The official magazine of the Church of Scotland has criticised traditionalists who use the Bible to justify a position against homosexual practice.
An editorial in Life and Work magazine said that even those who do hold such a view do not take everything in the Bible literally.
The editorial said, "Every student of the Bible is a selective literalist. Those who swear by the anti-homosexual laws in the Book of Leviticus wouldn't publicly advocate slavery or stoning women taken in adultery.
“They presumably no longer accept biblical teaching on sexual matters such as polygamy and sex with slaves.
"And yet there are many who continue to be bound by a few biblical verses – none of them in the Gospels – about homosexuality, nowadays understood as a matter of genetics rather than lifestyle."
Homosexuality is expected to be a prominent issue at next month’s Church of Scotland General Assembly in Edinburgh. The Assembly will be asked to rule on the case of Rev Scott Rennie, an openly gay minister whose appointment has been challenged, despite support from his congregation.
The 2009 General Assembly will open on Thursday 21 May and close on Wednesday 27 May.
Other issues on the Assembly agenda include the need for the Church of Scotland to change its image and the work of the Kirk in transforming poorer communities.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.