Bible and Homosexuality: An LGBTQ Positive View

We continue our LGBTQIA+ positive and affirming look at the Bible. In this episode we look at same-sex marriage and gender-neutral pronouns in light of Paul's writings (in Galatians 3.28 and 1 Corinthians 7.8).

Having authored three of the infamous clobber verses, the apostle Paul is generally considered hostile to the LGBTQIA+ community. But in this episode, we see one of the most controversial of the biblical authors in a different light.

We will examine Paul’s clobber verses in a future episode

Poem: Would the Apostle Paul Approve of Gay Marriage?

Would the apostle Paul approve of gay marriage?

I think you would.

On most topics involving women sex or marriage.

Paul's writings are a bit confusing.

In several instances, his meaning is obscured.

The exact translation of old Greek words lost to antiquity.

And in at least one instance, he seems to have made up a word.

Nevertheless:

Paul—who never married—has become the Bible's authority on marriage.

And on the topic of marriage.

Paul's clearest easiest to understand guidance is in his first letter to the new believers in the Greek city of Corinth

“Now to the unmarried and the widows

I say it is good for them to stay unmarried as I do,

but if they cannot control themselves, they should marry

For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”

1 Corinthians 7: 8-9.

Doesn't this perfectly describe some gay couples?

“…If they cannot control themselves,

they should marry

for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

I can see this becoming quite popular in gay weddings.

Jonathan, and David, stand here today, obedient to the Apostle Paul, who said:

It is good to stay unmarried.

But if you cannot control yourselves, you should marry.

So, today, we celebrate the uniting of Jonathan and David

I look forward to the YouTube videos of weddings using this scripture.

And I will celebrate the day when all churches will heed Paul’s words

and marry couples regardless of their sexual orientation or gender

Postscript: One of my early reviewers noted that some believe Paul may, at one time, have been married. I had never heard this. You can read about this controversy at:

https://www.gotquestions.org/apostle-Paul-married.html

#BibleStudy #affirmingchurch #gaychristian #lgbtpride #FaithfullyLGBT #affirming #lgbtchristian #pride #dobetteryounglife

What did Jesus mean when he said, “Some are born eunuchs? Is this common translation (of Matthew 19.11-12) correct?

Homework Assignment from Episode 6

Who do you think Jesus is talking about in each of the three types of sexual minorities in Matthew 19: 11-12?

Answers

1. “Those who have been so FROM BIRTH.”

· Narrowest plausible answers: G or gay men; or Men who do not lie with women; or queer men.

· Broadest plausible answers: LGBTQIA+; or sexual and gender minorities; or those born sexually different; or queer people.

· Incorrect: Only those born without testicles.

Jesus is saying SOME sexual minorities are formed in their mother’s wombs for something OTHER THAN a traditional, husband-wife marriage with traditional gender roles.

2. “Those who have been made so BY OTHERS”

· Narrowest plausible answer: men who have been castrated by others.

· Broadest plausible answers: LGBTQIA+; sexual and gender minorities; those born sexually different; or queer people.

Jesus is saying SOME are sexual minorities for love. And, SOME are sexual minorities because of the influence of others (parents, friends, lovers, etc.)

3. “Those who have made themselves so FOR THE SAKE OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN”

· Narrowest plausible answer: men who are celibate for life for spiritual reasons, e.g., Roman catholic priests.

· Broadest plausible answer: all people who choose celibacy, even for one night when to have sex would be adulterous, or deceitful, or dishonest, etc.

Jesus is saying there are times in everyone’s life when celibacy is the God-honoring way to live: It can be for one night; It can be for a season of life; and for a few, for a lifetime.

Greek-English Translation

· https://biblehub.com/greek/2135.htm

· https://biblehub.com/psb/matthew/19.htm

References and URLs:

Reverend Jeff Miner quotes:

www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/biblical_evidence/born_gay

and books: www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ARev.+Jeff+Miner

Janet Edmonds quotes:

https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses

For more from my research about eunuchs in antiquity, see the notes in episode 6.

Quotes voiced by Speechelo

#affirmingchurch #gaychristian #lgbtpride #FaithfullyLGBT #affirming #lgbtchristian #pride #biblestudy #dobetteryounglife

Today, we look at Jesus own words on the topic of sexual and gender minorities.

Who are the three types of sexual minorities Jesus is talking about in Matthew 19: 11-12?

1. “Those who have been so FROM BIRTH.”

2. “Those who have been made so BY OTHERS”

3. “Those who have made themselves so FOR THE SAKE OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN”

For the “homework,” use whatever translation you are most comfortable with:

· “Eunuch” or “sexually different.”

· “Mother’s womb” or “birth.”

Match the letters LGBTQIA+ with the three sexual minorities Jesus calls out:

1. from BIRTH;

2. by OTHERS; or

3. for the KINGDOM

LGBTQIA+ brief definitions: https://lgbtqiainfo.weebly.com/acronym-letters-explained.html

More detailed definitions: https://abbreviations.yourdictionary.com/what-does-lgbtqia-stand-for-full-acronym-explained.html

You are answering the question:

Who is Jesus talking about in each of these 3 groups?

· Some of Jesus categories may map to multiple letters.

· And some letters may be used more than once.

· You may also use terms not normally associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, “castrated men” or “infertile men.”

References and URLs:

Janet Edmonds quotes:

https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses

From my research about eunuchs in antiquity:

1. www.gaychristian101.com/eunuchs-are-gay.html

2. www.thoughtco.com/eunuchs-in-the-roman-empire-121003

3. http://epistle.us/hbarticles/eunuchs1.html

4. http://epistle.us/hbarticles/eunuchs2.html

5. http://theologyattheedge.co.uk/tears-in-god-s-wineskin/31-tigw-part-1-eunuchs-eunuchs-in-the-old-testament

6. http://theologyattheedge.co.uk/tears-in-god-s-wineskin (see bottom 4 references)

7. https://facultystaff.richmond.edu/~wstevens/riseofeunuchs.pdf see page 497.

8. https://books.google.com/books?id=tlvMHa6qKloC&pg=PA219&lpg=PA219&dq=Spadones

Quotes voiced by Speechelo

#Biblestudy #Christian #gaychristian #lgbtpride #Jesus #Christ #Affirming #lgbtchristian #Bible #QueerYouthOfaith #affirmingchurch #FaithfullyLGBT #queerallies #progressivechristian #affirmingchristian #trans #Lgbt #gay #Homosexual #Homosexuality

We continue examining the two "clobber verses" in the book of Leviticus with an affirming, LGBTQIA+ positive view of Bible scripture.

These two “clobber verses” (Leviticus 18.22 and Leviticus 20.13) have given many Christians great heartache. Do they really condemn all male homosexuality?

For more info, Check out our website: www.TheBibleAndHomosexuality.com

An older version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WSU-DOLNbmw

References and URLs:

1. Janet Edmonds quotes and sources:

http://tiny.cc/Janet1 and

http://tiny.cc/Janet2

2. Dr. Ralph Blair quotes: https://ecinc.org/clobber-passages/leviticus-1822-2013/

Levitical clobber verses:

3. https://sophiedora.wordpress.com/2019/03/05/the-clobber-verses/#:~:text=Leviticus%2018:22

4. https://postbarthian.com/2017/10/11/clobber-verses-six-scriptures-cited-gays-lesbians-sex-relationships-lgbtq/#:~:text=Levitical%20Law%20says

5. https://www.religioustolerance.org/interpreting-Leviticus-18-22.htm

6. List of Levitical sins: https://hill-kleerup.org/blog/2012/06/13/76-things-banned-in-leviticus-and-their-penalties.html

7. https://www.religioustolerance.org/hombiblot.htm#:~:text=Leviticus%2018:22

8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_the_Hebrew_Bible#Leviticus_18_and_20

9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bible_and_homosexuality#Leviticus_18_and_20

10. https://unclobber.mykajabi.com/unclobbering-leviticus#:~:text=Preview

Travel safety for LQBTQIA+ individuals, families and employees:

A. www.asherfergusson.com/lgbtq-travel-safety/

B. www.safehome.org/data/lgbtq-state-safety-rankings/

C. www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/who-you-are/LGBTI

Quotes voiced by Speechelo

#Biblestudy #Christian #gaychristian #lgbtpride #Affirming #lgbtchristian #Bible #QueerYouthOfaith #affirmingchurch #FaithfullyLGBT #queerallies #affirmingchristian #Lgbt #gay #Homosexual #Homosexuality

These two "clobber verses" in the book of Leviticus are among the Bibles most challenging scriptures. Join us as we continue with an affirming, LGBTQIA+ positive view of the Bible.

Today: Leviticus 18 verse 22 and Leviticus 20 verse 13.

References and URLs:

Levitical clobber verses:

1. https://ecinc.org/clobber-passages/leviticus-1822-2013/

2. https://sophiedora.wordpress.com/2019/03/05/the-clobber-verses/#:~:text=Leviticus%2018:22

3. https://postbarthian.com/2017/10/11/clobber-verses-six-scriptures-cited-gays-lesbians-sex-relationships-lgbtq/#:~:text=Levitical%20Law%20says

4. https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses/#:~:text=Leviticus

5. https://www.religioustolerance.org/interpreting-Leviticus-18-22.htm

6. List of Levitical sins: https://hill-kleerup.org/blog/2012/06/13/76-things-banned-in-leviticus-and-their-penalties.html

7. https://www.religioustolerance.org/hombiblot.htm#:~:text=Leviticus%2018:22

8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_the_Hebrew_Bible#Leviticus_18_and_20

9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bible_and_homosexuality#Leviticus_18_and_20

10. https://unclobber.mykajabi.com/unclobbering-leviticus#:~:text=Preview

Travel safety for LQBTQIA+ individuals, families and employees:

A. www.asherfergusson.com/lgbtq-travel-safety/

B. www.safehome.org/data/lgbtq-state-safety-rankings/

C. www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/who-you-are/LGBTIQuotes voiced by Speechelo

#Biblestudy #Christian #gaychristian #lgbtpride #Affirming #lgbtchristian #Bible #QueerYouthOfaith #affirmingchurch #FaithfullyLGBT #queerallies #progressivechristian #affirmingchristian #trans #Lgbt #gay #Homosexual #Homosexuality

The deeper meaning of the first two clobber verses: “Sodom and Gomorrah” in Genesis 19 and “The Murder of the Levite’s Concubine” in Judges 19-21.

What is really going on in these two stories? Are these mobs of gay rapists…? And what should we learn from these stories?

Transcript: https://thebibleandhomosexuality.com/3 

A previous version of this episode called Mobs of Gay Rapists? is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zsCqbh9rAGg  (the audio is not quite as good as the podcast)

References and URLs:

“ANGELS OF INDETERMINATE GENDER IN GENESIS 19”

by Rev. Dave Barnhart (this URL loads slowly)

http://tiny.cc/DaveB1

More on the gender of Angels:

https://nonbinary.wiki/wiki/Gender_variance_in_Christianity#Angels_in_Christianity

Rape in clobber verses #1 and #2 -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_in_the_Hebrew_Bible#Genesis_19

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_in_the_Hebrew_Bible#Judges

And for more information on: Sodom and Gomorrah see episode 1 and its notes.

And for more information on: The Murder of the Levite’s Concubine see episode 2 and its notes.

Judges Chapters 19-21 parallels and foreshadows sexual violence against women, people of color, sexual minorities, slaves, prisoners and indigenous peoples. Here are a few references:

History of sexual violence against sexual minorities:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5791869/

www.jstor.org/stable/i40206369

www.jstor.org/stable/40663407

www.rainn.org/articles/lgbtq-survivors-sexual-violence

http://tiny.cc/Violence1

Sexual abuse of slaves in America:

http://tiny.cc/slaveryref1

http://tiny.cc/slaveryref2

Rape during wars:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wartime_sexual_violence

www.hrw.org/video-photos/interactive/2017/10/05/they-said-we-are-their-slaves

Sexual violence throughout history:

http://tiny.cc/Violence2

The rape of Indigenous peoples in America:

www.jstor.org/stable/25605630

Rape of men during wars and conflicts:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wartime_sexual_violence#Rape_of_men

This story of sexual violence has been twisted to blame gay men… Yet it has nothing to do with consensual same-sex relationships. Spanning three chapters in the Book of Judges, the Murder of the Levite’s Concubine foreshadows the treatment of minorities around the world.

Transcript: https://thebibleandhomosexuality.com/2

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TNFQpguSvb0  (although the audio is not quite as good as the podcast).

References and URLs for this podcast on The Murder of the Levite’s Concubine:

1. https://whosoever.org/the-bible-and-homosexuality-judges-19/

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levite%27s_concubine

3. https://sophiedora.wordpress.com/2019/03/05/the-clobber-verses/

4. https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses/

5. https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/concubine-of-levite-bible

6. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/030908929502006705?journalCode=jota

7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_in_the_Hebrew_Bible #Judges

#Biblestudy #Christian #gaychristian #lgbtpride #Homosexual #Homosexuality#Affirming #lgbtchristian #Churchtoo #Rapeculture #Sexualassault #Sexualviolence #Bible #QueerYouthOfaith #affirmingchurch #FaithfullyLGBT #queerallies #progressivechristian #affirmingchristian #trans #Lgbt #gay

What is this story actually about? Gay men or…? The Prophet Ezekiel explains Genesis 19, the first of the “clobber verses.”

Transcript: https://thebibleandhomosexuality.com/1

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ySuB631FzQA (although the audio is not quite as good as the podcast)

References and URLs for this podcast on Sodom and Gomorrah:

1. https://postbarthian.com/2017/10/11/clobber-verses-six-scriptures-cited-gays-lesbians-sex-relationships-lgbtq/

2. https://c-ucc.org/open-and-affirming-part-3-sodom-and-gomorrah-is-not-about-homosexuality

3. http://queergrace.com/sodom/

4. www.westarinstitute.org/blog/sodom-and-gomorrah-how-the-classical-interpretation-gets-it-wrong/

5. www.gaychurch.org/homosexuality-and-the-bible/the-bible-christianity-and-homosexuality/

6. https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses/

7. https://unclobber.mykajabi.com/unclobbering-genesis #:~:text=Preview 

8. https://medium.com/@adamnicholasphillips/the-bible-does-not-condemn-homosexuality-seriously-it-doesn-t-13ae949d6619

9. https://ecinc.org/clobber-passages/genesis-19-cf-1820/

#Sodom #Gomorrah #gaypositive #biblestudy #affirming #affirmingchurch #gaychristian #FaithfullyLGBT #lgbtchristian #christianparenting #progressivechristian #Christian #bible #affirmingyouthministries #queerallies #queerchristian #affirmingchristian #lgbtchristian

No story has had a greater influence on the Christian condemnation of the LGBTQ+ community than the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. 

Told at the beginning of the Bible in Genesis 19 (GN 19: 1-29) the story has little to do with homosexuality and nothing to do with consensual sex. We examine what the prophet Ezekiel says (EZ 16: 49) and the scholar Derrick Sherwin Bailey, in his classic book “Homosexuality and the Western Christian Tradition” where he says: There is not the least reason to believe, as a matter of either historical fact or of revealed truth, that the city of Sodom and its neighbors were destroyed because of their homosexual practices.”

For more info, Check out our website: www.TheBibleAndHomosexuality.com

References and URLs for this podcast on Sodom and Gomorrah:

1. https://postbarthian.com/2017/10/11/clobber-verses-six-scriptures-cited-gays-lesbians-sex-relationships-lgbtq/

2. https://c-ucc.org/open-and-affirming-part-3-sodom-and-gomorrah-is-not-about-homosexuality

3. http://queergrace.com/sodom/

4. https://www.westarinstitute.org/blog/sodom-and-gomorrah-how-the-classical-interpretation-gets-it-wrong/

5. https://www.gaychurch.org/homosexuality-and-the-bible/the-bible-christianity-and-homosexuality/

6. https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses/

7. https://unclobber.mykajabi.com/unclobbering-genesis

8. https://medium.com/@adamnicholasphillips/the-bible-does-not-condemn-homosexuality-seriously-it-doesn-t-13ae949d6619

9. https://ecinc.org/clobber-passages/genesis-19-cf-1820/

#affirmingchurch #gaychristian #lgbtpride #FaithfullyLGBT #affirming #lgbtchristian #pride #BiblePride #churchtoo #biblestudy #lgbt #gaypride

In this series we will address the “clobber verses” conservative churches incorrectly  use to condemn same-sex couples.

We will discuss the many affirming verses in scripture God uses to bless sexual and gender minorities.

And we will talk about the teaching of sexual purity. How many churches are teaching young Christians—straight and queer—non-Biblical rules that few can follow. And the guilt, shame and poor decisions that follow.

Transcript: https://thebibleandhomosexuality.com/intro

This Introduction is also available on YouTube (although the audio quality is not as good as the podcast): https://youtu.be/zE9lR8XJx0k

References and URLs:

The risks for LGBTQIA Youth attending non-affirming churches:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/queer-youth-religion-suicide-study_n_5ad4f7b3e4b077c89ceb9774

The Difference Between a Welcoming Church and an Affirming One Is Huge

https://www.advocate.com/commentary/2018/4/03/difference-between-welcoming-church-and-affirming-one-huge

Preview of this series:

https://sophiedora.wordpress.com/2019/03/05/the-clobber-verses/

#affirming #gaychristian #lgbtchristian #pride #christianparenting #Christian #biblestudy #parenting #affirmingchurch #FaithfullyLGBT #queer #lgbtyouth #queerchristian #affirmingchristian #transchristian #lgbtchristian #affirmingchristian #pride #trans #Lgbt #gay #ally