Is there any Biblical basis for hating homosexuals?

Question

As I was raised: God is all-loving, and He wants us to be all-loving too.

But, as you may know, homosexuals—particularly in America—have been shown hatred, and even violence (1)(2)(3)(4) from some members of the Christian community. The Wikipedia article on Christianity and homosexuality suggests some of the views from various denominations, but it's largest claim remains unsupported (i.e. that "most Christian denominations welcome people attracted to the same sex, but teach that homosexual relationships and sexual acts are sinful." Check the references, they are broken links or only refer to the Methodist Church, so they don't speak for "most Christian denominations").

As I dug deeper into the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, I saw some passages which indicated that homosexuality might be a sin, but the articles are poorly written and lack verifiable citations. Either way, I wasn't able to find any indication that God condones violence by mankind towards homosexuals. You would think that those who so vehemently hate homosexuals would also think that homosexuals are going to Hell when they die; that their fate will be gruesome enough such that anything a human does to add to it prematurely would be like kicking someone who's already dead. Maybe they really haven't thought that one through?

So I'm curious if there is any Biblical support for the idea that God wants us to be cruel to homosexuals (or anyone for that matter). Please carefully note that I'm not merely asking if the Bible is against homosexuality; I'm asking if there is a basis for showing hatred towards others, particularly gays.

Answer 1

In general

Romans 12:16-21 (ESV)
¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." ²⁰ To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

If we have the choice, we should live in peace with all and be good to everyone. Even if they're evil. Even if they're our enemy.

Specifically regarding homosexuals

The Bible condemns homosexual acts, not having homosexual temptations. We can't judge anyone for what they didn't choose -- even Jesus was tempted, so temptations are not sin.

We don't know for sure if you can be born a homosexual, but it's certainly possible (even probable, science seems to tell us). That's all the more reason to try and be understanding with homosexual people. Do note that being born one way or another is no excuse for sinning, and we shouldn't act like the Bible approves of homosexual relationships and activities.

Answer 2

First off, a point of terminology. There is no Biblical (or historical, for that matter) basis for the existence of "homosexual people" in the first place. The concept of "sexual orientation" as an inherent trait seems to be a modern concept, invented for political purposes and unsupported by objective facts.

The Bible condemns homosexual acts in very strong terms. However, it does not condone taking the punishment for even the most sinful of acts into one's own hands, nor is violence or hatred against others permitted. The Sermon on the Mount makes it quite clear that, as even such small bits of hate as angry words can lead to sins as great as murder, that they should be avoided entirely in order to follow the principles of the Gospel. In fact, Jesus places such strong importance on this principle that he places reconciliation and the avoidance of anger and conflict even above such weighty matters as bringing an offering/donation to the house of the Lord:

Matthew 5:21-24

21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

It's also worth noting that, while violence against "homosexual people" by religious people tends to get a lot of coverage in the media, government statistics show that the greatest source of violence against homosexuals by far is domestic violence, perpetrated by their own partners. Why this is, and why it is not covered more widely by the media, is the subject of a different question, most likely for a different site.