Homosexuality - Past and Present Perspectives

Homosexuality, Past and Present Perspectives

Introduction

It wasn’t more than a few decades ago when just mentioning the word “homosexual,” brought images of two, effeminate young men, holding hands, while skipping merrily through a field of daisies. Homosexuals or lesbians were thought of only by their sexual orientation, and not “Tom” is a lawyer, with a house in ABC city, and enjoys playing golf, or “John” is in school, working toward his MBA, and works part-time for a computer company. Tom and John’s identity were based solely upon their sexual preferences. No one ever considered sitting in a restaurant, and whispering “he’s a heterosexual,” when “Bob” walked in the door. He was thought of as a guy who is 6’ 5”, works in a bank, just got divorced, and is trying to get custody of his three children. His sexual identity never came into play.

Today, unquestionably homosexuality is viewed quite differently. Tom and John are treated like any other couple, have many heterosexual friends, and if you saw them walking down the street, their appearance and demeanor would never say “gay.”

It may sound strange to say this paper is about the history of homosexuality. Certainly it didn’t just occur one day out of the blue. Rather, it’s an informative paper that provides a factual account of how homosexuality was regarded throughout history. No opinions or personal viewpoints will offered.

From the beginning

Late in the 19th century, German psychologist, Karoly Maria Benkert, conceived the term ‘homosexuality.’ Despite this, information, theories and intellectual dialogue have been around since ancient Greek times. A common belief was that people could be sexually attracted to either sex, and one’s choice was the primary issue, not morality. Decency and kindheartedness of the individual was more important, and gender became inconsequential. (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2011).

The issue of status was significant when it came to sexual partners, so only “free men” had maximum status, signifying sex with woman and male slaves was okay, because they were considered deficient, and wouldn’t be defiant sexual companions. However, it was viewed inappropriate for free men to partake in sexual relations with each other, as it would affect their status. (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2011). The real issue with sex, in ancient Greece, involved assuming an expression that was proactive, or “insertive,” verses one that was submissive or “penetrative.” (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2011).

Tales of having same-sex lovers included the Greek god, Zeus, in addition to Achilles, Plato and Hercules. (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2011).

Medieval times

During the Middle Ages, negative viewpoints and typecasts about homosexuality turned stricter, intensifying Church and State. However, the underlying reasons for such oppression developed from political and economic antagonism, in addition to self-indulgence and jealousy. (Norton, 2008). Since austerity in medieval times also had a preoccupation with sex, accusations of sacrilege and treachery went hand-in-hand with allegations of sexual deviation.

Enormous prejudice towards homosexuality was rampant from twelfth through fourteenth centuries, and this new measure of morality not only prohibited homosexuality, but also banned extramarital sex, married couples having non-reproductive sex, and masterbation. (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2011).

In thirteenth century Paris, peccata contra naturam sunt gravissima^[1] became the rationale behind the intolerance of homosexuality, as its obvious purpose was based on self-gratification and indulgence, not procreation. St. Thomas Aquinas, professor at the University of Paris claimed that the “right reason” (Norton, 2008). for having intercourse was to procreate, period. His “philosophical condemnation of homosexuality became the precedent for all theological and intellectual discourse upon the subject.” (Norton, 2008). Yet, having homosexual tendencies or desires wasn’t the rightful sin. Engaging in the act of sodomy, even between married heterosexuals was the ultimate transgression.

Punishments for practicing sodomy were severe. Even heterosexual sodomites were sometimes burned to death or beheaded. Bounties were awarded to people who abhorred sodomites, and fines imposed on residents who hid and sheltered sodomites. Those who weren’t able to pay fines could be hung by their genitals. (Norton, 2008).

From the Bible

When God created Adam and Eve; a man and woman, they were to carry out his directive to populate the earth. Because homosexuals cannot fulfill this directive they are going against God’s will.

It’s clearly evident, the Bible censures homosexuality. The following are a few passages that confirm it: Slick’s work (as cited in the Bible, n.d.).

1. Lev. 18:22, “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.”
2. Lev. 20:13, “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them.”
3. 1 Cor. 6:9-10, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals…”

Sexual rights

It appears that God doesn’t just say homosexuality is a sin, but any person who accepts or approves of it is a sinner as well. Many people in today’s society believe it is okay for two individuals to “just love each other.” (Slick, n.d.). They^[2] don’t feel it is appropriate for Christians to judge them. But, the righteous Christians question who are they to determine “what is morally right and wrong.” They defend homosexuality by engaging society, common sense and stressing their basic rights. However, who is to decide what common sense is? It certainly wouldn’t be the same for all people. (Slick, n.d.). We all have basic rights; however, homosexuals want sexual rights. There already are existing philosophies regarding sexual rights, but no clear definitions, or universal standards are in place. Numerous different factors must be considered in order to establish one standard definition of sexual rights. (Separating sexual rights from reproductive rights, 2004).