There are 7 biblical passages that refer to homosexual activity:

The traditional interpretation of these verses (held by non-affirming Christians) asserts that the plain reading of these seven passages is the only faithful way of understanding their true meaning. This viewpoint assumes that the condemnation of specific forms of homosexual activity in the seven passages applies more broadly to committed same-sex relationships & homosexuality as an orientation. Considering there are no biblical passages overtly approving of same-sex relationships or orientation, it is all believed to be against God’s will.

Affirming Christians take the Bible just as seriously as non-affirming Christians. However, the affirming viewpoint disagrees with the traditional interpretation of the seven passages. This conclusion is based upon evidence of mistranslation, the careful investigation of the historical/cultural context, the progressive revelation of God’s inclusive plan of salvation, & evidence of the harmful consequences of ostracizing & stigmatizing LGBT+ individuals.

Helpful Definitions

To engage in conversations about homosexuality in the church, we should be familiar with four main views that Christians hold: Sides A, B, Y, & X. No system of belief categorization is perfect, but it can help us better communicate nuances within the conversation. NOTE: All four sides fully accept the authority of scripture - these are not secular views.

Affirming Position: Side A

These Christians do not believe the biblical passages regarding homosexual activity, understood in context, mean that God rejects loving same-sex relationships & homosexuality as an orientation. They believe marriage between the same sex or opposite sex can be equally approved of & blessed by God.

- Homosexuality naturally occurs in a certain segment of the population & is not a disorder to be treated or affliction to be managed
- Unlike abusive sexual practices such as adultery, incest, rape, or pedophilia - homosexuality is not inherently harmful & can be lovingly expressed in a committed relationship
- Christians should oppose Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) such as conversion/reparative/restorative therapy
- The majority of ministries led by ex-gay Christians spread misinformation
- Despite loving gay relationships never being condemned (or even acknowledged) in the Bible, the 7 passages are often taken out of context, misinterpreted, & wrongly applied by Christians in a way that harms gay people
- When Christian communities choose to stigmatize & turn away gay people, they are misrepresenting God’s character & contradicting the message of the gospel
- Christians that are gay should have the same opportunities for full inclusion in Christian community as straight Christians

Non-affirming Positions: Side B, Side Y & Side X

These Christians believe in the traditional interpretation & application of biblical texts condemning homosexual activity. They believe only a marriage between two individuals of the opposite sex can be approved of by God.

- Same-sex marriage contradicts God’s design & cannot be approved of by Christians since there is no biblical support for it
- God expects gay individuals to completely refrain from sexual activity with a romantic partner of the same sex
- Gay individuals who choose to abstain from same-sex sexual activity may still enter fulfilling committed relationships such as a mixed-orientation marriage, celibate partnership, covenant siblings, chosen family, etc.
- Homosexuality naturally occurs in a certain segment of the population, therefore same-sex attraction is not a sin to repent of
- Gay individuals should have the same opportunities for full inclusion in Christian community as straight Christians but should not expect the church to perform a same-sex wedding or bless a same-sex marriage
- Identifying as a “gay Christian” does not necessarily mean you are sexually active, but it does mean you are someone who has attraction to the same sex that has chosen to be in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ
- When Christian communities choose to stigmatize & turn away gay people, they are contradicting the main storyline & direction of scripture
- Christians should never recommend, require, or facilitate Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) such as conversion/reparative/restorative therapy
- Identifying as a “celibate gay Christian” can be helpful in building a spiritual community of belonging around shared experiences & provide accountability for those committed to lifelong celibacy
- Same-sex marriage contradicts God’s design & cannot be approved of by Christians since there is no biblical support for it
- God expects people experiencing same-sex attraction (SSA) to completely refrain from all same-sex romantic relationships
- As an alternative to lifelong singleness & abstinence from sex, people experiencing SSA may find relational fulfillment through marrying someone of the opposite sex ("mixed-orientation marriage")
- Even though some people experience SSA , accepting homosexuality as part of their identity or acting on their attraction is sinful
- Identifying as a “gay Christian” (celibate or not) signifies submission to your sinful nature & acceptance of homosexuality - instead your identity should be in Christ alone
- Anyone currently identifying as a “gay Christian” should be prohibited from baptism, membership, & ministry leadership positions in the church
- Religious counseling such as “sexual identity therapy” should be readily available to help clients experiencing unwanted SSA manage their desires for same-sex intimacy & live in accordance with their religious convictions
- Christians should not recommend participation in therapy focused on changing sexual orientation, however, sweeping bans on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (such as conversion/reparative/restorative therapy) are concerning because they may lead to the criminalization of all religious counseling
- Same-sex marriage contradicts God’s design & must be opposed by Christians since there is no biblical support for it
- All same-sex attraction (SSA) is evidence of disordered sexual/relational development & cherished sin nature
- Embracing homosexuality is likely to lead to participation in what’s referred to as “the gay lifestyle” – substance abuse, promiscuity, porn & sex addiction, etc.
- People with broken sexual desires (including anyone experiencing SSA) can be transformed with complete surrender to God
- Ex-gay Christians are living proof that sexual orientation change can occur – usually the change is a gradual shift in the direction & intensity of sexual attractions
- Christians should oppose laws banning Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) because alleged harm experienced by gay people from “reparative/conversion therapy” has been purposefully exaggerated
- Christian counseling & discipleship programs should be readily available for individuals of any age who desire to repent, live obediently, & receive healing - including techniques such as “change-oriented” or “reintegrative” therapy
- Anyone paradoxically claiming to be a “gay Christian” should be prohibited from baptism, membership, & ministry leadership positions in the church - especially to protect impressionable young people