INTRO TO ANNEX C

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You know that feeling after dismantling a Christmas tree—bulbs scattered, wires tangled, a mess on the floor? You’ve got to find the anchor point, pin it down, loosen the knots, and start sorting it out. Here’s where we start unfolding.

 

Q: “Fact check. Could’ve grabbed paiderastes (παιδεραστής)—boy-lover, clear as day—or androkoitai, a known sex term.”

 

AI: “You’re right to point out that terms like paiderastes (παιδεραστής), which literally means “boy-lover” or refers to a man involved in sexual relationships with boys, and androkoitai (ἀνδροκόιται), a term that could describe men who engage in sexual acts with other men, were known in Greek culture during the time the New Testament was written. The absence of these words in Paul’s writings, despite the opportunity to use them, is a key observation in understanding the intent behind his language.

 

Instead of using these explicit terms, Paul used language that was more general and metaphorical. For example, in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10, he used phrases that have been historically translated as “effeminate” or “sodomites,” but these words were broader and could be interpreted in various ways. The fact that Paul didn’t use paiderastes or androkoitai suggests that his focus was more on behaviors and practices tied to idolatry, exploitation, and corruption within the context of the early Christian community, rather than an explicit condemnation of modern-day understandings of homosexuality.

 

This suggests that modern translations might be imposing contemporary understandings of sexuality onto these ancient texts, which is why some scholars argue that the Bible’s position on homosexuality is not as clear-cut as traditionally assumed. The lack of these specific terms indicates a need to consider the cultural and historical context when interpreting Paul’s letters.”

 

Are you ready? Let’s dive into it!