resources for affirming theology
If you’re here from a traditional Christian view of sexuality and same-sex marriage, I see you and am thankful you are here. Even if you end up on the same page as you were when you started this research journey, the fact that you’re here and taking a posture of understanding an opposite view and conviction is an indication of your integrity, character, and heart for people.
Here are two quotes for you from Why Churches Need to Talk About Sexuality by journalist and pastor Mark Wingfield: "To study something implies that there might be something new to learn. And that in itself is threatening.” and, ”You don’t have to agree with my view to be a faithful Christian, but to be an honest Christian, you should acknowledge that Christians of goodwill disagree on this question.”
From a Christian perspective, the conversation about homosexuality is not black and white. This is a threefold conversation about Scriptural context, Christian ethics, and ministering to people from a truthful place. It will require your humility to take the lead and your skepticism and moral righteousness to take the backburner. I am hopeful that you come into this conversation ready to learn, rather than prove any point- mine or yours.
Something to keep in mind as you delve into this: a study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law finds that over 5 million LGBT+ people in the United States are religious. If you haven’t ever met an LGBTQ+ Christian, chances are you either live in an echo chamber, or you are not someone that LGBTQ+ people in your lives feel safe enough to come out to.
Here is my framework going into studying this topic: I believe in sola scriptura, which means that the Bible is the authority on all things concerned with salvation and spirituality. So, before diving into this topic, I knew that Scripture was going to hold the answers for me. Equally as important is making sure that when I am studying Scripture, I am respecting the context in which it was written. The principle, “the Scripture cannot mean what it never meant” (to it’s original audience), is important to hold here.
If you are a member of Foursquare, you know that a proper exegesis of scripture is what lead us to the conclusion that women belong in the pulpit just as much as men do. In many denominations across the world, this is still a hotly debated issue, just like LGBTQ+ issues. All I am asking is that you apply that same appreciation for context and proper Bible study to this issue.
These resources are meant to be a starting place for your own study, not a totally comprehensive list. I am constantly adding to it as I learn more!
Here are foundations of my own affirming viewpoint, in no particular order:
The authority of Scripture
Historical view of sexuality in NT times
Definitions and interpretations of 7 clobber verses
Egalitarian view of gender roles (women in ministry)
Essays and stories of other queer Christians
Abolitionists like the Grimke sisters, who, armed with Scripture, fought for the end of slavery from a Biblical perspective
Start Here
Tim Keller - What do Christians have against homosexuality?
While Keller was not an affirming voice, this video lays out a great example for how we should perceive and participate in this discussion.
Books to Read
God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines
Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke
The Gospel of Inclusion, Revised Edition: A Christian Case for LGBT+ Inclusion in the Church by Brandan Robertson
Changing Our Mind by David P. Gushee
Jesus and Other Men (excerpt) by Susanna Asikainen
The Church and The Homosexual: An Historical Perspective, 1979 by John Boswell
Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships by Dr. James V. Brownson
Videos, Podcasts, + Blog Posts
A Moment of Pride: Jen and Sydney Hatmaker on Being Gay and Loved
And, bonus, this article from the NY Times
Influential Affirming Christians + Organizations
Jen Hatmaker
Nadia Bolz-Weber
Rachel Held Evans
Sarah Bessey
Matthew Vines
Pete Enns
Semler
Graceful Goose Studio
The Reformation Project
