Could Jesus have been gay?

[JJ50]

The gospel of John specifically mentions that there was a disciple whom Jesus loved, presumably male. As Jesus never condemned homosexuality, it is possible he was gay and enjoying a gay relationship with this particular disciple?

There is nothing wrong with being gay, it is NORMAL! If it could be proved Jesus was gay it would be a slap in the face to all the unpleasant bigots who use the Bible as an excuse for their nasty bigotry where homosexuality is concerned.

A question for the Christians on the forum, just supposing it could be established beyond all doubt that Jesus was a homosexual, would it make any difference to your faith?

[JLB32168]

It needs to be pointed out that ancient societies had no concept of sexual orientation. That one might be attracted to the same sex was inconsequential. Actions spoke louder than words. Having said that, given how same sex attraction is a sinful passion and Christ was God (at least that’s the teaching of normative Christianity) it would have been impossible for Christ to experience a sinful passion.

[bluethread]

In societies where there are limits on behavior, marginal behavior is more acceptable. For example, showing affection for one's own son and daughter is easier than showing affection for someone else's son or daughter, partly because of limitations on incest. There is an assurance that such affections will not be misunderstood. This is the case with relationships between men in the Mideast. Male friends are more affectionate toward one another in public than are male friends in these United States. These public displays of affection are not sexual, but familial and fraternal. Within the culture of these United States, a slap on the butt between teammates is familial and fraternal, not sexual. At least that is how it used to be, before there were protestations against restrictions on sexual behavior between male teammates.

[Masamune]

It needs to be pointed out that ancient societies had no concept of sexual orientation. That one might be attracted to the same sex was inconsequential. Actions spoke louder than words. Having said that, given how same sex attraction is a sinful passion and Christ was God (at least that’s the teaching of normative Christianity) it would have been impossible for Christ to experience a sinful passion.

Not to be nitpicky, but this isn't quite accurate. Jewish culture absolutely had prohibitions against homosexual behavior. And ancient societies were quite varied on their perspective. Reading through this would show how nuanced their views were:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_homosexuality

The degree of social acceptability and type of homosexual practice that was socially and legally permissible is so varied it makes your head spin.

I think your point is still correct though. Human sexual practices are complex. It makes no sense for the government to intervene in this area, which is why I am in favor of gay marriage. But to suggest that ancient societies were some sort paragon of homosexual rights isn't quite true.

I

[Texan Christian]

there is a difference between love like a man loving his wife and a brother loving his brother. If I say I love my family I don't mean it the same way as if I said I love my girlfriend. It's ridiculous when people try and use the Bible saying someone loved another person of the same sex to justify homosexuality.

Good day and God bless

[Bust Nak]

there is a difference between love like a man loving his wife and a brother loving his brother.

There CAN be a difference but there doesn't always have to be a difference.

If I say I love my family I don't mean it the same way as if I said I love my girlfriend.

That's good, but how do you know if another person meant it the same way you meant it? Incest is a real thing you know.

It's ridiculous when people try and use the Bible saying someone loved another person of the same sex to justify homosexuality.

That much I can agree with. No way is the Bible friendly to homosexual people.

[Miles]

That much I can agree with. No way is the Bible friendly to homosexual people.

In fact, it demands that guys who physically express their homosexuality be killed, while practicing homosexual women get off with a slap on the wrist. Talk about favoritism!

,

[Rose2020]

I wonder if you would be so eager to explore your idle curiosity on this point about the Muslim or Sikh or other religions? Would you be so courageous and foolhardy?

No, Jesus Christ, our precious Lord, was not gay.

[Difflugia]

I wonder if you would be so eager to explore your idle curiosity on this point about the Muslim or Sikh or other religions? Would you be so courageous and foolhardy?

Fatwa envy? What is this, 2010?

No, Jesus Christ, our precious Lord, was not gay.

That's right. According to John 11:5, he loved women, too.

[JehovahsWitness]

I wonder if you would be so eager to explore your idle curiosity on this point about the Muslim or Sikh or other religions? Would you be so courageous and foolhardy?

Fatwa envy? What is this, 2010?

No, Jesus Christ, our precious Lord, was not gay.

That's right. According to John 11:5, he loved women, too.

... and evidenty children (we can assume of both sexes) too .... (see Matthew 19:14)

[oldbadger]

The gospel of John specifically mentions that there was a disciple whom Jesus loved, presumably male. As Jesus never condemned homosexuality, it is possible he was gay and enjoying a gay relationship with this particular disciple?

You've overlooked Magdalen.... I reckon they were very close.
But I don't think that Jesus was strongly against gays.

There is nothing wrong with being gay, it is NORMAL! If it could be proved Jesus was gay it would be a slap in the face to all the unpleasant bigots who use the Bible as an excuse for their nasty bigotry where homosexuality is concerned.

If you study the laws of Moses and consider why these were written, then Homosexuality will emerge as normal and common throughout nature as well as humanity.

A question for the Christians on the forum, just supposing it could be established beyond all doubt that Jesus was a homosexual, would it make any difference to your faith?

I can't answer that because I'm not a Christian nor theist.