Homosexual Sex

The television evangelist accepted questions from his audience on a regular basis. It was good way to fill some extra time, and sometimes proved to be one of the most interesting parts of the show. He didn't display his surprise, if he had any, when the question concerned oral sex. A member of the audience wanted to know if it is permissible for married couples to engage in oral sex. He answered in a straightforward fashion that any kind of homosexual sex is wrong. He explained that oral and anal sex are simply homosexual acts, even if they are committed by people of the opposite sex. Therefore, no Christian married couple could participate in these kinds of activities.

This response, although fitting with a puritanical view espoused in promoting the "missionary position" as the only acceptable sexual activity for Christians, raises issues concerning a definition of homosexual acts and homosexuals. One definition of homosexuality is simply to have sex or be erotically stimulated with a member of ones own sex. With this evangelist's view of defining specific acts as either homosexual or heterosexual, the issue becomes more difficult to define.

Dr. Alan Bell, senior research Psychologist at Indiana University, explains: “...there is no such thing as homosexuality. I mean by this that the homosexual experience is so diverse, the variety of psychological and social and sexual correlates so enormous, that the word, "homosexuality", used as a kind of an umbrella term, is both meaningless and misleading.” (Bell 1976, 131)

The popular idea of defining people according to who they are erotically stimulated by or who they have sex with needs to be scrutinized. The idea of defining people according to one part of their character means that we choose to ignore all of the other things that make them a human being.

Alfred Kinsey developed a seven-layer scale and plotted his research from those who are exclusively heterosexual at one side of the scale and those who are exclusively homosexual at the other. There is no doubt that the vast majority of sexual experiences are with a member of the opposite sex. However, he determined that about 18 percent of males have at least half their sexual experiences with other men.

It could be that a person tends to practice sexual intercourse with their own sex or that they tend to have intercourse with the opposite sex. Some people have sex with anyone. The question arises whether anyone can be placed exclusively at one end of the scale or the other. The homosexual-heterosexual dichotomy is not as clear-cut as many would like to believe. Instead, people are varied and different. There could very well be as many different sexual appetites as there are people in the world. To try to place everyone in two categories is extremely difficult in a sexually complex society such as ours.

Uproar was caused in 1993 when the Alan Gutmacher Institute released a study concerning homosexual men. This study found that only one percent of men in America has had same-gender sex exclusively for the past ten years. The reason for the shock waves through much of the political and psychological community was because this study appeared to differ from the historic Kinsey sex research completed in 1948 and again in 1953. Experts and politicians had long believed that the historic study showed ten percent of men practicing same gender sex. The two seemed to be in conflict.

However, What if both studies are fairly accurate? It is very possible that both are true due to the way that the questions were framed. The 1948 Kinsey research indicated that ten percent of men were more or less exclusively homosexual for at least three years between the ages of 16 and 55. This is a different question than the study reported by Gutmacher. If both are true, one percent practiced male same-gender sex in 1993 exclusively and ten percent practiced male same-gender sex exclusively for at least three years of their lives. This would indicate that a person who may define himself as homosexual at one point in life might not define himself under the same terms at another point in life. This is not surprising when it is considered that many men keep their sexual orientation secretive for long periods of life. These “closeted” individuals are usually married and sexually active with their wives. Closeted men are struggling with their own sexual orientation, and often simply try to live up to society’s expectations with an amazing amount of effort and stamina. The percentage of men who have had sex with other men at some point in their lives is probably much higher. Melinda Beck quotes a representative of the Kinsey Institute to explain the apparent contradiction;

Meanwhile, Stephanie A. Sanders, assistant director of the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, in Bloomington, Ind., said that Alfred Kinsey's notorious findings have been misread. He reported that ten percent of white males age 16 to 55 said they'd had predominantly gay contacts for at least three years; only four percent said they were lifelong homosexuals ... "The real question is, what are we talking about when we say 'homosexual'?" Sanders said, "Is three years sufficient? Do you have to spend a lifetime?" (Beck 1993, 57)

We are created as sexual creatures and, for whatever reason, we tend to be more flexible in how we express that sexuality than we like to admit or think. Young boys often experiment with sex with one another. Does that make one a homosexual? Curiosity may cause a man to have sex with another man. Does that make him a homosexual? One man may have sex with a male lover for several years. Does that make him a homosexual? Where do we make the determination of homosexuality?

The sexual practices of human beings are varied. Even among those men who would not think of having sex with another man, there is variety in the kinds of sexual contacts with women and with one's self. How do we determine which of these acts are inherently homosexual and which are inherently heterosexual? When the Bible refers to homosexual acts, and corrects those who participate in them, Which specific acts are to be noted? Is an act homosexual, or is the determining factor, whether we are committing that act with a member of the same sex?

There is a primary sexual act that probably everyone has committed at some time or another. Masturbation, or self-stimulation of the genitals leading to ejaculation, is common among both young and old. This is a sexual act with one's self. The question arises as to whether this is a homosexual act. Very little attention is given to masturbation in most of modern society. For some, it is considered normal. Others, consider the act deviant, but so common that there is little point in trying to convince one not to masturbate. Perhaps the greatest reason that masturbation cannot be dealt with more fully is that it is a completely private act.

But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay with his brother's wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the Lord's sight; so he put him to death also. (Genesis 38:9,10)

. This incident cannot be construed as to represent masturbation. He simply interrupted intercourse and ejaculated on the ground. Onan was disobedient to God and his social responsibilities by spilling his semen on the ground. In doing so, to the eastern mind at the time, he was showing disrespect for his recently deceased brother. Masturbation, is simply a non-issue biblically except for New Testament references that may include the act as "lewd" or "licentious."

However, there are legitimate concerns about masturbation, especially if it becomes a habit. Often masturbation is connected with sexually stimulating thoughts. These thoughts cause a person to enter into a world of fantasy. Although fantasy has been found to help with creativity regarding pleasing a sex partner, it has also been found to become a problem when one finds it difficult to separate fantasy from reality. Furthermore, fantasy is perfect and fulfilling, while reality is imperfect and sometimes unfulfilling. A person who relies on fantasy to guide their sex life will most often find themselves frustrated and continually searching for the perfect lover.

Perhaps masturbation becomes more of an issue when it is a less than private act. It has happened that groups of boys at the high school shower room masturbate together. Sometimes, one would stimulate the penis of another with his hand. Friends who are even younger have experimented and found that stimulating one another to ejaculation is pleasurable. I'm sure that few people would declare that these acts of experimentation or momentary erotic stimulation define the individuals involved as homosexual. To say that these boys or men are therefore permanently and exclusively homosexual is another big assumption.

Perhaps the act that may serve as an entry into the range of homosexual acts is oral sex, called fellatio. In this instance one man uses his mouth and tongue to stimulate, often including a sucking action, the penis or testicles of another. This practice may lead directly to ejaculation, or serve as a precursor to other forms of intercourse. This is an act that both homosexuals and heterosexuals participate in.

The Alan Gutmacher Institute reports that 81 percent of white males and 62 percent of black males in America are the recipients of oral sex. (Adler 1993, 55) It would appear that this practice is an extremely popular one. If these huge numbers of people are practicing oral sex, and a much smaller percentage of men are having sex with other men, it seems that this practice is extremely common among heterosexuals, although it is practiced among homosexuals at an extremely high ratio.

It appears that the Bible may only have one direct reference to oral sex, although not all scholars see a sexual situation in the verse. In this instance, the recipient is a man and the active partner is a woman. "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste." (Song of Songs 2:3)

The anatomical form of the mouth differs very little, if at all, between men and women. People certainly enjoy being stimulated in this way. However, it would be ridiculous to assume from the frequency of oral sexual contact that the vast majority of men are truly homosexual. Some would say that this is simply an indication that a homosexual practice has crept into the practices of society at large. However, it would be difficult to show that any homosexual or group of homosexuals has attempted to educate others in this form of activity. As a matter of fact, it would appear that this form of sexual contact tends to promote itself.

It is interesting to note at this point that Christian youth workers often see oral sex, along with anal sex, as a major issue facing today's church-going teenagers. Young girls who want to remain virgins often tend to perform oral sex on their boyfriends simply to remain virgins and satisfy their boyfriend's desires at the same time. A similar attitude, particularly dangerous in light of HIV, seems to have developed concerning anal sex.

Perhaps the homosexual aspect of oral sex is found in the man or boy who is the active partner in oral sex rather than the passive partner. For one to receive this kind of stimulation may not particularly distinguish one as homosexual. However, the active person who uses his mouth to stimulate another man's penis is certainly aware that this is a form of sexuality, which from his perspective, can only be done with the same sex. However, there is tremendous evidence that not every male who performs fellatio on another male does so for sexual reasons. There can be other psychological and social reasons than sensual and erotic gratification. Although I would not want to suggest that this kind of gratification should be dismissed as a motivation for performing oral sex on another man.

Another form of oral stimulation that is practiced frequently among homosexuals, but is much more rare among heterosexuals, is stimulation of the anus with the tongue or lips. This occurs at times between heterosexuals, but is considered to be infrequent. The Gutmacher study reported 21 percent of white males and 14 percent of black males have anal sex. (ibid) However, the report does not address whether the anal stimulation is oral or penile. Neither does the study indicate whether the males are passive or active. Dr. Alan Bell claims that these kinds of homosexual activities vary from person to person, but still have some commonality.

With regard to their sexual repertoire, again we find that homosexuals can be differentiated with regard to how locked in they are to certain roles and techniques. Some males insist on being the inserters, others on being the insertees, but clearly this kind of rigidity is not characteristic of most homosexuals. The largest number of our white male sample preferred performing fellatio on their partners, and a slightly smaller number preferred performing anal intercourse. (Bell 1976, 137-8)

Among those who practice male to male sexual contact oral stimulation of the anus is a natural next step from oral stimulation of the penis and testicles. At times this stimulation is used for direct gratification and may lead to ejaculation in itself. At other times oral stimulation of the anus serves to prepare for penetration of the anus.

Anal intercourse is a major part of the homosexual lifestyle. Again, there are males, both homosexual and heterosexual, who participate in anal intercourse. It is difficult to determine the number of men who are passive or active in penile penetration of the anus with other men. This practice is understood by some to be unacceptable in the Bible, and a later chapter will deal more definitively with the issue. However, please keep in mind at this point that there are a good number of unacceptable heterosexual practices in the Bible as well. “If any overt homosexual experience at any point in life becomes the deciding factor that places an individual in the homosexual category, many persons would be labeled homosexual who do not fit that classification at all. ... After such transitory adolescent experimentation, many of these persons grow to lead quite normal heterosexual lives, including marriage and children.” (Scanzoni 1978, 75)

Not all acts of sexuality are quite as overt as the ones listed so far. The entire body can become an erotically stimulating sexual organ. Homosexual men find pleasure in caressing and hugging one another as much as any heterosexual couple does. Full body kissing and nude massage are forms of intimacy where men can explore one another's bodies in a sexually stimulating way. Some men are aroused by stimulation of their breast nipples. Caressing and massaging one another’s buttocks arouses most people. This kind of sensual touching does not have to include the sexual organs, but certainly does in many instances. Fondling the penis and testicles and rubbing them on one another's body is reported to bring tremendous pleasure. Homosexual men often claim that since they have the same body parts they can know how to best stimulate their partner toward sexual gratification.

The range of sexual activities between two men varies from very quiet and sensual to violent and sado-masochistic, much as any other sexual beings. Assumptions that homosexual intercourse is particularly violent or always from a particular perspective is certainly untrue. The range of tastes and practices among homosexuals are just as broad and complex as any other group of people.

Attempts to define homosexuality are surprisingly more complex than once thought. Different cultures define homosexuality in different ways. The historical portion of this study found that ancient cultures had varied views of homosexuality. While the Greeks were tolerant of homosexual acts for a time, they were not tolerant toward those who tried to practice homosexual sex exclusively and permanently. Those who only wanted to be the recipient of penile penetration of the anus were rejected outright.

Interestingly, some oriental cultures today overwhelmingly deny that homosexuality exists at all, yet many men admit having performed anal intercourse on other men. Their definition of homosexuality is exclusive, passive, anal penetration by another man's penis. Men in that society are unwilling to admit that they are receivers in anal sex, but openly admit that they have inserted their penis in other men.

There are instances of people being involved in homosexual conduct in a specific situation that would never be involved in that activity in another situation. Adolescence is an example of this for many. The instance of homosexuality in the prison population is overwhelming. In this situation men find sexual fulfillment in other men because there are no females available. The sex drive is extremely powerful and few can control themselves during long term incarceration. For many of these prisoners they are simply forced into serving as another man's catamite. In other instances men seek out other men simply to fulfill one another's erotic interests.

Boarding schools and military schools have long been concerned with the same issue. Young men and boys are placed in positions of close proximity to one another at a time when hormonal influence is very high. Since they are separated from female companionship, these situations can develop into sexual experimentation, sexual confusion, sexual abuse, and conduct that would not otherwise have been pursued.

It has already been shown that closed religious orders have been places of this type of situational homosexual activity. The rise in accusations against ministers of child abuse may indicate that there is a problem within the clergy, more specifically clergy that are required to remain celibate and live in cloistered situations. The years of frustration living in this situation can create a climate for abuse and intolerable behavior.

It needs to be noted that there are members of the homosexual community who prey on little boys. Their particular fantasy life leads to a desire to have sexual relations with children. While homosexuals are most often accused of this problem, the issue exists within both a homosexual and a heterosexual context. Heterosexual men molest girls far more frequently than homosexual men molest boys. While such behavior cannot be condoned or tolerated, it must be recognized not as a homosexual problem, but as a problem from any part of the sexual spectrum. In reality, the true pedophile is not particularly interested in whether the sex is homosexual or heterosexual. The pedophile is more concerned with power and domination issues. Overwhelmingly, pedophiles are heterosexuals who will molest either boys or girls. They prey on children because of their perceived weakness.

Those who desire to molest children should remember the warning of Jesus. "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (Matthew 18:6) The victimization, molestation and abuse of children is a despicable behavior that cannot be accepted as normal for any adult or society. However, those who choose to cast blame on homosexuals often accuse homosexuals of being child molesters. This is simply not the case. Pedophiles are usually heterosexual.

It becomes difficult to define what actions are homosexual when it comes to the kinds of displays of affection and love for other people that are a part of society as a whole. American society does not generally accept two grown men kissing each other. This is seen as a homosexual act. Yet, men in parts of Europe are perfectly free to express themselves in this way. In America, hugging between men is viewed with suspicion, along with nearly any kind of physical contact, while some other cultures think nothing of such expressions.

However, one of the most prominent sports for "macho" men also has clear and unmistakable homosexual undertones. Football is considered an acceptable manly sport. It is a special kind of male bonding. Yet, the uniforms of football players are designed with padding that highlights the sexual parts of the anatomy. Wide shoulders, huge crotches, and nearly nothing on the buttocks emphasize the more erotic parts of the body. In football men are allowed to hug one another. Of course they fight with one another as well. Intense physical contact is made as the men carry out the different parts of the game. And, how do football players greet one another? They pat each other on the buttocks.

Perhaps men sense a need to be affectionate and touch other men and football is a socially acceptable outlet. Some of those who enjoy and participate in the game can certainly be found on the side of the sexual spectrum that indicates homoerotic feelings. I'm sure that no one would assume that these male football players are homosexual, especially in the exclusive sense. However, the popularity of football among males could be an indication that men need to learn how to express love, devotion, comradery, and, even affection for one another in ways that will be socially accepted and non-threatening.

Defining homosexuality has become far more difficult than previously thought. It seems that there are two aspects of being homosexual. The first can be defined as a desire to enjoy the physical pleasures of sexual activity with the same gender. The second part of the definition is regarding the individual's feelings. Homosexuals feel attracted to the same sex and is erotically stimulated by men rather than women. Even this is limited as a definition, for it does not take into account situational homosexuals or the very small minority of people who have biologically unique circumstances, such as hermaphrodites, who possess the sexual organs of both sexes, and intersexuals, who have internal reproductive organs of one sex, but opposite or ambiguous external genitalia. Human sexuality is varied and special. Often that sexuality is special and unique to individuals rather than to groups and categories of study.

Homosexuals are people much like anyone else. They can be very loving and compassionate people. They can also be creative and productive in most areas of life. The vast majority are not maverick confrontational people who want to convince everyone else to become homosexual. They are not the source of all the ills that plague western society. Neither are they bogeymen out to attack others. In many instances, homosexuals are often afraid for a large portion of their lives. They frequently have been afraid of themselves, a society that does not accept them, and often, of a God whose followers proclaim that He is hateful.