Paulus en homoseksualiteit : 'n semiotiese analise van Romeine 1:16-32

M.A. (Greek Studies)This study aims to give an account of Paul's argument concerning homo-erotic behaviour in Romans 1:16-32, and it's applicability to our present day situation. The text was analyzed within the framework of a semiotic analytical model, whereby the text is investigated in context, in order to determine and evaluate the ideology behind the text. It was found that Paul wrote his epistle to the Romans intending to create goodwill, as well as establish his authority amongst the Christian communities in Rome in order to use Rome as a base for his planned missionary journey to Spain. Romans 1:16-32 forms part of this strategy. In this passage, he argues that his version of the Gospel (salvation through faith in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus) should be accepted. This would lead to salvation (a new life in the present and eternal life in the hereafter). In this pericope, Paul argues that pagans are in need of salvation. According to the social rules of patronage, they did not acknowledge God as creator. Therefore God punished them in an act of revenge. Paul represents this punishment as a series of events leading to death: the darkening of their reason; the worshipping of idols; homo-erotic behaviour (destructive because it prevents procreation) and various forms of socially destructive behaviour which undermined social cohesion (e.g. relationships between parents and children, rulers and subjects and citizens in general). According to Paul's theology, then, restoration of true worship in faith would cancel God's punishment, lead to heterosexual behaviour, and the establishment of an alternative community based upon values and behaviour which is conducive to life. In evaluating the applicability of Paul's argument to the debate about homosexuality today, it is argued that Paul connected with popular Jewish and pagan prejudices and opinions of his day in order to establish his authority. His argument is based upon the creation story of Genesis according to which the female was abstracted from the male. For him, therefore, homo-erotic behaviour is unnatural. It is therefore concluded that Paul's argument cannot be applied uncritically to a modern debate