Homosexuality and the Bible

Did you know there are stories in the Bible where Jesus and others encounter gay and trans people -- and that these are positive, affirming stories?  For example, Jesus once met a gay man and restored the man's partner with a miracle of healing.

Want to know more? The resources below will help you see God, the Bible, and GLBT people with new eyes. 

The Children Are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships

"Can two people of the same sex live in committed, loving relationship with the blessing of God?" That's the question The Children Are Free brings to Scripture. This book is an examination of the biblical evidence regarding loving same-sex relationships and God's attitude toward them. Short, clear, carefully researched, easy-to-read. More info here.

 

WouldJesusDiscriminate.com

A website constructed by Jesus MCC, with support from Faith In America and the Metropolitan Community Churches.  Examines, in depth, every passage of scripture that touches on the subject of homosexuality. Includes MP3 sermons as well as text.

Sermons
These sermons are in Real Audio or mp3 format. If you need a player, you can use the Real Player, WinAmp or iTunes.

When Jesus Met a Gay Man, Rev. Jeff Miner, October 22, 2000. An examination of Matthew 8:5-13.  Just another healing miracle, right?  Not on your life!  This passage, when understood, sheds amazing new light on what Jesus thought of gay people. What Was the Sin of Sodom?, Rev. Jeff Miner, June 11, 2000. You will never see the Sodom story the same again after hearing this sermon.  As GLBT people, the Sodom story should be one of our favorites. Listen to see why. Confronting the Boogieman Rev. Jeff Miner, June 25, 2006. In this sermon we look at what, for some, is the great Boogieman of the Bible, so to speak -- Romans chapter 1.  Some people find it so intimidating, they just turn and run -- don't want to look at it; don't want to think about it.  As a result, they live in fear. So dare to listen. We'll take this passage apart, study it, and understand it. Families -- As God Sees Them Rev. Jeff Miner, June 18, 2006. There are three great love stories recounted in the Bible. Did you know that none of the three conform to "traditional family values"?  We'll look at one of those love stories this week. This story has profound meaning for all families, but especially for those who don't fit the "traditional" mold.

Homosexuality and the Bible
The following four sermons can change the way you think about homosexuality and the Bible. Rev. Miner explains how Bible passages used against GLBT people have been misapplied, highlights gay-positive Bible passages often ignored by the Church, and discusses what it means to be gay or lesbian and authentically Christian.

Part 1: Revisiting the Clobber Passages April 19, 1998.  An overview of all the scriptures commonly used against gay and lesbian people. Part 2: No Respecter of Persons April 26, 1998.  Gay-affirming scripture that is often overlooked. Part 3: Common Sense, Compassion, and the Teachings of Jesus May 3, 1998. Understanding scripture the way Jesus does. Part 4: Lepers, Tax Collectors, and Gay People May 17, 1998.  What does it mean to be a Gay Christian?

A Biblical View of Transgenderism
What does the Bible have to say about Transgenderism?  This sermon maintains that a person's soul is of primary importance to God, and bringing the body into harmony with the soul is pleasing to God.

• Little Girl, Arise!, June 14, 1998

Articles and other resources

• Resist the Myths! Challenges us to remember when God was new, accessible, and on our side.
• Is Homosexuality a Sin? by Rev. Dr. Kathlyn James, First United Methodist Church, Seattle. Rather than debating scripture, Rev. James begins a dialogue with her congregation, starting with her personal experience.
• Homosexuality: Not a Sin, Not a Sickness by Rev. Elder Don Eastman
• The Bible, Christianity, and Homosexuality A brief-but-thorough study document by Justin Cannon. Visit his web site.
• The Bookstore lists several useful books.