A:

Thanks for your note to TruthBook about homosexuality. It is an issue that comes up time and again here, but there are no teachings about it in The Urantia Book. The word “homosexuality” is not even in the book, and Jesus is silent on the subject, too; however, friendship between same sex people is certainly celebrated. In reading The Urantia Book, we find that there is great emphasis on relationship of all kinds – in fact, relationship between persons is the basis for everything of value.

The Urantia Book gives relatively little advice in the way of social conduct or the “mores.” Homosexuality falls under this term, as it has historically been out of favor and at other times, in favor, depending on accepted social usage. And I suspect that even in Jesus day, he might not have given any specific advice about it. But one thing that the Master always said was that we are to “love one another.” And that includes ALL of us. God loves each one of his children equally. We are all members of the same spiritual family; we are all invested in each others’ successes and failures; we are all capable of making LOVE our frst priority in any relationship. It is the right thing to do. Devotion, tact, tolerance, understanding, kindness…these qualities will serve to improve all of our relations, whether sexual or nonsexual.

Here’s one passage that I sometimes share with inquirers, as it seems to validate the possibilities of same-sex households, a topic of concern sometimes:

160:2.4 Symbolic communication between human beings predetermines the bringing into existence of social groups. The most effective of all social groups is the family, more particularly the two parents. Personal affection is the spiritual bond which holds together these material associations. Such an effective relationship is also possible between two persons of the same sex, as is so abundantly illustrated in the devotions of genuine friendships.

Having said that, it is also important to note that marriage between a man and woman is held as the highest ideal in The Urantia Book…and this makes good sense. It is only through heterosexual union that children can be created. And children provide the basis for the most important and smallest unit of society – the family. But, as the passage above indicates, a solid family unit can be successful, even if the parents are of the same sex. In these days, when the gay lifestyle is more accepted, this situation is more and more common.

Sexual activity is a mutual choice we make with a loved and loving partner. In all of our dealings with others, we are urged to put LOVE at the forefront…to develop the fruits of spirit with every relationship…fruits of the spirit like:

93:2.2 …loving service, unselfish devotion, courageous loyalty, sincere fairness, enlightened honesty, undying hope, confiding trust, merciful ministry, unfailing goodness, forgiving tolerance, and enduring peace.

In the end, homosexuality is a fact of many lives. The teachings of The Urantia Book neither condone nor condemn it. It seems that it is up to each individual to apply the lessons of love, no matter whatever else their relationships may be. That way, all outcomes will be good outcomes.

Thanks for your question; I hope this reply is helpful.