Catholic theologian claims that the sin of Sodom has no relation to sodomy

Richard Clifford. Photo: bc.edu

Catholic priest and Jesuit member Richard Clifford stated that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as recounted in the Book of Genesis is not about the sin of sodomy (homosexuality, - Ed.).

Richard Clifford, who identifies himself as a biblical scholar, asserts that the sin of Sodom was "one of inhospitality toward immigrant foreigners rather than the sin of homosexuality."

Commenting on the biblical story of the attempted violence against the angels who were guests of Lot, the Jesuit priest writes that "In Lot’s eyes, the men of Sodom were not intent on homosexual rape specifically, but rather on humiliating Lot, whom they despised as an immigrant, and his two guests."

At the same time, the Epistle of Jude states that "Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire" (Jude 1:7). Significantly, the apostle not only expressly identifies the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah as unnatural sexual immorality – sodomy – but declares that they are now suffering the punishment of eternal fire in hell for this sin.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that singer Soloviy called on the UGCC to accept more parishioners from the LGBT community.

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