[Jo Nuvark]

[... do you have evidence that “MALOKOIS” AND “ARSENOKOITAI” apply beyond the pagan-temple prostitutes? ...]

If this is a justification for Christians to indulge
homosexual deviancy, then you may as well apply it to
all sexual perversions, including beastiality.

I must ask if there is any consideration that sex of
any kind outside of marriage is fornication?

I must also ask if there is any consideration that sex
of any kind with a partner other than your spouse is
adultery?

Thus... whatever ones sexual practices, whether
justified Scripturally or not, there still remains the
sin of adultery and fornication to consider.

[Gondring]

If this is a justification for Christians to indulge homosexual deviancy, then you may as well apply it to all sexual perversions, including beastiality.

Of course, now you must define "perversion"...I'm sure some would include anything other than missionary... others would allow spouses to pleasure each other in various ways.

Where that line gets drawn is an age-old question that cannot be so easily dismissed.

[Das Outsider]

Two of the standard pro-gay criticisms of the traditional understanding of Romans 1:24-28 are:

1) The acts mentioned are a perversion of loving same-sex relationships, much like heterosexual perversions.
2) 'Unnatural relations' are simply those acts which violate one's own sexual orientation or natural proclivities.

Do any questions come to mind? The first "correction" suggests that homosexual behavior is basically the same as heterosexual behavior at its purest level--in the context of a committed relationship. While it could be that those aforementioned acts resulted from idol worship and pagan practices--many of the mystery cults did engage in "sacred" sexual rites involving homosexuality and/or prostitution, whether as a vessel for the deity or otherwise--I think the cart has been put before the horse here.

Is Paul referring to specific pagan cultic practices or a general tendency towards paganism on the part of those who "suppress the truth," have "foolish hearts," and give in to "sinful desires?"