Thesis (Th. M.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 1996. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 117-122).

Thesis (MA(Bybel- en Godsdienskunde))--Universiteit van Pretoria, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-151)

Several issues relating to homosexuality are being fervently debated in most denominations and in several newspapers in South Africa. Much of what the church is seeking to find is whether or not homosexual conduct is a sin. Within the church there are currently definite disagreements as to whether or not self-affirming homosexuals can be married in the church, ordained as ministers, teach Sunday School or be small group leaders. In recent times organisations such as the South African Christian Leadership Assembly (SACLA), and the Marriage Alliance of South Africa (MASA) had been formed to serve the church and society as a platform in the current debate on whether or not there needs to be a re-definition of marriage. The reason why these organisations are becoming involved in state business is because they believe that there is no law or state who invented marriage. It is the view of these organisations that same- sex marriage goes against the historic heterosexual understanding of marriage which is recognised from creation. In view of these matters this study seeks to actively take part in the present discussion concerning homosexuality and the Bible. It has been suggested that at the exegetical level Romans 1:26-27 contains little ambiguity in relation to the Bible and homosexuality, in that in Romans 1:26-27 Paul condemns homosexual conduct. However recent scholarly work done on this passage has indicated that perhaps on an exegetical level not enough research had been done on this passage to come to such a conclusion. At the heart of the matter are issues concerning the audience that Paul addresses and specific terms (para physin) Paul uses in Romans 1:26-27. In relation to the audience questions are being asked about the extensiveness of Paul’s knowledge on the social customs of the ancient Greek and Roman world. It is believed that Paul was in fact not addressing true homosexuals, those who are born such, but that he was condemning heterosexuals acting as homosexuals. As we will see within the resulting discussion of this study, a good understanding of the audience is integral to the interpretive process. In relation to the terms that Paul uses, and more specifically the term para physin, often interpreted ‘against nature’, it would seem that conventional understanding is that Paul states that homosexual conduct is that which goes against God’s given order. However in view of recent scholarly work there are suggestions which challenge the more conventional or conservative interpretations of the phrase para physin. This study will therefore delve into matters concerning ancient sexuality and in conjunction with this do a literal analysis of the text in question. As this study will also reveal there are several issues at stake within the current debate. Of these issues the most pertinent concerns the authority of the Bible and the difficult task of the church responding to modern culture. If Paul in Romans 1:26-27 indeed condemns homosexual conduct then where does it leave those who are in reality struggling with the nature of their orientation. Some would suggest that Paul is simply out-of date and that his comments are irrelevant to the modern situation. It has also been suggested that perhaps the concept of biblical authority be abandoned and replace with the idea of the Bible as “foundational document”. Although these issues are not dealt with at length in this paper they certainly serve as an addendum to this study. This paper seeks to merely take part in the present discussion for the purpose of findings God’s will in this matter. / Prof. J.A du Rand

Thesis (Th. M.)--Grace Theological Seminary, 1984. / Typescript. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-77).

The following treatise focuses on the ongoing conflict within the church regarding the issue of homosexuality. It is an important issue that has divided both churches and denominations and it continues to cause hurt in both the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike, both straight and gay. The popular position seems to be that the church, and Christians in general, are homophobic and believe that Christianity and homosexuality are not compatible. This research is a case study and focuses on a church in London. The research was carried out to discover whether this position, often portrayed by the media, was true of this church. It also sought to discover whether theories of conflict management and in particular John Burton’s theory of basic human needs could offer insight and alternative approaches in future discussions. The findings of this research offer hope in the situation in that they show this particular church is not homophobic, nor do the majority believe homosexuality and Christianity to be incompatible.

The author of dissertation considers that dependence of behavior of people on their attitude toward God the Creator is perhaps the first and the most important topic that comes to mind during the study of the present passage of the most fundamental Paul's epistle. We believe it is necessary to explore "false foundations" as we see as Paul opposes to them his ideology - ideology of worship to God the Creator. We affirm that Paul sees the main reason of immoral behavior in such area of man's activity as thinking that, in its tum, denies the Creator of every living thing of Earth and because of its incapability to rule over human passions is forced to look for an ideological basis for its acts. This thesis has also practical meaning because it demonstrates Paul's methodology of disproval of false theories of that time revealing their illogicality and senselessness. / Biblical and Ancient studies / M. Th (New Testament)

Thesis (MDiv (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / In present day society and the context within which we find ourselves, the word “marginalised” is not altogether uncommon, therefore the marginalised is on the rise. It is precisely the marginalised that feel the need to hide their true identity. Finding refuge in this option offers them some degree of protection against discrimination/discriminatory practices. This is all too common-place for homosexuals who often find themselves existing only on the fringes of society. Homosexuality is a highly contentious and emotional issue within most denominations, because it goes against most people’s beliefs. This begs investigation into how the homosexual person is dealt with/treated within society as well as how accommodating the Church of Christ is towards them. This dissertation deals with the “hermeneutics of inclusivity” – the acceptance of the homosexual person within the faith-communities, and the ethics surrounding “hospitality”. Acts 15: 1-29, the text which is being dealt with/studied, does not deal with homosexuality, rather it deals with the inclusion of the other/others. Many Christians today long to experience the munificent power of God, this is precisely why Acts is used in this discussion as it is a book that vibrates with life – God’s new life that He bestows upon His people through the Holy Spirit. Looking at Acts 15: 1-29, which speaks about Christian leaders’ meeting in Jerusalem, will aid me in discussing inclusivity and how to incorporate lesbigays, who are seen as “different”, into the extended family within God’s church. By virtue of the text and stories that Paul, Barnabas and Peter had shared with their followers, they had convinced the church that heathens that were not circumcised could still be included within the faith-community. These apostles delivered personal testimonies about the “signs and wonders” and how they also occurred and succeeded amongst the non-believers. This is precisely the type of testimony that the church needs for, and by its lesbigay followers. It is important that we create room for each other to truly live out our Christianity, to be receptive and open to each other, to accept each other as Jesus Christ and God loves and accepts each and every one of us – basically a space where we include everyone in the covenant with God, and the Word of God that asks us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves, as Christ loves us. This love is witnessed in the crucifiction of Christ. We all have a stake in this be it Jew or non-Jew, slave or free man, man or woman, heterosexual or homosexual. If God can include everybody in His love, then that should be the role of the Church, and of each Christian. We should be able to live as one big, happy family whilst serving our God. God’s love and grace excludes no-one.

The author of dissertation considers that dependence of behavior of people on their attitude toward God the Creator is perhaps the first and the most important topic that comes to mind during the study of the present passage of the most fundamental Paul's epistle. We believe it is necessary to explore "false foundations" as we see as Paul opposes to them his ideology - ideology of worship to God the Creator. We affirm that Paul sees the main reason of immoral behavior in such area of man's activity as thinking that, in its tum, denies the Creator of every living thing of Earth and because of its incapability to rule over human passions is forced to look for an ideological basis for its acts. This thesis has also practical meaning because it demonstrates Paul's methodology of disproval of false theories of that time revealing their illogicality and senselessness. / Biblical and Ancient studies / M. Th (New Testament)