A Jewish organization in America is interpreting the Old Testament in “new ways” to support homosexuality. The organization, Nehirim, aims to provide “vibrant, pluralistic, egalitarian and accessible programming that cultivates and empowers LGBTQI [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Intersex] Jewish souls.” (“I” for intersex has recently been added to LGBTQ. In time, “C” for child sex and “B” for bestiality will probably be added. Why not?) Rabbi Debra Kolodny, Executive Director of Nehirim, calls the new interpretations “queering the text.” It produces something they call “queer theology.” She looks for the chidush, or “the insight that’s never been imagined before because the lens we’re looking for today never existed before” (“The Queering of Leviticus: How a Rabbi Permits Gay Sex,” The Times of Israel, Dec. 4, 2014). How does she “queer the text” of Leviticus 20:13? “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” She says that the word “abomination” here refers only to homosexuality within the context of a pagan or idolatrous rite. She says that if someone asks if it’s ok for two men to engage in homosexual relations, she responds, “Are you engaging with pagan ritual? If not, it’s not prohibited--the Torah doesn’t speak to it.” This is the standard way that supporters of homosexuality have interpreted the Old Testament prohibitions since the birth of “queer theology” about three decades ago. The first Nehirim Jewish clergy retreat was held in San Francisco this week. We have previously reported on the large annual “gay pride” parades in Tel Aviv. Well does Bible prophecy describe end-time Jerusalem as “Sodom” (Revelation 11:8). (Friday Church News Notes, December 12, 2014, www.wayoflife.org, [email protected], 866-295-4143) Comments are closed.
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