God and the Gay Christian

1. The traditional interpretation of the Bible on homosexuality needs reconsideration

"Christians who affirm the full authority of Scripture can also affirm committed, monogamous same-sex relationships."

New information challenges old views. Just as the invention of the telescope led Christians to reinterpret biblical passages about the solar system, new understanding of sexual orientation requires us to revisit Scripture's teachings on same-sex relationships. This doesn't mean abandoning biblical authority, but rather seeking a more accurate interpretation in light of modern knowledge.

Harmful consequences demand attention. Jesus taught that good trees bear good fruit. The traditional interpretation of the Bible regarding homosexuality has led to depression, self-hatred, and even suicide among gay Christians. These destructive outcomes should compel us to reexamine our understanding of relevant Scripture passages.

Personal stories illuminate the issue. The author's own journey, along with stories of others like Stephen Long and Rob and Linda Robertson, illustrate the real-world impact of non-affirming theology on gay Christians and their families. These narratives highlight the need for a compassionate reconsideration of long-held beliefs.

2. Same-sex orientation is a modern concept not addressed in Scripture

"The concept of same-sex orientation didn't exist in the ancient world."

Ancient views differed significantly. In biblical times, same-sex behavior was understood as:

• A manifestation of excessive sexual desire
• Something anyone might do if they didn't control their passions
• Often associated with pederasty, prostitution, or master-slave relationships

No concept of fixed orientation. The idea of homosexuality as an exclusive, lifelong orientation is a recent development, emerging only in the late 19th century. Biblical authors had no framework for understanding committed same-sex relationships as we know them today.

Cultural context matters. Recognizing this historical context helps us understand that biblical passages addressing same-sex behavior were not speaking to the modern question of gay Christians in committed relationships. This realization opens the door to fresh interpretations that remain faithful to Scripture while addressing contemporary realities.

3. Mandatory celibacy for gay Christians contradicts Christian teachings on celibacy

"Christians throughout history have affirmed that lifelong celibacy is a spiritual gift and calling, not a path that should be forced upon someone."

Celibacy as a gift, not a mandate. Jesus and Paul both taught that celibacy is a special calling, not for everyone. Forcing celibacy on all gay Christians contradicts this understanding and can lead to destructive outcomes.

Theological foundations at stake. The traditional Christian view of celibacy is rooted in three key doctrines:

• The goodness of creation
• The incarnation of Christ
• The future hope of bodily resurrection
  Mandatory celibacy for gay Christians undermines these doctrinal foundations.

A choice between traditions. Christians must decide which tradition to modify: either embrace gay relationships and maintain the traditional view of celibacy, or change the understanding of celibacy to keep a traditional view of gay relationships. The author argues that affirming same-sex relationships is more consistent with sound doctrine and produces better outcomes.

4. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is about inhospitality, not homosexuality

"If Sodom's sin had indeed been same-sex behavior, it's highly unlikely that every written discussion of the city for centuries following its destruction would fail to mention that."

Violence, not sexuality, was the issue. The men of Sodom threatened gang rape, an act of aggression and dominance, not an expression of sexual desire or orientation. This aligns with other biblical references to Sodom, which focus on general wickedness, arrogance, and lack of hospitality.

Historical interpretation supports this view. Old Testament references and early Jewish writings consistently describe Sodom's sin as inhospitality, arrogance, and oppression of the poor. The connection to homosexuality only emerged centuries later.

Misinterpretation has consequences. The long-standing association of Sodom with homosexuality has contributed to the marginalization and condemnation of LGBT people. Recognizing the true nature of Sodom's sin can help correct this harmful misunderstanding.

5. Leviticus prohibitions reflect cultural concerns, not universal moral law

"The Old Testament's allowances for slavery and polygamy: God working within flawed institutions but ultimately leading people in the direction of his kingdom."

Cultural context is crucial. The Leviticus prohibitions on male same-sex behavior were grounded in concerns about:

• Patriarchal gender roles
• Maintaining social order
• Ritual purity

Not all Old Testament laws apply to Christians. Just as Christians don't follow dietary restrictions or clothing regulations from Leviticus, we must discern which laws reflect eternal moral principles and which were specific to ancient Israelite culture.

Progressive revelation in Scripture. The Bible shows God gradually revealing his will, accommodating human understanding and cultural norms while moving towards greater justice and equality. This principle applies to issues of gender and sexuality as well.

6. Romans 1 condemns excess passion, not committed same-sex relationships

"Paul wasn't condemning the expression of a same-sex orientation as opposed to the expression of an opposite-sex orientation. He was condemning excess as opposed to moderation."

Cultural understanding shapes interpretation. In Paul's time, same-sex behavior was associated with:

• Excessive lust and lack of self-control
• Violation of accepted gender roles
• Idolatry and pagan practices

Natural vs. unnatural has been misunderstood. Paul's use of these terms reflected cultural norms about gender roles, not anatomical complementarity. "Unnatural" often referred to what was customarily shameful, not a violation of created design.

Focus on lust, not love. Paul's condemnation centers on uncontrolled passion and exploitative behavior, not committed, loving relationships. This context differs significantly from modern same-sex couples seeking lifelong partnerships.

7. Biblical terms often translated as "homosexual" have been misinterpreted

"There is no word in ancient Greek, Hebrew, or Latin that corresponds to the English word for 'gay,' as the concept of an exclusive, permanent same-sex orientation is little more than a century old."

Key terms have complex meanings. The Greek words malakoi and arsenokoitai, often translated as references to homosexuality, have broader and more nuanced meanings:

• Malakoi: generally refers to moral weakness or lack of self-control
• Arsenokoitai: likely refers to exploitative sexual behavior, possibly including but not limited to same-sex acts

Translation history reveals shifts. Earlier English translations used terms like "abusers of themselves with mankind" or "sodomites," focusing on acts rather than identity. The shift to words like "homosexuals" in mid-20th century translations reflects changing cultural understandings, not necessarily more accurate translations.

Misinterpretation has severe consequences. Translating these terms as blanket condemnations of gay people or same-sex relationships has contributed to the marginalization of LGBT Christians and driven many away from faith.

8. Christian marriage is about covenant, not just procreation

"The essence of Christian marriage involves keeping covenant with one's spouse in a relationship of mutual self-giving."

Covenant reflects God's love. The primary purpose of Christian marriage is to model Christ's covenant love for the church. This focus on faithful commitment transcends issues of gender or procreation.

Procreation is secondary. While the ability to have children was important in the Old Testament, the New Testament shifts focus:

• Jesus teaches that spiritual rebirth, not physical lineage, determines membership in God's kingdom
• Paul affirms the value of both marriage and celibacy
• The Song of Songs celebrates sexual love apart from procreation

Rethinking complementarity. The idea that marriage requires "gender complementarity" based on anatomy oversimplifies the biblical vision. True complementarity involves the unique differences between two individuals, regardless of gender.

9. Same-sex relationships can fulfill the Bible's vision for marriage

"There is no biblical reason to exclude the covenantal bonds of gay Christians from that affirmation."

Covenant-keeping is key. The core of Christian marriage—faithful, self-giving love that reflects Christ's relationship with the church—can be fulfilled by same-sex couples.

"One flesh" union reconsidered. This biblical phrase refers more to the deep relational bond formed through committed intimacy than to specific anatomical complementarity.

Difference that matters. While marriage reflects the difference between Christ and the church, this doesn't necessarily require gender difference. The inherent uniqueness of two individuals provides the complementarity needed to reflect this biblical model.

10. Affirming gay Christians aligns with the doctrine of humans as God's image-bearers

"Same-sex orientation is consistent with God's image, [so] affirming same-sex relationships is the only way to defend those truths with clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness."

Image of God is multifaceted. Humans reflect God's image through:

• Creativity
• Rationality
• Capacity for relationship
• Ability to love and show compassion

Sexuality is part of God's design. Our capacity for intimate, covenantal relationships reflects God's relational nature. Rejecting this capacity in gay Christians diminishes their ability to fully bear God's image.

Affirmation upholds human dignity. Recognizing that same-sex orientation is consistent with being made in God's image allows gay Christians to embrace their full humanity. This affirmation doesn't compromise biblical truth but rather upholds it by celebrating God's diverse creation.

Last updated: August 23, 2024