Critics claim that these passages do not condemn homosexuality itself on a moral basis but rather male cultic prostitution or "ritual impurity" associated with Canaanite idolatry. The argument is that because the idolatrous Canaanite religious practices that Leviticus condemns ceased thousands of years ago, they cannot logically apply to "loving, committed homosexual relationships" today. Thus homosexuals argue these verses "are historically interesting but have no contemporary relevance because of their setting in the rules for cultic purification, and because of the lack of clarity in their underlying meaning."
    The problem with such a view is that there is absolutely nothing in the text to substantiate it. First, even Bailey and Bishop John Shelby Spong, both ardent supporters of homosexuality, can see this. Bailey confesses, "It is hardly open to doubt that both the laws in Leviticus relate to ordinary homosexual acts between men, and not to ritual or other acts performed in the name of religion." Spong also admits that normal homosexual practices are condemned.
    Second, when God wants to specifically mention the practices of cultic prostitutes, He does so, as in Deuteronomy 23:17: "No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute." The fact they were are not mentioned in Leviticus 18:22; 20:13 indicates that God is dealing with homosexuality per se, not with any specific form of Canaanite cultic practice.
    Third, the entire context of both Leviticus 18 and Leviticus 20 is primarily one of morality, not idolatrous worship. Thus, in Leviticus 18:1-5 God informs the Israelites they must not imitate the evil practices of the Canaanites but be careful to obey God's laws and follow His injunctions. God is driving out the Canaanites not for their idolatry but for their abominable sexual practices. Indeed, the entire remainder of the chapter describes almost all of these evil practices as sexual sins: forbidden sexual relationships among family members. sexual relations during a woman's menstrual cycle, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality. The remainder of the chapter consists of stringent warnings not to be defiled by such practices. This is why God commands in verse 24: "Do not defile yourself in any of these ways."
    Further, the constant repetition of the themes of defilement and abomination are repeated no less than nine times in the subsequent verses (Leviticus 18:24-29).
    These Levitical passages deal with moral concerns, not merely the fact of participation in idolatrous Canaanite rituals. Further, such moral concerns are still relevant for today. This is why Bahnsen argues, "The predominant character of {these sections} is moral, and their content is generally recognized as binding today (e.g., prohibiting incest, adultery, child sacrifice, idolatry, oppression of the poor, slander, hated, unjust weights and measures... The defender of homosexuality must produce a viable criterion for distinguishing between moral and ceremonial laws, or else consistently reject them all.").
    Finally, consider the lexical meaning of the Hebrew word translated "abomination" (toebah): "{this word is} used five times in Leviticus 18 {and} is a term of strong disapproval, meaning literally something detestable and hated by God."
    In conclusion, no one can logically maintain that God is not condemning homosexuality per se in these passages.

Taken from The Facts On Homosexuality by John Ankerberg and John Weldon, Published by Harvest House Publishers.

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