These two verses in Leviticus read as follows in the King James
Version: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind; it
is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22) “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 be
upon them.” (Leviticus 20:13) Before delving into these two
verses, it would be helpful to read How Language is Interpreted,
which is part of the discussion of Romans 1. If we wish to
understand the true meaning of these verses, we must look at
their context, both textual and historical. Until we understand
what prompted these rules in Old Testament times, we will not be
able to determine if the rules should be applied to the case of
two people in committed, loving relationship. Note 1. Leviticus
18:2-3, 18:24, and 20:23. The text itself gives us a big clue as
to the intended meaning. Three different times we are
specifically told that the rules set forth in chapters 18 and 20
are meant to prevent