Saturday’s Orlando Sentinel (November 16, 2019) contained three articles on page A12 that were of interest to the Christian. Two were letters to the editor, and one was written by a Sentinel columnist. One of the letters asked the question: “Is it only gay sex that is sinful?” He further asked if the only purpose for sex was to have children, wondering if all who otherwise engaged in it were earning tickets to the fiery pit if they failed to repent. Below is the response I sent to the newspaper.
Not that the majority of people care what the Bible says, but since the subject was brought up in Saturday’s (11-16-19) letter to the editor, “When is Sex Sinful?”, following is an answer. God authorized sex for both procreation and for pleasure. Most are familiar with, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). However, the husband and wife owe due affection to each other and ought not to deprive one another, according to what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:1-5. This latter passage has nothing to do with having children but relates to a couple’s own mutual benefit.
Of course, procreation would not be achieved by two homosexuals; the second purpose can obviously be achieved; only in the two passages cited, the Creator of the Universe did not authorize two individuals of the same sex to engage in the practice. He speaks of only one male and one female—just the way He created them.
A second article referencing the Scriptures dealt with two issues. In response to whether Catholic priests could be married, the writer answered from Genesis 2:18. “It is not good for man to be alone.” Then he added “No discussion! God’s word is clear.” Okay. That may seem abrupt, but we agree that God designed marriage for man and that few can do without it.
However, in another paragraph he said that “the ordination of women to the priesthood is not quite as clear.” Obviously, he does not know that all Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9). But we have Scriptures dealing with response to the subject of women in leadership roles. He said he had “no deep feelings on the subject.” Good! Then our answer to him is in the same style he issued previously. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 says: “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” To quote him: “No discussion! God’s word is clear.”