In a rather exhaustive eighty - page subject index for the Institutes, one finds Calvin writing about divine love
only in four paragraphs.52 In four columns of citations concerning «Christ,»
only a single one involves love, God's loving act in Christ.53 And at no point in his extensive
scriptural references did Calvin even deal at all with 1 John 4:8, 16.
Scriptural references to these sexual practices, both before and after Leviticus, show God's displeasure with them whether or not any ceremony or idolatry is involved.Response # 2: Despite the UFMCC's contention that the word for abomination (toevah) is usually associated with idolatry, it in fact appears in Proverbs 6:16 - 19 in connection with sins having nothing to do with idolatry or pagan ceremony: There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable [an abomination or toevah] to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.Idolatry plays no part in these scriptures; clearly, then, toevah is not limited to idolatrous practices.Response # 3: If the practices in Leviticus 18 and 20 are condemned
only because of their association with idolatry, then it logically follows they would be permissible if they were committed apart from idolatry.