The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is typically misinterpreted as a case of God’s judgment against homosexuality. The threat presented by the men of Sodom was actually the threat of same-sex gang rape.

Although the threat of rape is inexorably a sexual one, the lust behind it is not especially sexual. Rape has to do more with the need to have power over and to dominate others.

A gross example of this kind of power would be the rape that happens of enemy soldiers by their male captors.

Interpreting the lust of rape as equivalent to the love and faithful unions between gay males and lesbians is absurd.

Clearly the story of Sodom and Gomorrah does not provide support for the condemnation of healthy same-sex unions.

Rather, it condemns sexual violence (whether heterosexual or homosexual).

Certainly people of any sexual orientation can be violent or lustful. Attempting to say that a certain lust applies to all people of one orientation is emotionally charged and intellectually bankrupt.

Critically evaluating and challenging the presumed understanding of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah has the potential to break down the walls that prevent us from getting to know our gay and lesbian neighbors.

Don Paulsen

North Sioux City, SD