Lesbianism, understood as romantic or sexual attraction between women, is a topic that has been discussed within the context of biblical teachings and Christian doctrine. While the Bible does not explicitly mention lesbianism by name, it addresses sexual relations and behaviors that deviate from the traditional understanding of heterosexual marriage.

Biblical Context

The Bible presents marriage as a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman, as established in the creation narrative. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational text is often cited to support the view that sexual relations are intended to occur within the bounds of heterosexual marriage.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains passages that address sexual behavior, including same-sex relations. Leviticus 18:22 states, "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination." While this verse specifically mentions male same-sex relations, it is often interpreted within a broader context of prohibiting all forms of same-sex sexual activity, including lesbianism.

New Testament References

The New Testament also addresses sexual immorality, with passages that are interpreted to include same-sex relations. Romans 1:26-27 is frequently cited: "For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." This passage is often understood to refer to both male and female same-sex relations, indicating a departure from what is considered natural according to biblical standards.

Theological Perspectives

From a conservative Christian perspective, lesbianism is viewed as contrary to the biblical design for human sexuality. The emphasis is placed on the belief that sexual relations are intended to occur within the context of a heterosexual marriage. This view is rooted in the interpretation of biblical texts that emphasize the complementarity of male and female in marriage.

Pastoral Considerations

In addressing the topic of lesbianism, many conservative Christian communities focus on pastoral care and guidance. The approach often involves encouraging individuals to align their lives with biblical teachings, offering support for those who seek to live according to these principles. The emphasis is on compassion and understanding, while upholding the belief in the biblical model of sexuality.

Cultural and Historical Context

Throughout history, the interpretation of biblical texts regarding same-sex relations, including lesbianism, has been influenced by cultural and historical contexts. The traditional view has been that such relationships are inconsistent with biblical teachings. However, discussions continue within various Christian communities regarding the application and understanding of these texts in contemporary society.1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.
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1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.
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Leviticus 18:22
You shall not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
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Jude 1:7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
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Romans 1:26-27
For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
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Romans 5:8
But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
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2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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Leviticus 20:13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be on them.
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1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
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1 Timothy 1:10
For fornicators, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for enslavers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
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Genesis 19:1-38
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
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