A biblical perspective and critique of homosexuality by the Xhosa culture

Abstract

The clergy and the laity of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) are of opposing views in their attempt to deal with the phenomenon of homosexuality in the church. Scripture says, “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin” (Lv 18:22). Leviticus 20:13 reinforces the above commandment. Scripture, according to some people, is associated with colonialism. This paper argues that legitimizing homosexuality among societies is in conflict with the ideology of Africanizing and enculturation of Scriptural texts, and tends to violate certain cultural values of other African societies, with specific focus on Xhosa ethnic group2. The question of morality is critical within the Xhosa cultural belief system. In this study, biblical teachings, cultural tenets of the Xhosa people and modern feministic concepts are highlighted in an attempt to explore the heated debate that surrounds homosexuality.