Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 6/21/2011

Question
Hello,
  I just read an article in a newspaper from a recent grad of Yale Divinity School who says that homosexuality is OK with God because only one man, the apostle Paul says it is sin and Paul also says in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15 that it is a shame for a man to leave his hair grow long or a woman cut hers short.  He said if Paul was so petty about hair length he was not qualified to judge homosexuals and if he is wrong about hair length he is also wrong about homosexuals.  This is very confusing.  While I see this grad trying to cut the bible up into acceptable and unacceptable pieces why does Paul say this about hair and does this grad have a point?

Answer
Hello, Don.
Thanks for the question.
The grad doesn't have a point.  He is avoiding the uncomfortable things that God wants for those that want to please Him.
See the difference between shame and sin?  Paul says that the long hair for a man causes him dishonor himself, while sin separates us from God, who gave a perfect example on His thoughts on homosexuality when dealing with Sodom (where the word sodomy comes from)  Those in that city were destroyed except for Lot and his daughters.  His wife only looked back and was destroyed.  Paul doesn't have to be 'qualified'-he was just repeating what God had said.  The Old Testament law called for death to those commiting homosexual sins and others.
Be thankful that Jesus death paid the price for those asking for forgiveness for their sins and turning from them.  Romans 5:8 God demonstrates His love for us, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Read God's Word daily.  Don't be taken in by PhD's and 'highly qualified' people that attempt to pervert God's Word.

Have a good day & keep in touch.
Your friend.