The Biblical Circle of Homosexual Prohibition

A front page article in a recent issue of The Christian Science Monitor^a predicts that homosexual rights will likely be the social issue of the 1990s. Since the controversy is often waged by citing biblical texts, I would like to propose a way to discuss the issue if one turns to the Bible for guidance. To avoid misunderstanding, I hasten to say that this proposal does not provide answers, but only a basis for discussion in terms of biblical theology.

On the blackboard of your imagination draw two circles, a large one representing all creation and a smaller one representing the covenant community of ancient Israel. The large circle is universal and includes the whole realm of public morality. The smaller circle represents the boundaries of the covenant community of ancient Israel.