Is Christianity the origin of homophobia in Europe?

[nickkielcepoland]

Discussion question: Is Western homophobia a result of Christianity, or was homophobia already present in pre-Christian Europe?

My conclusion is that Christianity certainly introduced homophobia into southern Europe, and there is every reason to think that it brought homophobia into the rest of Europe too. And even if there was some homophobia in Europe before Christianity, I think there is every suggestion that Christianity made Europe far more homophobic.

Below, I present my argumentation.

We all know that some Christians are homohobic, but also, some atheists are homophobic.

The question I'm asking is, what effect did Christianity have on the European view of homosexuality - did Christianity make Europe more homophobic, or was Europe already homophobic, even before Christianity?

First of all, the Romans...
The pre-Christian, multitheist Romans accepted gay people.

Secondly, the Greeks...
The pre-Christian, multitheist Greeks accepted gay people.

What about the pre-Christian, multitheist Vikings? Well, I found this article, and pasted the following extract, and the link below the extract.

"Homosexuality was not regarded by the Viking peoples as being evil, perverted, innately against the laws of nature or any of the other baggage about the concept that Christian belief has provided Western culture.""
www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=15451.0

[Deleted]

I would say "Yes and No" (No I'm not Humphrey Appleby)
omophobia originates in religion like Muslim and Jewdaism, and I believe Christianity took up homophobia from these religions, mainly the Catholic
Church spread homophobia in Europe and worldwide.
Both Muslim/Jewdaism were not as prominent in Europe, as the Middle East which bacome Catholic. The same happend in Africa.
I don't care what religion people are, I believe religion and homophobia can't go hand in hand. Homophobia religion or not, is wrong. Who are we to judge who which is the better sexual orentation, just as who are we to judge who is the better colour or religion.

[nickkielcepoland]

Aug 19, 2014 11:51:43 GMT 1 milkhope said:

I would say "Yes and No" (No I'm not Humphrey Appleby)
omophobia originates in religion like Muslim and Jewdaism, and I believe Christianity took up homophobia from these religions, mainly the Catholic
Church spread homophobia in Europe and worldwide.
Both Muslim/Jewdaism were not as prominent in Europe, as the Middle East which bacome Catholic. The same happend in Africa.
I don't care what religion people are, I believe religion and homophobia can't go hand in hand. Homophobia religion or not, is wrong. Who are we to judge who which is the better sexual orentation, just as who are we to judge who is the better colour or religion.

Well, the New Testament does contain a homophobic-seeming passage in Paul's letters to the Romans. So there was homophobia in the world before Islam, which is a much younger religion than Christianity.

The question remains was the Biblical homophobia the first homophobia to be published in Europe. I personally can't find examples of homophobia in Europe which is older than Christianity's entry into Europe, but I can find examples of acceptance of homosexuality in Europe which pre-dates the Christian arrival in Europe.

[Deleted]

I have to call into question of all letters from the apostle's. Most people at that time were illiterate, which call into question there provenance.

The Catholic monks were amonge the people who were literate and skills to would translate the Bible. It is the Bibles which most English churches use.

It is true ancient Greeces and Rome weren't homophobic until Christianity. The "Last Supper" by da Vinci is interesting, John on the left of Christ is depicted as very effeminate. The Catholic Church says it may be Mary Magdalene, if so where's John?

[nickkielcepoland]

Aug 21, 2014 17:43:27 GMT 1 milkhope said:

I have to call into question of all letters from the apostle's. Most people at that time were illiterate, which call into question there provenance.

The Catholic monks were amonge the people who were literate and skills to would translate the Bible. It is the Bibles which most English churches use.

It is true ancient Greeces and Rome weren't homophobic until Christianity. The "Last Supper" by da Vinci is interesting, John on the left of Christ is depicted as very effeminate. The Catholic Church says it may be Mary Magdalene, if so where's John?

Thank you for that interesting information. I'll have to ponder it. Hope you're well.

[stantheman]

i reckon puff the magic dragon ghas a lot to answer for.

glad st george slayed the big jessie

[Deleted]

Far better Stan stick to things you know. I know this will restrict him. This is a interesting and thought provoking thread, which is quite obvious is far over his head.

I am aware Stan posting implies homophobia. "Puff the magic dragon" It isn't a nursery rhyme or homophobic, it about smoking cannabis, which shows his ignorance....................................again.!!!