The Bible and Sodomy

            First, one must separate the two ideas of sodomy and homosexuality from each other in order to analyze differing interpretation of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Sodomy does not implicitly imply homosexuality, rather it simply includes it. From here, differing interpretations can be viewed; each emphasizes different ideas as to what wicked sins lead to the demise of the two cities. One stresses homosexuality and sodomy, one could view it to be sodomy not vehemently meaning homosexuality, and others believe it to be things such as pride, arrogance, inhospitality, the lack of helping those in need, and the poor treatment of traveler and foreigners. Each interpretation can be supported by biblical text, yet only one is truly referred to again later in the Bible. The interpretation stating the pride and stinginess of Sodom lead to its demise is later referenced in the New Testament book of Ezekiel. Thus granting that interpretation arguably more evidence than any other. Yet, the story is traditionally used to emphasize the wickedness of homosexuality and sodomy. This is most likely due to the interests such an interpretation served for the church. Although, the arguably most correct interpretation would be a mixture of the interpretation, for the bible describes the sodomites as both wicked and sinful. Thus, as one interpreter states, “ Now the men of Sodom were wicked with their wealth, and they were sinful with their bodies before the Lord, exceedingly” (Kugel 188). This idea is supported by the Bible and by the arguments for each of the other interpretations and is not refuted by the same arguments.