The topic of LGBTQ+ issues and Christianity is complex, with several distinct viewpoints among Christians. Broadly speaking, there are four main perspectives that Christians take:
Side A – Affirming
Christians who take a Side A view fully affirm LGBTQ+ identities and relationships as valid before God. Side A believers argue that the Bible does not condemn loving, committed same-sex relationships as we understand them today. They point to biblical passages that demonstrate God’s expansive love and acceptance of all people. Side A Christians believe that LGBTQ+ people can live out their sexuality and gender identity while following Christ faithfully.
Key Side A beliefs:
- Same-sex romantic and sexual relationships are blessed by God when characterized by love, commitment and mutual consent.
- God affirms and blesses transgender and non-binary identities.
- LGBTQ+ people can fully participate in the life of the church, including leadership roles and marriage.
- The condemnations of homosexual acts in Scripture do not apply to the loving, monogamous same-sex relationships of today.
Side A Christians point to Bible passages that demonstrate radical inclusivity and God’s love for marginalized people, such as Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” They argue that the handful of verses traditionally used to condemn homosexuality have been misinterpreted or taken out of their historical/cultural context.
Side B – Welcoming but not Affirming
Christians who take a Side B view are welcoming and supportive of LGBTQ+ people but do not believe same-sex relationships are biblically permissible. Side B Christians call LGBTQ+ people to a life of celibacy. They argue that while same-sex attraction is not inherently sinful, acting upon it is.
Key Side B beliefs:
- LGBTQ+ identities and feelings are not inherently sinful, but same-sex sexual behavior is prohibited.
- God designed marriage and sex to be between one man and one woman.
- LGBTQ+ people are called to lifelong celibacy and singleness.
- LGBTQ+ people deserve love, respect and full inclusion in Christian community, but cannot marry or pursue same-sex relationships.
Side B Christians emphasize that LGBTQ+ people have dignity and worth as image-bearers of God. They seek to welcome them into church life. However, they believe the Bible prohibits same-sex sexual intimacy. This leads them to call LGBTQ+ people to abstain from same-sex relationships, even while acknowledging their same-sex attractions.
Side X – Ex-gay or Conversion Therapy
Christians who take a Side X view believe that LGBTQ+ identities and relationships are categorically sinful and incompatible with following Christ. Side X advocates promote “conversion therapy,” believing that LGBTQ+ people should attempt to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Key Side X beliefs:
- Homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender identity and other LGBTQ+ identities are chosen behaviors that can and should be changed.
- It is a sin to act upon or embrace LGBTQ+ identities; LGBTQ+ people should seek to live as heterosexuals.
- Same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria can be changed through prayer, counseling and concerted effort to live differently.
- The goal for LGBTQ+ people should be opposite-sex attraction and comfort with their biologically assigned gender.
Side X Christians often promote counseling techniques or ministries aimed at “converting” LGBTQ+ people to heterosexuality and traditional gender identities. They condemn LGBTQ+ relationships and lifestyles as sinful departures from God’s design for sexuality and gender.
Side Y – Condemning
Christians who take a Side Y stance overtly condemn LGBTQ+ people as sinful and barred from the Kingdom of God. Side Y Christians object to LGBTQ+ identities and relationships on biblical grounds and offer no compromise on traditional teachings.
Key Side Y beliefs:
- Homosexuality and transgenderism are grave sins and perversions of God’s design for human sexuality and gender.
- The Bible clearly forbids same-sex relationships and transgender identities as abominations.
- LGBTQ+ lifestyles are intrinsically disordered and cannot be welcomed in any form.
- Christians should warn LGBTQ+ people of their sin and call them to repentance.
Side Y Christians often cite verses from Leviticus, Romans, and other biblical books categorically condemning homosexual acts. They reject arguments that such verses should be reinterpreted in modern contexts or only applied to specific situations. Side Y advocates oppose welcoming LGBTQ+ people into the church without repentance from homosexual behavior or transgender identity.
Theological and Social Divides
These four perspectives represent very different theological frameworks and result in divergent pastoral approaches to LGBTQ+ people. Sides A and B have sought greater empathy, dialogue, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ Christians, while Sides X and Y remain convinced homosexual and transgender identities must be opposed on biblical grounds.
These divisions within the church reflect similar social changes and debates over LGBTQ+ issues in the broader culture. As LGBTQ+ visibility and rights have expanded, some Christians have moved in affirming directions on biblical and theological grounds. However, traditionalists continue citing scriptural prohibitions of homosexual behavior and gender transitioning.
Scholars and church leaders on all sides continue wrestling with biblical interpretation and application to modern LGBTQ+ experience. The complexity results from the small number of biblical verses directly addressing homosexuality and the challenge of applying them to committed same-sex relationships. The distance in cultural perspective between the ancient world and today also plays a major role.
As the conversation continues, LGBTQ+ people face varying levels of acceptance or opposition, depending on their local church’s stance. Their lived experience usually diverges sharply from abstract theological debate. Christians across the four perspectives face the ongoing challenge of how to embody both biblical conviction and Christlike love.
Key Biblical Passages
Understanding these perspectives involves looking briefly at the main biblical texts invoked in this debate:
Genesis 1-2
These creation accounts describe God making humans “male and female” (Gen 1:27). Side B and Side Y Christians argue this establishes a binary gender paradigm. Side A Christians say this is descriptive of most people, not prescriptive for all.
Genesis 19
This chapter describes attempted gang rape of Lot’s angel visitors in Sodom. Later Scripture refers to “Sodom’s sin” (e.g. Jude 1:7). Side Y and some Side B Christians cite this as condemnation of homosexuality. Side A notes the passage is about violent rape and inhospitality, not loving same-sex relationships.
Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13
These verses prohibit men having sex with other men as “detestable.” Side X, Side Y and some Side B Christians see this as a categorical condemnation of male homosexual acts. Side A argues it refers only to sexual exploitation, not committed relationships.
Romans 1:26-27
This New Testament passage describes same-sex behavior as “unnatural” and resulting from “shameful lusts.” Side Y and Side X cite this verse as affirming the immorality of homosexuality. Side A argues it refers to lustful excess, not loving gay relationships.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
This verse lists “men who have sex with men” along with other sins that will preclude inheriting the Kingdom. Side B, Side X and Side Y take this as a sweeping condemnation of homosexuality. Side A argues it only references abusive or lustful acts, not monogamous gay marriages.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
This verse groups “those practicing homosexuality” with lawbreakers and rebels. Side Y and Side X proponents interpret this as rejecting any homosexual activity or identity as sin. Side A notes other sins listed are not inherent identities and argues this verse has been mistranslated.
Differing Interpretations
These key texts illustrate how Side A, Side B, Side X and Side Y Christians interpret same verses very differently. Side A tends to argue these passages have been overemphasized, misapplied and reflect outdated understandings of sexual orientation.
Sides X and Y counter that Scripture consistently defines homosexual behavior as sin throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Side B cautions against dismissing biblical prohibitions but still calls for respect and compassion for LGBTQ+ people.
Understanding these diverse perspectives on the biblical texts is crucial to grasping how thoughtful Christians reach such different conclusions regarding sexual ethics and gender identity.
Pastoral Implications
These viewpoints result in vastly different experiences for LGBTQ+ people of faith. Side A churches fully include them in leadership, marriage and community life. Side B churches welcome them but limit involvement and call them to celibacy.
In Side X churches, LGBTQ+ people face pressure to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Side Y communities condemn and exclude them unless they repent from LGBTQ+ “lifestyles.”
LGBTQ+ Christians must weigh their convictions and priorities along with a congregation’s theological stance. Their choices include celibacy, seeking an affirming church, reconsidering faith or attempting change.
For non-affirming churches, welcoming LGBTQ+ people poses challenges in balancing traditional doctrine with compassion. Even when rejecting homosexual behavior as sinful, exhibiting Christ’s love remains an imperative.
Navigating LGBTQ+ inclusion requires church leaders to be sensitive, avoid simplistic solutions and acknowledge gray areas. Christians across perspectives must recognize science showing conversion therapy’s ineffectiveness and harms.
Pastoral care for LGBTQ+ people involves appreciating each one’s story, resisting broad judgments and considering how theological interpretations affect lived realities.
Looking Ahead
The wide divergence between and even within these four positions has caused deep tensions in many Christian institutions. Churches have faced divisions over the full inclusion or exclusion of LGBTQ+ members.
While Side A advocacy has grown substantially, Sides X and Y retain strong representation globally. Side B provides a kind of middle ground but leaves many LGBTQ+ Christians feeling alienated. The debates seem unlikely to be resolved given such clashing biblical interpretations.
Yet amid these church conflicts, Christians across perspectives can benefit from honest, humble dialogue while upholding mutual love and respect. There are opportunities to affirm shared ground, such as God’s image in every person.
The church must grapple with how to foster understanding between Christians with divergent views on sexuality and gender identity. This conversation within the body of Christ matters just as much as the broader cultural debate on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
As Christians seek Christ’s truth and love, they can thoughtfully reflect on how different biblical interpretations impact real lives. And LGBTQ+ Christians can in turn offer their own insights into God’s revelation through life experience.
The church has the chance to model engaging this issue in ways that uphold the humanity and dignity of all people. Though divisions run deep, a thoughtful, compassionate dialogue on these questions can enrich the pursuit of both biblical fidelity and justice.