The commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" appears to be an absolute order that forbids all forms of extramarital sex, but is it really so? If we examine the text more closely, we can see that the original Hebrew word translated as "adultery" means "unfaithfulness", which could also refer to other forms of betrayal like cheating one's neighbor or business partner.
The context suggests that the prohibition applies to men who take advantage of vulnerable women through coercion or manipulation, rather than consensual relationships between equals.
To interpret this commandment through the hermeneutic of compassion, we must consider the social and cultural conditions under which it was written. In ancient Israel, marriage was often a business transaction between families, and wives had little power or agency outside their husbands' control. Thus, the prohibition against unfaithfulness may have been intended to protect women from exploitation and abuse.
This does not mean that queer believers are required to conform to heteronormative expectations; they should seek guidance from their communities and spiritual leaders on how to apply this principle in their own lives.
When interpreting other biblical passages related to sexuality, such as those concerning homosexual behavior, we must also consider the cultural and historical context.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis refers to the practice of gang rape, which has nothing to do with loving same-sex relationships. Similarly, the law requiring death for adultery only applied when an offender was caught in the act, suggesting that extramarital sex was not always viewed as a grave sin.
The Bible offers examples of non-heterosexual couples (e.g., David and Jonathan) and even includes erotic poetry (Song of Solomon), implying that God created all forms of love and desire. Some scholars argue that these texts were intentionally left ambiguous to avoid condemning LGBTQ+ people and allow for personal interpretation based on conscience and discernment.
While some commandments appear to be absolute rules, others require nuanced understanding within specific social and cultural contexts. Queer believers can interpret them through the lens of compassion by recognizing that God values justice, mercy, and love above all else, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
How do queer believers interpret commandments through the hermeneutic of compassion rather than prohibition?
Many queer believers approach biblical texts about homosexuality with an interpretation that centers on empathy, understanding, and mutual love. They believe that God's intentions are not punitive or exclusionary but rather loving and inclusive towards all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.