While the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is one that is most related to homosexuality, earlier authorities within the Abrahamic traditions have derived from it many other spiritual lessons that have been drowned out by its use within the current political climate. To help Muslims, Christians, and Jews reflect upon these lessons once again, I present here a combined reading (primarily from the Christian and Islamic traditions) along with some reflections of early commentators and contemporary scholars. This article is neither a defense or condemnation of homosexuality. Rather, it is a presentation of how the tale has been told by earlier generations and, with that, it is also a challenge for contemporary religious leaders to speak of the story with the greater depth that it once represented.
This article was published by the Journal of Transcendental Thought in November of 2011. It is here, shared with permission, along with a PDF copy of their entire pre-inaugural issue.
Ibrahim J. Long 