LGBTQ in the Bible?
For many, it may seem as though Christianity and LGBTQ+ identity are incompatible. This thinking is not uncommon, but are these beliefs in conflict with the Bible? To separate fact from historical and contemporary fiction, it’s important to take a closer look.
Much of the misunderstanding about LGBTQ+ identity and Christianity stem from a lack of contextual understanding of the Bible and misinterpretations of certain passages. Often, primary passages used to support anti-LGBTQ+ doctrine prove deceptive when taken out of their immediate context. Leviticus 18:22 states that a “man shall not lie with another man as he would a woman”. In its contemporary 1975 translation, the New International Version reads “Do not have homosexual relations”. It is essential to remember that at the time the Bible was written, many behaviours which were widespread were punishable due to the traditional moral standards of the culture. This included a lack of acceptance of homosexual activity, but also overeating and even the act of having premarital sex.
Discussions of LGBTQ+ identity often remain focused on “behavior”, and overlook the significance of examining orientation as part of identity as well. It is vital to recognise that historically, the recognition of people in the LGBTQ+ community for simply being was not part of the narrative.
Many people prefer to see the Bible as a literal and immutable text, and it is important to note that for many religious believers, the text carries great weight. It is also important to see that the Bible is culturally contextualised, and certain evidence of LGBTQ+ existence can be found, if one takes the time to look.
Live and Let Live
Romans 14:13-15:13 offers an important public message that is undeniably applicable today: to live and let live in regards to our different opinions. This passage stands out as an important reminder of the need for love and acceptance, rather than judgement and condemnations.
In addition to this passage, Galatians 3:28 ”There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus,” acts as a clear call to treat all persons equally, regardless of differentiation and identity. Perhaps most meaningful to the LGBTQ+ community is 1 Corinthians 16:14 ”Let all that you do be done in love.”
There are countless passages throughout the Bible which speak about loving one another, and it is these core principles which are vital to understanding. Acceptance and love for each other is a message which never falls out of relevance, regardless of individual time and place, and has the power to transcend the physical realms of understanding.
LGBTQ+ and Faith – Moving On from Fear
It is a tragedy that the LGBTQ+ community have suffered unjustified persecution due to misinterpretations of scripture, as well as warped, hatred-filled interpretations. It is essential to realise that while many passages, such as those mentioned above, can be found in the Bible which support LGBTQ+ identities, the truth is that much of the doctrine which claims intolerance, hatred and non-acceptance of LGBTQ+ people is simply unfounded.
While not all interpretations are out of malice, there are still some individuals and groups which use the Bible to support and encourage an atmosphere of judgement and shame. To truly move away from belief systems founded on fear and hatred, it is essential to draw attention to those Bible passages which send a different message: a message of love.
In recent times, many inclusive Christian communities have worked hard to provide a space where this message of love can be at its most profound and powerful. Efforts to accept, forgive and understand LGBTQ+ people are starting to transform a traditionally conservative discourse.
Faith Leaders on the LGBTQ+ Community
From Pope Francis, the Catholic leader whose name is associated with devotion and love, to Bishop John Shelby Spong, an Episcopal Bishop whose life was devoted to acceptance and understanding, there are many religious leaders who have spoken out in favour of increased understanding of and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.
Pope Francis notably voiced his commitment to making the Catholic Church more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community in a 2013 statement, saying: ”If someone is gay and is looking for the Lord, who am I to judge him?”
John Shelby Spong rejected traditional views of the Bible on the subject of homosexual orientation, saying in his 1994 book, A New Christianity for a New World, ”We must learn to affirm our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as completely acceptable human beings within the Christian community”.
Evangelical Christians – The Complexity of the Issue
For many Evangelical Christians, the issue is more complex because of the doctrinal implications of their beliefs and the value which they place on scripture as the absolute word of God.
The essential tension lies in the attempt to reconcile an attitude of love and acceptance taught by Jesus alongside certain biblical passages which are often interpreted as condemning LGBTQ+ identity.
While it is impossible to deny that there are instances of flawed scriptural interpretation, in an effort to move forward, Evangelical Christians must remember that “the law was made for man; not man for the law” according to Mark 2:27. Biblical Tradition is just that, a Tradition – its rules, interpretations and values present an imperfect, human-made system.
LGBTQ+ and Faith – Moving Away from the ‘Side’ Issue
When discussing religion and LGBTQ+ identity, it is important to try to move away from seeing it as a “side” issue or one which does not have anything to do with the core Christian message of love.
In the case of both Jews and Christians, the shared history of religious persecution and marginalisation is a reminder of the way which religion can support those who are marginalised and desperate, as well as condemn them.
It is essential to be mindful that while many singular interpretations of scripture may act to divide, the message of Jesus unites individuals across different belief, backgrounds and identities.
At its core, Christianity is meant to provide a space for love, acceptance and community. As such, denying and marginalising individuals based on their identity erodes away at the very essence and spirit of the religion.
The Capacity to Comprehend
It is also essential to note that when considering LGBTQ+ identity from the perspective of religious faith, capacity to comprehend and to move forward manifests the most important role in understanding.
The once outdated ‘them and us’ dichotomy has been replaced by an understanding that the ‘other’ can be a potential source of love and learning.
Jesus did this by living a life of love and acceptance of all people. To move away from fear and hate we must look to his example.
Exploration of the Grey Areas
An exploration of both the grey and black and white areas of the scripture is critical to understanding the Bible’s stance on LGBTQ+ identity. In looking to this exploration, an individual can come to the realisation that a nuanced exploration of scripture can ultimately result in an affirmation of LGBTQ+ identity. Ultimately, it is the ability to love and accept which is at the heart of Christianity, not a moralistic condemnation of difference.
Inclusive Communities in Worship
Many faith-based centres of worship are beginning to explore the possibility of being wholly inclusive spaces. With an acknowledgement of the importance of respect and understanding between communities, faith-based spaces have now begun to recognize the possibility of a space of inclusion, free from judgement and harassment.
LGBTQ+ inclusive faith centres are now becoming a reality, as more and more traditional centres open their doors to a diverse range of worshippers. This above everything else marks the integral understanding that the true faith message of love is inclusive of all people, regardless of background and identity.
Encouragement to Move Away for Fear
For those broken away from a faith, or those feeling unwelcome within it, there are now a range of near infinite options for ways of spiritual healing and exploring a higher power.
Books, support groups, online groups and more can all act as a source of comfort, understanding and acceptance. These important alternatives are critical in the movement away from more restrictive interpretations of the Bible.
At its core, the message to be taken away is that all forms of faith, in their purest state, propagate acceptance and understanding. Rejecting any notion of ‘the other’ leads to a guide of safety, comfort and peace which is in line with the true message of Christianity.
Challenging Theological Interpretations
It is essential to remember that theological interpretations which advocate the notion of punishment and damnation of those of the LGBTQ+ community are rooted in fear, and in many cases, malice.
In light of this, it is important to advocate for and celebrate Christianity in its truest form: one of unconditional love and acceptance.
It is still a difficult task to accept that in many contexts, the notion of punishment and shame is deeply interwoven with the interpretation of scripture.
However, overcoming regional and traditional biases is essential in allowing us to come across newfound empathy and understanding.
It is through challenging simplistic interpretations of the Bible that we can better understand the message of love which is at the heart of all forms of faith.
Support from Christian and Social Communities
This path of understanding is only furthered by support from both faith and social communities. Such understanding is needed and appreciated, although it does not ignore the presence of the invisible barriers and lack of acceptance which still present in many faith-based contexts.
While the road ahead may be lengthy and fraught with misunderstandings, it is essential to keep focus on the ultimate goal, religious acceptance and understanding.
It is only through a thoughtful exploration of scripture and a commitment to understanding that we can create a pathway to true acceptance.
