Mark Keown

I was asked recently whether the contemporary sexuality debates in the church can be compared to matters of slavery and women. Where slavery is concerned, the NT documents do not condemn slavery, however, the church in its wisdom a few centuries ago came to realise that slavery is fundamentally wrong in that it demeans people made in the image of God. As such, slavery is condemned by most if not all Christians. Similarly, the church in many instances has shifted its views on women toward an egalitarian stance, which seems to contrast with some parts of the Bible. The question is whether the church should similarly change its position on same-sex relationships. Here are some thoughts. Slavery It is true that the NT does not condemn slavery directly. However, neither does the NT endorse slavery. It is assumed to be something experienced by many in the church and masters and slaves are instructed concerning how to behave in their relationships (esp. Eph 6:4–9; 1 Pet 2:17–25). Howeve