According to the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, Sodom and Gomorrah were two ancient cities in Palestine that were destroyed by God because of the sins of its inhabitants. The cities are described as being destroyed by brimstone and fire (with an earthquake thrown in for good measure), and have become a symbol of impenitent sin and “sexual deviancy” in both the Christian and Islamic faiths. Thus, the etymology of the English word “sodomy,” a term that is broadly used to describe any non-vaginal sex, but is most often employed in reference to homosexual intercourse. However, Bible scholars are split over whether the primary offense of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah was homosexuality or some other significant sins, with some Rabbinical writings asserting that they were also guilty of rampant stealing, blasphemy and violence.

According to Genesis, God appeared to Abraham to warn him of his intention to destroy the two cities. Abraham expressed his concern about the righteous people in the city who would be unfairly punished for the sins of their fellow citizens. In response, God promised Abraham that he would save the city if He could find ten righteous Sodomites. God then sent two angels to Sodom, who encountered Lot at the gates of the city. Lot kindly offered to house and feed the grateful angels. However, later that night, a mob of shady men surrounded Lot’s house and ordered that he hand over his guests so that they may “know them” (which has been interpreted by some to mean, “have intercourse with them.”). A consummate host, Lot refused to turn over his guests to the mob, but generously offered them his two virgin daughters instead to “do to them whatever you like.”

Despite Lot’s tempting offer, the mob turned him down and attempted to force their way into the house, at which point the angels unceremoniously struck them with blindness. As a token of their gratitude, they briefed Lot about the impending destruction of the city, and ordered him to leave with his wife and daughters. As a final word of caution, Lot and his family were warned not to look behind them while they were fleeing the city. However, Lot’s wife could not resist the temptation to take a peek behind her during their escape from the city (hardly a crime considering the allegedly abominable sins of the Sodomites, but I digress). For this split-second act of disobedience, God turned her into a pillar of salt.

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