Harsh attacks on homosexual relations, as well as other sexual acts judged sinful such as adultery and premarital sex, were common in the Renaissance and Reformation. This selection is from Franciscan theologian, preacher, and administrator Jean Benedicti's treatise The Compendium of Sins and the Remedy for Them (1610).

On Sodomy, the Sin against Nature

This sin is against the natural order because it is committed against the sexual order, a sin that is more grievous than having relations with one's sister, even with one's own mother. Now there is sodomy, and there is the sodomitical act, which are two different things.

Ihardly dare speak of this vile and horrible sin, and especially in our France. If I do, however, I will certainly say, that this sin is so enormous that it cannot be mentioned because of its horror. For, in the first...