“Jesus never mentioned homosexuality”. This is a comment that we read or hear almost anytime the subject of homosexuality and the Bible comes up. But, is it true? Since the science of sexual orientation did not exist until the late 19th century and there was no Hebrew, Aramiac, or Koine Greek equivalent to homosexual or homosexuality prior to that time, it is technically true. That, however, does not mean that there were no gay folks in the ancient past. There were. So, how was it dealt with and were there other categories (or words) that gay folks got lumped in with? Many believe that gay folks were included in what Jesus referred to as “born eunuchs” in Matthew 19:12.
Some religious elders were quizzing Jesus about marriage in Matthew 19. They wanted to know if divorce was allowed. Jesus basically says no. Then they want to know why Moses allowed divorce. Jesus told them it was because of the hardness of your hearts, and that it was not that way in the beginning. And, He told them that they could only divorce their wives as a result of “fornication.” Then His disciples wanted to know if it was better NOT to get married at all, that being the case. This was Jesus’ reply:
Matthew 19:12
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. (KJV)
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Now, who are these eunuchs who are born that way from their mother's womb? We know of the folks who are castrated, and we know of those who choose to be celibate for the kingdom's sake. Who the other eunuchs are is somewhat debatable, but many Christians believe that they include homosexuals. This is understandable considering historical evidence.
There is quite a bit of evidence in the literature of the time that suggests that the term "born eunuch" or "natural eunuch" was used to describe men who were not attracted to women, were not infertile, and had sex with men. Homosexuals, in a word.
Josephus probably wrote the most interesting thing, in which he abjured the use of "born eunuchs" as harem attendants. It seems the bored women in the harem would get these eunuchs drunk, seduce them and become pregnant.
From Homosexual eunuchs and the Bible:
The Aramaic word m'haym-ne (plural) is translated as eunuchs here, but the root meanings of this word in this form are: trusted ones, faithful ones and believers. These "trusted ones" were also servants such as chamberlains, eunuchs and officers. In addition, m’haym-ne meant homosexual men because they were trusted around women that were married or were not of their family. They weren’t a threat in committing adultery with other mens' wives or in having pre marital sex with the women of the nation.
Throughout the ancient nations that included Egypt, Babylon, Assyria and Persia; homosexuals were exalted to such positions as eunuchs that watched the women of the harem. Because of the mistrust of men, heterosexual or bi-sexual men were castrated; but homosexual men didn’t need to be. Eunuchs also had a recognized place in homosexual prostitution, and youths chosen as catamitic favorites were sometimes castrated. Homosexuality was long confused with eunuchry. Like effeminacy and hermaphroditism, eunuchry was sometimes thought of as creating a woman-man.
Now this verse is actually not out-of-context in regards to males that it wouldn’t be good for them to marry a woman (wife). It would not be good for a homosexual male to marry a woman because he lacks the sexual perophone receptors that enable him to be attracted to women.
Because of the above, I probably define what is meant by "born eunuch" a bit more broadly than some knowledgeable Christians do. I think it would also include trans persons and persons who are asexual. Could I have missed some groups? Probably, but not purposefully.
If this subject is of interest to you, you can find out more here. And, you can get more of the history of eunuchs here.
Jesus was not necessarily the first to state such a thing. This is what the prophet Isaiah had to say about eunuchs.
Isaiah 56:4-5
4) For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;
5) Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
I don't think that it is likely that Isaiah was speaking about castrated males or those born deformed. Compare that passage to this one:
Deuteronomy 23:1
He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.
And, while Jesus was probably speaking about male homosexuals in Matthew (because of the questions being asked of Him), it turns out that certain women are spoken of as born eunuchs as well.
From Gay Christian 101:
Same Sex Attracted Eunuchs. The Babylonian Talmud as a written document, is almost 2000 years old. It conveys the views of ancient Judaism hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. These views were set down in written form in the century after Christ.
“The saris [born eunuch] was mentioned in the same way as the woman who is incapable of procreation; as the woman's incapacity is due to an act of heaven so must that of the saris [born eunuch] be an act of heaven; and this anonymous [Mishnah] is in agreement with R. Akiba who stated [that halizah applies] only to a man-made [saris (a physically castrated man) but] not [to one afflicted] by the hand of heaven [a born eunuch].”
The Rabbis recognized that some women were born eunuchs. They were apparently uninterested in procreation or were emotionally or psychologically unable to procreate, by the hand of heaven.
Is it possible that female saris were also same sex attracted eunuchs? The Rabbis seem to believe the female saris was as much an act of heaven (born that way) as the male saris which makes it a viable possibility.
Now, on to the top comments.
TOP COMMENTS
July 5, 2015
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From Eyesbright:
Gooserock wrote a well-reasoned comment in Mark E Andersen's diary about America's so-called "culture." I suspect he's done a lot of thinking about this and it shows.
From Puddytat:
This just says it all about income inequality. The comment is from cnainvestor in Mark E. Andersen's diary.
From Denise Oliver Velez:
This comment from awesumtenor in my diary, The Powerful Politics Of Barack Obama's Eulogy For Clementa Pinckney, speaks to the nature of the black church.
From Remediator:
This comment by MethuenProgressive in Denise's diary succinctly states the hope many people have in their hearts for a future in which Dr. King's dream is realized.
And, another one from Puddytat:
Swallow anything in your mouth before your read what Trix has to say about Republican wingnuttery. The comment is found in the Sunday Talk diary written by Silly Rabbit.
The following comments were flagged by Yasuragi:
Steven D has some excellent insight into the changing impact of the media on social movements which he shares in this comment from Denise's diary.
And what would the week be without an offering from TarheelDem? In this comment from Denise's diary, he offered this scholarly and insightful history lesson.
In this comment from Denise's diary, mixedbag, again, gives some useful teaching for those who've never been to a black church.
This comment by SottoVoce points out one of the most disturbing outcomes of Obama's presidency, and is also found in Denise's diary.
In this comment from mixedbag in Denise's diary, s/he explains how Obama was able to let his guard down and of his familiarity with the black church experience.
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TOP MOJO
July 4, 2015
(excluding Tip Jars and first comments)
Got mik!
1) Last night, I threw on my dress by occupystephanie +138
2) Will good things ever happen for us again? by xxdr zombiexx +131
3) And may it be one of many more to by Remediator +114
4) "talks as if he's at someone's kitchen table" by Rob in Vermont +105
4) All that one needs to know. by xxdr zombiexx +105
6) On Thom Hartmann's "Brunch with Bernie" shows by Dallasdoc +97
7) They won't do it -- today by Dallasdoc +93
8) The comment about HRC's delivery by zipn +81
9) Yup.... by Lilyvt +78
10) Rob, I'm encouraged by the by Remediator +75
11) Bernie is very consistant by DavidMS +71
12) Corporations are about to hit the Trifecta... by KJG52 +69
13) LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! by One bite at a time +68
14) I don't know, it started to draw me in by Bob Love +63
15) When he went on reddit... by aseth +62
16) Bree Newsome wins nt by a2nite +61
16) LOL by slksfca +61
18) And there is no justification for private prisons by Shockwave +60
18) He won't play outside of Wisconsin... by JeffW +60
20) I Agree, With Bernie Sanders a Close Second by JekyllnHyde +59
20) They've gotten their way for too long, time by a2nite +59
22) Lord help us if Scott Walker is elected president by miracle11 +55
22) America is starting to do a slow Bern... by nuclear winter solstice +55
22) And sincerity. by aseth +55
22) For many Sanders supporters, by Remediator +55
22) I believe that Bernie by Da Rock +55
27) Dammit to hell. by Bill in Portland Maine +54
28) Excellent, Eric. by side pocket +53
28) Now the MKE Journal Sentinel weighs in by AnnieJo +53
30) any one of 6 items listed is bad, but all 6 means by Don midwest +50
30) Dallasdoc, agree. We don't get a by Remediator +50
30) If I Could Add This Here by JekyllnHyde +50
30) Multinational corps are a cancer killing democracy by FishOutofWater +50
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TOP PHOTOS
July 4, 2015
Enjoy jotter's wonderful PictureQuilt™ below. Just click on the picture and it will magically take you to the comment that features that photo. Have fun, Kossacks!
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