The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Is same-sex attraction sinful? Charles Hodge sheds biblical light

1. The topic, which you started, is: "Is same-sex attraction sinful? ...".

2. It has been offered that any such attraction is inherently sinful because it is something which Christ forbids (Matt 5:27,28). And of course, there are other perspicuous passages which forbid any and all forms of homosexuality.

3. It was then suggested that homosexual attraction is akin to "lust" because that attraction transcends simple friendship (phileo) but rather it is romantic in nature and invariably includes a sexual desire.

4. You then have balked at the notion that attraction is lust, when in fact it has been explained that the definition of the word used in Scripture for lust epithumeo is an attraction; which can be either good or sinful.

5. But now you have tossed in a little 'ringer' in bringing in the situation of "engaged couples". Again, the topic is homosexual attraction, not heterosexual attraction. And further, the new scenario is an attraction between engaged heterosexual couples.

a. The attraction between an engaged heterosexual couple is ROMANTIC in nature which indeed goes beyond simple friendship, and hopefully so.

b. However, if sexual desire is present, which by nature it should be, that desire is sinful because the covenant of marriage has not been made. This is the spirit of the law to which Christ taught in Matt. 5:27,28. One does not need to physically engage in sex to be guilty of adultery or fornication.

So, to once again answer your original question; YES, same-sex attraction; the implication being the attraction is romantic in nature, is sinful.