Christianity and gay people
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Many Christians believe that it is a sin based on the verses in Leviticus and Romans, while others argue that those verses have been misinterpreted. It was good — VERY GOOD,” wrote Paul Carter. How do we read and apply Scripture as Jesus did? Do we read Scripture like a legal document, or do we engage in it relationally?
Let me illustrate.
When God made Eve, Adam said “this at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman” (Genesis 23).
Marriage is represented frequently in Scripture. That’s impossible!” “No, my son, that’s Talmud” (Eretz Israel*).
“For Jews, the Bible is a problem to be solved; for Christians it is a message to be proclaimed.” (Noted Jewish biblical scholar, Jon Levenson.)
What Can We Take From This About Reading the Bible?
Q Christian Fellowship Board Member Rev.
Danny Cortez shares the following guidance:
There are many theologians who have opposing views to each other. This apparent disobedience by Jesus to the Law was what created animosity toward him among the religious leaders. When the one with a dirty face sees him washing, however, he realizes his face must be dirty too.
In addition to these texts, traditional Christian teaching also references the creation narratives as indicative of the correct ordering of human sexuality (i.e.
What Does the Bible Say about Homosexuality?
Few subjects are more controversial today in the church than this: What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
If one regards the Bible as God-breathed and authoritative, then one must respect whatever the Lord says about every topic.
What we say and think about the LGBQT+ community should be derived from Scripture, including the ways in which we are to treat one another.
Homosexuality in the Bible: Table of Contents
Bible Verses about Homosexuality
Christians must always start with the Bible in order to hear God’s Word on any subject.
(1 Timothy 1:15)
Intimacy, Identity, and Culture
Sam Allberry, a same-sex pastor from England, confronts the pain of being alone, even by choice, on the grounds of obedience to God. Celibacy is made more difficult by the elevation of marital intimacy to a lofty position above all other forms, including friendship.
Allberry’s fear is that “if someone’s only choice in life seems to be either unbiblical intimacy or no intimacy, they’re going to end up choosing unbiblical intimacy.
Overcoming Stigma and Stereotypes About Homosexuality
Recognize the harm caused by stigma: Stigma can lead to discrimination, rejection, and isolation for LGBTQ+ individuals, causing negative impacts on their mental and physical health. Speak up when you see or hear something harmful or discriminatory.
The shift from conservative understandings of Sabbath and circumcision were far greater issues at the time Scripture was being written than our modern questions regarding orientation and gender identity. I often respond by pointing to this story and other stories to show that Jesus didn’t read and apply Scripture literally.
Would you cast a stone? Because it’s not so much about what Scripture says, as much as it is about how Jesus applied what Scripture said.
Churches have historically placed a stumbling block before the LGBTQ+ community by their interpretations of Scripture, which have led to exclusion and harm. Tell me, how is it possible that two men come down the same chimney, and one emerges with a clean face, while the other has a dirty face?”
“But you’ve just given me four contradictory answers to the same question!
Jesus isn’t asking us to parse Greek and Hebrew words in order to discern truth. By providing support and resources, we can help LGBTQ individuals feel valued and included in their faith communities.
How to Show Support for LGBTQ Christians
Supporting LGBTQ Christians means creating an environment where everyone is valued and loved for who they are.
The religious leaders had brought a woman accused of adultery to Jesus.
These questions were a result of push-back from marginalized and enslaved people that caused theologians to talk through what Scripture might really be saying in regards to biracial marriages and slavery. But the principles we apply to these questions remain the same.