Journal: Bulletin for Biblical Research
Volume: BBR 25:4 (NA 2015)
Article: Paul And Homosexual Behavior: A Critical Evaluation Of The Excessive-Lust Interpretation Of Romans 1:26–27
Author: Preston M. Sprinkle

BBR 25:4 (2015) p. 497

Paul And Homosexual Behavior:
A Critical Evaluation Of The Excessive-Lust Interpretation Of Romans 1:26–27

Preston Sprinkle

Eternity Bible College

One of the strongest arguments that supports an affirming view of same-sex relations is the so-called excessive-lust view. While there are some strengths to this argument, this article will point out the historical and exegetical deficiencies of the excessive-lust interpretation of Romans 1. In particular, there was a diversity of perspectives on same-sex relations in the ancient world, and therefore it cannot be assumed that Paul only had one—the excessive-lust—perspective in view. Moreover, the mention of female same-sex relations, along with Paul’s use of παρὰ φύσιν (“against nature”) and his appeal to the creation account, steer his argument away from an excessive-lust view. Finally, this article will examine Paul’s language of passion and desire to show that it does not parallel the excessive-lust perspective that we find in Greco-Roman literature.

Introduction

Paul clearly condemns homoerotic relations in Rom 1:26–27, but does he refer to all types of same-sex relations without exception? This question has quickly become one of the most pressing exegetical and ethical issues facing the church today.

Ever since John Boswell’s landmark book on homosexuality, many affirming1 scholars have revisited Rom 1 to show that Paul’s words should not be applied to consensual, monogamous, loving gay relations; rather, Paul describes a more specific type of homoerotic behavior.2 Boswell himself argued that Paul refers to heterosexuals having homosexual sex. Robin

BBR 25:4 (2015) p. 498

Scroggs suggested that pederasty is in view.3 William Countryman and Daniel Helminiak tried to show that homoeroticism violates Jewish purity laws but is not considered by Paul to be inherently sinful.4 Bernadette Brooten believes that Paul indeed rules out all forms of homosexual relations; however, since the apostle does so on patriarchal grounds—women are inferior to men, and therefore men should not play the role of women in sex—the church should not follow Paul’s teaching on the matter.5

The Excessive-Lust Interpretation

While these and other proposals ...