The Book of Genesis, Essay Example

Introduction

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is well-known to people all over the world. For many of them, the name of Sodom is associated with numerous sexual sins, for which the city was later destroyed by God. Unfortunately, not many religious adherents ever tried to explore the primary Biblical texts, and the Book of Genesis (Chapters 17-19) presents a somewhat controversial picture of Sodom. In the current state of language, “sodomy” is usually associated with homosexuality and sexual abuse, but the detailed analysis of the Book of Genesis shows sodomy as the combination of sex, homosexuality, rejection, discrimination, and violence.

In the Book of Genesis, the story of Gomorrah and Sodom is told in three chapters, from 17 to 19, but it is the 19^th Chapter that provides the main information about Sodom and that also generates controversial attitudes and understanding of what Sodom is. Chapter 19 begins with the two angels coming to Sodom “at evening; and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. And Lot saw, and rose up to meet them; and he bowed with his face toward the earth” (Conant 76). Conant’s translation of the Book of Genesis is much similar to that by Priaulx and Bush, because all three translators show the residents of Sodom as those, who do not welcome newcomers and who are willing to use them to satisfy their homosexual desires. “And they called unto Lot, and said into him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them” (Bush 304). However, the true sense of their request does not become clear, until Lot offers his two daughters, who never knew men, to the residents of his city. The detailed analysis of the three Biblical versions shows that Lot does realize the viciousness of his neighbors and is willing to do everything possible to protect the angels from violence and abuse.

Unfortunately, neither Conant, nor Priaulx and Bush can clarify the true meaning of the word “Sodom”. In the current state of language, the word sodomy is closely associated with the word “homosexuality”, but whether the residents of Sodom seek to meet angels for their sexual or other desires is still a matter of hot debate. On the one hand, conservatives use these chapters in Genesis to prove homosexuality as a forbidden practice and a practice that leads to the genocide of entire cities like Sodom (Religious Tolerance). On the other hand, Sodom stands out as the bright example of the way people are being rejected or harassed by insensitivity of the local residents (Religious Tolerance). The present day meaning of sodomy is increasingly narrow and does not account the multiple meanings, discussed in this paper. At the same time, the word sodomy is always linked to the need for punishing and destroying those, who go against the Law of God, regardless of whether one speaks about sexual or other sins. Very often, the word “sodomite” is used to define “maltreatment, rejection and lack of caring for the oppressed, exposed, poor and sick. The people of Sodom are criticized through the Bible for their treatment of strangers, widows, children, the poor, etc.” (Religious Tolerance). In both cases, it is obvious that the word “sodomy” is extremely flexible, and that depending on circumstances, religious adherents and common people will try to give it new meanings. Simultaneously, only a detailed analysis of primary texts can lead to the creation of one single universal meaning of “sodomy” in modern English.

Conclusion

In Genesis 19, Sodom is destroyed for the sins, which its residents committed during their lives. Very often, the word Sodom is associated with homosexuality and sexual abuse, and in modern English the term “sodomite” is used to confirm the inappropriateness of and religious intolerance toward any form of same-sex relationships. Sodomy is also associated with the general meaning of rejection, discrimination, insensitivity, and violence. In any case, creating a single universal definition of sodomy in modern English is impossible without a detailed examination of primary biblical texts, which still leave much room for multiple and at times controversial interpretations.

Works Cited

Bush, G. Notes, Critical and Practical, On the Book of Genesis. Ivison, Phinney, 1838.

Conant, T.J. The Book of Genesis: The Common Version Revised for the American Bible Union. American Bible Union, 1868.

Priaulx, O.B. The Book of Genesis Compared With the Remains of Ancient Religions. Oxford University, 1854.

Religious Tolerance. “Who Are Today’s Sodomites.” 2006. Religious Tolerance. 13 October 2009 http://www.religioustolerance.org/hombibg194.htm