RELIGION AND LIFE 

3 - MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 

Homosexuality - 

Christian attitudes - 

1 - Catholic 

• Homosexuality isn't a sin, but homosexual sexual activity is a sin 
• Asks homosexuals to live without any sexual activity - will be helped to do this by the sacraments of the Church 
• Sinful to criticise homosexuals or attack their behaviour 
• Bible condemns homosexual sexual activity 
• Church tradition that any sexual activity should have the possibility of creating children 
• Is the teaching of the Magisterium 
• Church - teaches that people can't help their sexual orientation but they can control their sexual activity 
• Discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation is racism - sinful 

2 - Evangelical Protestant 

• Homosexuality is a sin 
• Homosexuals can be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit 
• Bible - homosexuality is a sin, believe it is the direct word of God 
• Bible - salvation of Christ can remove all sins (including homosexuality) 
• All Churches have said homosexuality is wrong, even now they have now changed their minds/teaching 
• RECENTLY condemned homophobia, said churches should welcome homosexuals 

3 - Liberal Protestant 

• Welcome homosexuals to Church 
• Accept homosexual relationships 
• Some provide blessings for civil partnerships 
• Bible texts condemning homosexuality show beliefs at the time, not word of God 
• Major Christian belief in love and acceptance means homosexuals must be accepted 
• If homosexual Christians feel the Holy Spirit approves of their homosexuality, it must be true 
• Christians should be open and honest and so homosexual Christians shouldn't be made to tell lies/hide sexuality 

Jewish attitudes - 

1 - Orthodox 

• Being homosexual isn't a sin 
• Homosexual sexual activity and homophobia are sins 
• Torah - condemns homosexual sexual activity 
• Torah and Talmud - marriage between a man and a woman is the only lawful form of sex 
• Any sexual activity should have the possibility of creating children 
• Mitzvot - Jewish adults should marry and raise a family 

2 - Liberal/reform 

• Homosexuality is acceptable 
• Torah needs to be re-interpreted in the light of modern society 
• Scientists believe sexual orientation is natural - must be given by God 
• Should treat others how they would want to be treated - must accept homosexuals 
• Labelling homosexuality is wrong leads to homophobia - evils of racism