"I don't have any problem at all if christians express the ten commandments as an ideal, but that still does not address the issue of homosexuality."
Among several biblical references to homosexuality is: OLD Testament
Leviticus 18:22 "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination."
NEW Testament: Romans 1: (24) "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves. (25) who exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.(26) For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. (27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; (29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wicknedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness, they are whisperers, (30) backbiters,haters of God, violet, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents (31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; (32) who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve to those who practice them." *New King James Version
Pretty direct, isn't it?
Several here in the LPSG have (sincerely?) asked for specific biblical references on this subject, so I've provided what I could find. Again, it's worth noting that the bible speaks to homosexual behavior and NOT the emotional aspect of being attracted to the same sex. Hey! I haven't a clue to explain HOW we are to deal with that aspect of things! Just like oral sex, anal sex, and masturbation....the Bible is.....totally silent on these topics. FYI, many Christians, myself included, believe that ANY sexual practice within (heterosexual) marrige is acceptable based upon Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." Perhaps oral sex for example, is no big sin (then) within the context of marriage (since it's not specifically mentioned in the Bible...anywhere!)
We Christians are unfortunately caught in the crossfire on this subject of homosexuality.. Even when we say we don't judge others, we are judged whenever we quote what the bible says. But that's okay. We've come to expect that reaction. Christ says that we can take comfort because He was rejected first...long before us! I've answered as forthrightly as I could here what others have inquired about...what the bible says on this subject.
quote: "If the ideals of the OT are a guide for christians, how is it determined which scriptures are a "good guide", and which ones are not?