Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships

by Karen R. Keen

One common argument that traditionalists make is that gay people are no different than straight people who can’t find a mate and must remain chaste. This assertion has significant problems. First, saying no to temptation is not as difficult when no one is available to tempt one’s desires; it’s a different story to resist the love of one’s life. When straight people fall in love, they marry. When gay people fall in love, they must find the herculean strength to say no, not only in the moment of desire, but to every dream of marriage and family. Second, a profound difference exists between someone who happens to be single but can actively pursue dating and marriage and someone who is forbidden to do either. How many heterosexual singles are willing to cease dating, give up the hope of marriage, and make a lifetime vow of celibacy? Not many. Yet that is essentially what traditionalists are requiring gay people to do.

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