The Sin of Sodom

Why did God destroy the cities of the Plain? What does the Bible really teach about the sin of Sodom and its destruction with Gomorrah and surrounding cities? Many Christians believe God rained down fire and brimstone on the ancient towns because its inhabitants were gay. But is there any evidence elsewhere in the Bible to support that homosexual behavior was prevalent in these places? This thesis closely studies the account of Sodom and Gomorrah to find out what the Bible really says about the past—and what it means for us today. In addition to accurately interpreting the Bible, it’s crucial to understand the customs of the ancient world so that Scripture is set in its proper historical context. This guards against misinterpreting the text in the light of modern traditions, beliefs, and prejudices. The Sin of Sodom examines all the Scripture passages that mention Sodom to find out what they do—and don’t—say about why God destroyed the ancient cities of the Plain. It also reviews history and the interpretations of Old Testament scholars and early Church leaders to reveal the evolution of their understanding over the centuries and how this affects the beliefs of today’s Church. What was the sin of Sodom, and why did God destroy it? Read this book to discover what the Bible really says.