What cultural practices does Leviticus 18:22 challenge in today's society? Setting the Scene Leviticus 18 forms part of the holiness code given to Israel after the exodus, a section that spells out how God’s people are to live distinctly from surrounding nations (Leviticus 18:1-5). The chapter lists various sexual practices the Lord calls “detestable,” underscoring His design for human sexuality. The Verse in Focus “You shall not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22) Timeless Principle • God created humanity “male and female” (Genesis 1:27), bringing the two together in covenant marriage (Genesis 2:24). • Any sexual activity outside that male-female marriage covenant—including same-sex relations—is presented as violating God’s design. • The New Testament affirms the same principle (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Cultural Practices Challenged Today Leviticus 18:22 presses against several trends that characterize modern Western society: • Celebration and legal recognition of same-sex marriage—redefining marriage apart from Scripture’s one-man/one-woman pattern. • Media and entertainment that normalize and promote homosexual romantic storylines as morally equivalent to heterosexual unions. • Pride events and corporate marketing that encourage unqualified affirmation of same-sex sexual behavior. • Educational curricula teaching children that all sexual expressions, including same-sex intimacy, are equally moral. • Church movements seeking to reinterpret or set aside clear biblical prohibitions to bless same-sex unions. • Growing social pressure to view traditional biblical convictions on sexuality as intolerant or bigoted. • Identity frameworks that place sexual orientation at the core of personal identity rather than seeing identity primarily in relation to the Creator. Scripture’s Consistent Voice • Romans 1:26-27: “For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions... men committed indecent acts with other men...” • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral... nor men who have sex with men... will inherit the kingdom of God.” • Jude 7 warns against sexual immorality as an enduring example. Living Counter-culturally • Hold to God’s revealed standard while showing Christ-like love toward all people (Ephesians 4:15). • Offer the hope of redemption found in Jesus to everyone, including those wrestling with same-sex desires (1 Corinthians 6:11). • Maintain personal purity and guard what you consume in media (Philippians 4:8). • Support biblical marriage in your community and congregation (Hebrews 13:4). Leviticus 18:22 confronts today’s prevailing narratives by reaffirming that God’s good design for sexuality is exclusive to the covenant union of one man and one woman, calling believers to live and speak that truth with grace. |
    |