The issue of homosexuality is a complex and sensitive one that the Christian church has wrestled with for centuries. On one side of the debate are those who believe that the Bible condemns all homosexual behavior as sinful. On the other side are those who argue that the Bible does not prohibit loving, committed same-sex relationships. What does the Bible really say about homosexuality? And is it possible to be both gay and Christian?
The Bible’s teachings on homosexuality
There are a handful of passages in the Bible that directly mention homosexuality. The most well-known are found in the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, and the New Testament books of Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 1 Timothy.
Leviticus 18:22 states, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” (ESV) Leviticus 20:13 says, “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.” (ESV) These verses clearly prohibit homosexual behavior between men.
In the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 declares, “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (ESV) This passage associates homosexual behavior with “dishonorable passions.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 includes homosexuality in a list of sins that will prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (ESV)
And in 1 Timothy 1:9-10, homosexuality is again included among other sins: “Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.” (ESV)
Taken together, these verses have led many Christians throughout history to condemn all homosexual behavior as sinful.
Different views on homosexuality
Today there are a variety of views held by Christians on the issue of homosexuality:
- Traditional view – Homosexual behavior is sinful and prohibited for all people in all circumstances.
- Revisionist view – The Bible does not actually prohibit loving, committed same-sex relationships. The verses mentioned above have been misinterpreted or are not applicable today.
- Celibate view – Homosexual orientation is not necessarily sinful but homosexual behavior is prohibited. Gay people are called to celibacy.
Those who hold the traditional view believe the Bible clearly teaches that all same-sex sexual activity is sinful. They argue that Scripture must be taken at face value on this issue. Sex is a gift from God meant for marriage between one man and one woman. Gay marriage and homosexual relationships are distortions of God’s design for human sexuality.
Those with a revisionist view argue that Biblical authors had no conception of committed, loving same-sex relationships. The verses above are referring to lustful behavior, pagan rituals, and abuse, not covenant relationships between people of the same gender. They examine the Bible through the lenses of cultural context, Old Testament law, and what they see as the overall message of Scripture on matters of love and justice.
The celibate view agrees that the Bible does prohibit gay sex but believes that homosexuality itself is not inherently sinful. Like heterosexuals, gays are called to live in chastity outside of marriage. But marriage is intended by God to be between a man and woman only. So gays should remain celibate and honor God through their singleness.
Key biblical themes
Below are some of the main biblical concepts and themes that Christians wrestle with when assessing homosexuality:
- Marriage – The marital union between man and woman first described in Genesis is affirmed throughout Scripture and seems to be God’s intended design for human sexuality.
- Fruit of the Spirit – Passages like Galatians 5 emphasize virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. Some ask if gay relationships exhibit these fruits.
- Identity in Christ – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us that Christians define themselves by their identity in Christ above all else.
- New Covenant – Some argue we are no longer under Old Testament law. Others counter that God’s moral law does not change.
- Church unity – Important biblical principles like humility, grace, and sacrificial love for fellow Christians are sometimes ignored when disputing homosexuality.
Christians seeking biblical truth about homosexuality must carefully examine these and other scriptural themes. We all view Scripture through the lens of our culture and life experiences. Pious, Spirit-filled Christians can and do interpret the Bible differently on this issue. Maintaining humility and grace for those we disagree with is vital.
Can you be gay and Christian?
Given the diversity of opinion within the church, is it possible to be openly gay and still be a faithful Christian? Those who believe homosexual behavior is always sinful would say you cannot cling to a gay “lifestyle” while also living in obedience to Christ. But one can experience same-sex attraction yet remain celibate out of devotion to God. Orientation is not itself sinful, actions are.
Others argue that committed, monogamous same-sex relationships are not condemned in Scripture. They contend it is possible to affirm both a gay identity and Christian discipleship. They may disagree with traditional interpretations of Scripture but still deeply revere the authority of the Bible.
Many gay Christians aim to honor God with their sexuality by abstaining from lust, promiscuity, and casual sex but do not view lifelong, same-sex relationships as inherently immoral. They point to gay couples throughout church history who were devoted Christians despite having partners of the same gender. The emphasis, they argue, should be on loving God and neighbor, not mandated celibacy.
There are also those who refrain from labeling themselves, not wanting to directly identify with a particular sexual orientation. They focus their identity completely in Christ. For them, descriptors like “gay” or “straight” must come secondary to being found in Jesus Christ.
Pastoral considerations
This debate is not merely an abstract theological matter. There are profound pastoral considerations in how the church responds to homosexuality as well:
- Loneliness – Gay Christians, whether celibate or in same-sex relationships, often feel lonely and isolated. They need community, friendship, and spiritual guidance.
- Mental health – Higher rates of depression, suicide, and self-harm plague gay Christians who feel condemned and suffer from internalized homophobia.
- Discrimination – Bullying, parental rejection, physical abuse, and societal marginalization remain real dangers for gay youth growing up in the church.
- Hypocrisy – Some sectors of the church condemn homosexuality while ignoring heterosexual sins like adultery, divorce, pornography.
- Outreach – Perceived anti-gay attitudes often alienate LGBTQ individuals from hearing the gospel or entering the church.
A pastor’s most urgent responsibility is caring for the spiritual and emotional needs of gay Christians. Legalistic condemnation heaps unnecessary shame on those already carrying heavy burdens. But compromising on what one believes to be biblical truth is also not the answer. Disagreement does not necessitate disdain.
Conclusion
The debate within the church about homosexuality and gay Christianity will likely continue for years to come. There are thoughtful biblical arguments on each side. But allowing this issue to divide Christians and ignore the call to love is perhaps the greatest tragedy. God’s family is comprised of people from all walks of life, many of whom fail to live up to the perfect standards of Scripture. We must offer the same grace to gay believers that God has offered each of us: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV)