That’s right, this one gets its own post. Partly because I feel like this one is a *trigger warning* so it is better to be in its own place so that if reading it gets to be too much for you, then you can leave. It also qualifies the many forums entitled “Okay, what?“. This chapter is arguably the first to make people understand that the Bible is not a ‘why journal’. It does not, for the most part, tell you why God says to do or not do, or why the people do/do not act in a certain way. It simply states what happened. This is clearly part of what makes the Bible open to interpretation, as our society (now more than ever) is pretty focused on the “why” of a story.

This chapter seems to be used a lot to argue against homosexuality. People (Reddit users) argue that “sodomy” refers to gay sex, ignoring that the definition is actually:

It is fair to assume gay sex (for obvious reasons), but at the same time sodomy is not only in reference to gay people. Now, I don’t want you thinking that I am saying this as an attempt to twist scripture to my own ideals. I am well aware that there is clear cut scripture that speaks against homosexuality and we will get to that. However, I think that by assuming Genesis 19 is about homosexuality overlooks what the main focus should be. And what is that, you ask?

Consent.

When men are at Lot’s door, demanding essentially to be allowed to sexually assault his guests, it highlights the wickedness in man’s hearts. They are lacking in gratitude for who they already have in their life, not considering consent and refusing to acknowledge (let alone accept) that they have been refused what they want.

Genesis 19 is also that chapter where Lot is sexually assaulted by his daughters, who are so full of lust and lacking in belief that God could provide for them that they turn to assault to get what they want.

This viewpoint is also shared by Bible scholar Dan McClellan that this chapter is not focused on homosexuality as a topic but rather the lack of consent (or even consideration for it) between the people of Sodom. Overall, the lust, greed, and pride that they carry is clouding their minds.