Same-Sex Marriage From: A New York Times blog on Politics dated May 7, 2013 What's wrong with this picture? It may sound strange to some of you when I say that the Bible does not directly condemn same-sex marriage. Although you can easily see that marriage is only to be between a man and a women. (Gen. 2:24 & Eph. 5:31) Lets take a step backwards and see that what it does clearly condemn is, same-sex sex. Leviticus 18:22 (ESV) 22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Romans 1:26–28 (ESV) 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. The bible is very plain when it teaches that those who practice such things know that they are wrong and deserve to die. It also says that contrary to that knowledge they approve of those who practice such sin. Romans 1:32 (ESV) 32 Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but also give approval to those who practice them. It is sure that those "who practice homosexuality," without repentance and faith in Christ, will not make heaven their home: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV) 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. The bible offers hope of escape for those trapped in such sin when it states: 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. In conclusion, I ask that no one get mad at me the messenger. If what I say bothers you please get mad at the right Person - God speaking in the scriptures. Ed Walsh