Given the rise of the “religious left,” our public debates are becoming more religious and even Biblical in nature. Let me explain. Though advocates of more progressive causes have long critiqued Christians for promoting Biblically informed morality in the public square, those advocates now often tout religious credentials and rely on Scripture passages and their interpretation of the teachings of Jesus in an effort to justify their cultural initiatives and policy positions. In one sense, this development is welcome as it testifies to the continuing cultural authority of the Scriptures and proves that everyone–even those claiming secular neutrality–are promoting their religious or quasi-religious ideas in public life. But, in another sense, this is a deeply troubling development as Biblical Christians that believe in the authority of the Scripture must now respond to secular arguments and to misinterpretations of God’s Word.

With this in mind, here is part 1 of 2 of an in-depth response to one of the most common statements by those on the religious left: Scripture either condones or is at least silent about homosexuality. This is simply incorrect as the specific passages discussed in this interview as well as the grand narrative of Scripture condemns homosexuality as sinful behavior along with other sexual sins such as adultery and fornication. This is, of course, controversial in our society today and especially relevant to the discussion about the Respect for Marriage Act. But I am not here to give my opinion. The simple point of this episode is to review what God says about the topic and to equip Christians with the Biblical knowledge they need to respond to the claim that Scripture condones or is silent about homosexuality.

Ben Hicks is the pastor of Discipleship Ministries at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ben has a Bachelor of Arts in Bible, a Master of Arts in Bible, a Master of Divinity, and is a Ph.D. candidate in New Testament Studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Most importantly, he routinely ministers to students and to young families and encourages them to follow Jesus in a quickly changing culture. I attended a presentation/seminar that Ben gave on this topic, and I asked him to share it with our podcast audience.

In Part 1 of this discussion, Ben reviews the Old Testament passages that address homosexuality. In Part 2, we will review the relevant New Testament passages.