03: Un-clobbering Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 on Homosexuality

No two passages in the Bible are wielded more often to condemn homosexuality than Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. But what do these verses actually say in context? Are they condemning all same-sex relationships—or something else entirely, like incest, pederasty, or ritual sex tied to pagan worship?

In this episode, we explore how Scripture itself invites deeper reflection. We’ll examine Isaiah 43 and 56, Acts 10, and Jesus’s own words in the Gospels to ask how we should understand Levitical law today—and what it means to follow a God who is always doing something new.

References:

• Leviticus 18:22, 20:13. Isaiah 43, 56. Acts 10. New Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition.

• Lings KR. The “lyings” of a woman: male-male incest in Leviticus 18:22?. Theology & Sexuality. 2009;15(2):223–236.

• Longman T III, Garland DE. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Genesis–Leviticus. Vol 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 2008:744.

  Scholz S. Toward a future of queer Bible hermeneutics. Lecture presented at: Perkins Theological Seminary, Southern Methodist University; April 26, 2016; Dallas, TX.

Intro/Outro Music Credits: "Greatest of All Time"/"Milkshake" by Beat Mekanik

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Available at: ⁠⁠freemusicarchive.org/music/beat-mekanik/

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