Let's face it...

[Plantaganet]

Homophobia is pretty much entirely the creation of the big three (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) religions.

Before their arrival, sexual variety was the norm. As in ancient Greece... or with Native Americans... or in Africa today. You need look no further than the atrocities taking place in Uganda for an example.

And, yes, I know a small number of atheists can be homophobic, too. But come on - no frightened gay kid growing up in the midwest has ever committed suicide because Stalin was a meanie.

Just wanted to get your thoughts on this. Discuss.

[xfundy]

1. At the turn of the last century

the phrases, and the concepts, of "homosexuality" and "heterosexuality" were made up, in an attempt by German doctor Magnus Hirschfeld to discuss the idea that some people tend to like same sex or opposite more than the other. The research and its conclusions were taken way, way out of context, and people found themselves having to go out of their way to claim they'd never, ever, ever. To not speak out declaring oneself "hetero" was to be cast as a "pervert" or worse, costing everything- job, reputation, home, family.

Routine circumcision was a "cure" for masturbation. (Worked great, huh.) Now "experts" are making claims that it stops AIDS, etc. (I know it's a sore subject here, and I don't want to get into a big discussion over that point... or lack thereof.)

At the time, there were all kinds of nuts running around selling snake oil. "Medical experts" came out of the woodwork with fake medicines, fake methods, and religious "cures" for all ailments, old and new.

I can only speak for the US at that time, as I haven't concentrated on any other countries in regard to religion and the horrors it brings.

Sadly, too much of the bullshit that came about at the end of the 1800s is still with us. As always, history repeats.

[Plantaganet]

2. Anders als die Andern. n/t

[Plantaganet]

3. So...

Further research into the matter does seem to indicate that this is correct.

From what I've read, the change in the mores of old Judaism towards gay sex, did not actually occur until after the tremendous influence on them during the Babylonian captivity (6th century BC). This is when much of the Holiness Code of Leviticus was written, which of course include the infamous verses purporting to condemn gay sex. And the original interpretation of the "sin of Sodom" had absolutely nothing to do with gay sex. This change in interpretation did not occur until after the Babylonian captivity and much closer to the time of Christ.

[2ndAmForComputers]

4. Nothing to add. What you say is about right.