the activities they participate in. There is a difference between the act and the desire.

EDIT: let me tell you, I DO take lies seriously. I do my best not to lie... and sometimes I actually go a little overboard on telling the truth. (I am trying to learn limits) I was convicted a very long time ago that lies are harmful to my relationship with Christ. I can't say that I never lie because that in itself would be a lie, but I can say that I do my very best not to lie and if I do, I try to rectify it as soon as I am made aware of what I have done. I even try to avoid the little white lies that most Christians tell. I.E. Christmas is Christs birth, Santa really comes to the house, you look good in that dress..... even those.

AND I have to say, I don't condemn homosexuals. That is between God and them. Two of my cousins (Both Adults) are homosexual and my daughter is Bi-sexual (age 13). I still love them, just as God loves them. I might not be happy about the act itself.... but then, I don't have to watch it either. LOL

Answer 5

You make a good point. "Abomination" is a nearly obsolete word. It was used in the King James translation of the Bible, which was made in th 16th Century, and the meaning of the word has evolved since then. It sounds more like an expression of distaste than of moral outrage.
An enlightening passage to me was this one: after Joseph brought his family to Egypt during the famine, he advises his family, "say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle...: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians." [Genesis 46:34] Apparently the Egyptians found sheep-herding distasteful, and the Israelites wanted to make a good impression.

Answer 6

My dear let me make something clear for you no one has the right to judge anyone if you read the book of romans 3 you will realize that because of our flesh as humans no one of us is capable of being righteous on our own, our righteousness is a gift from God as i have pasted from romans3:22-24. All you have to do is believe,in Christ and that to us is righteousness God made it simple for us, unfortunately christains judge people but we are not supposed to because we have a gift from God( God's righteousness) not that we deserved it but because God is love, he is not out to condemn or punish us he has made a way for us, we cannot be righteous on our own except God helps us.

"22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus"

The sooner we all understand that the less judgmental we will all be, i used to be that kind of christain that would judge anyone but now i realise my forgiveness and my salvation is a gift from God and it is through his help i can do right.cheers

Answer 7

To make it plain and short Jesus died for all men sins and that does not single out anyone.

Answer 8

The concept of homosexuality nor did the word homosexual exist during biblical times.

Answer 9

Re-marrying a spouse you divorced? Wow... I hadn't known that one...

Answer 10

All sins are forgiven, if you confess to Christ Jesus; save one.