Debate On Jesus (Press, 2 November 1984)

In a series of letters published in November 1984, various writers expressed their opinions on the interpretation of Jesus' teachings, particularly regarding homosexuality. Trevor Nicholls argued against the argument from omission, suggesting that the lack of condemnation of certain acts in the Bible, including drug abuse and rape, should not be interpreted as endorsement. He highlighted that Jesus, being a Jew who interacted primarily with Jews, would not have felt the need to explicitly condemn practices already denounced in Hebrew tradition. Nicholls also noted that Paul, in his travels around the Mediterranean, addressed the issue more directly. Arthur May responded to Bruce Hills' statement that Jesus could not have been a homosexual, claiming that such assertions were not only unfounded but also relegated the authenticity of Christians to Hills' personal interpretation. He emphasised that it is impossible to definitively determine Jesus' sexual orientation, arguing instead that many atrocities have been committed in Jesus' name throughout history. Marnie Barrell addressed the notion of equating Jesus' love with homosexual activity. She stated that while Jesus is known for loving all sinners, this does not imply he engaged in the same behaviours. Barrell noted that Jesus upheld Jewish moral principles, which included the prohibition of sexual activity outside marriage, regardless of emotional circumstances. Lastly, P. Oakley acknowledged the debate surrounding the evidence of Jesus' possible homosexuality, referring to the book "Jesus — the Evidence." Oakley suggested that regardless of the evidence's conclusiveness, it should not be suppressed. These letters illustrate a vibrant discourse around the complexities of Jesus' ethical teachings and their implications for discussions on sexuality, underscoring the deeper moral and theological questions that arise from interpretations of religious texts.

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