There is no way to “rescue” Paul from his strong condemnation of homosexual behavior. We can’t make “unclean” mean “ritually impure.” We can’t make “contrary to nature” mean “out of the ordinary” or “against my personal orientation.” We can’t make this text about nothing more than pederasty, exploitation, and excess passion. The allusions to Genesis and the emphasis on the “exchange” present in same-sex sexual intimacy will not allow for any other conclusion but the traditional one: God’s people ought not engage in homosexual behavior or give approval to those who do (1:32).
what about historical context?
