[CosmicSerpent]

I think the question here doesn't arise from homosexuality and whether or not it's a sin. The part that is problematic is putting people to death. The part of Leviticus that mrblonde quoted not only describes homosexuality as an abomination, but also includes things like dietary restrictions (although these aren't punishable by death). It also says that children who curse their parents, adulterers, and those who commit incest or bestiality should also "surely be put to death." There are other parts of the Bible that say anyone who breaks the Sabbath, has pre-marital sex, or worships another God should also be stoned to death or destroyed. So it isn't like homosexuality is unique in this aspect.

All of these rules are in the Old Testament, mostly Leviticus and Exodus. However, in the book of John (New Testament), Jesus tells those who'd like to stone to death an adulteress that whoever among them that is without sin should "cast the first stone." None of them do it, and Jesus tells the adulteress that she is not to be condemned. This seems to be a direct contradiction... and of course there's also "Thou shalt not kill."

So to me, the biggest problem is clearly with the issue of capital punishment. Should people be put to death for these things or not?

Leviticus

20:9 For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

20:11 And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

20:12 And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.

20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

20:14 And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

20:15 And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.

20:16 And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

John

8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.