The Queer Christian: Navigating Faith, Church and the Bible
By Elton Sherwin
This podcast series debunks the myths propagated by conservative churches. We expose the shameful use of Old Testament verses to condemn gay Christians and spotlight Biblical scriptures that affirm sexual diversity.
Yes, there are pro-LGBTQIA+ scriptures.
And NOWHERE in the Gospel does Jesus forbid premarital sex, same-sex marriages, or female priests.
If your faith and sexuality seem at odds, these podcasts may help.
Too many churches teach a cultural gospel, a false gospel, that Jesus never preached.
The Queer Christian: Navigating Faith, Church and the BibleApr 25, 2024
22. Queer Before Columbus: Two-Spirit Native Americans
The vibrant diversity of gender-fluid and non-binary individuals in Native American cultures; the tragic ban of same-sex marriages by the Navajo Nation Council; and the role of Christian churches in a cultural genocide, which attempted to erase the history of Two-Spirit individuals and their unique and respected roles in many tribes.
Quoted or referenced in podcast:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/10/23/navajo-gay-marriage-ban-lgbtq/
https://lgbtqhealth.ca/community/two-spirit.php
https://www.ihs.gov/lgbt/health/twospirit/
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/oct/11/two-spirit-people-north-america
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203%3A28&version=RSV
Additional References
https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/the-history-of-two-spirit-folks
https://www.kqed.org/arts/13845330/5-two-spirit-heroes-who-paved-the-way-for-todays-native-lgbtq-community
https://www.them.us/story/lgbtq-two-spirit-native-americans-changing-the-world
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-spirit
Podcast produced by: Elton Sherwin
Audio edited and enhanced with: Descript Studio Sound
#Bible
#Christian
#Affirming
21. A Trans Christian's Quest for Authenticity
Aiden Yang's transformation as he liberates the good troublemaker within, explores the Beatitudes, and finds inspiration from rapper Bad Bunny.
Aiden Yang, a Trans-Christian Asian American, describes the many challenges to living true to your authentic self: Challenges from your church; challenges from your family; and challenges from a capitalist society.
Aiden takes you on a transformative journey to embrace your shadow self and live authentically. Aiden shares insights from his personal experience and draws parallels with the Beatitudes, challenging societal norms and finding inspiration from rapper Bad Bunny's countercultural journey.
Aiden’s website: https://aidensyang.com
About Aiden:
Aiden’s book, “The Spineless Porcupine: Why Our Differences Are Superpowers”
Aiden’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_n_cr8ivity/
Aiden’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayme/
This sermon was originally delivered at Bethel Community Church in San Leandro, CA and has been edited for this podcast.
Podcast produced by: Elton Sherwin
Audio edited and enhanced with: Descript Studio Sound
#Bible
#Christian
#Affirming
20. The Year the Word Homosexual Was Added to the Bible
1946
About the movie: 1946 - THE MISTRANSLATION THAT SHIFTED CULTURE
This is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946.
It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice.
Movie Reviews
“POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT FILM OF THE DECADE…” Steve Koplan, UNSEEN FILMS
“…one of the most engaging and informative documentaries I've ever seen. Not only is it highly watchable, but it has the potential to be ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL FILMS OF THE CENTURY as it seeks to prove that queerness and religion were never meant to be at odds. A must-watch for anyone trying to reconcile the two.” Matthew Huff, BUZZFEED
Website: https://www.1946themovie.com
Newsletter: https://www.1946themovie.com/subscribe
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/1946themovie
Social media handle: @1946themovie on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
The movie’s team:
- Directed By: Sharon “Rocky” Roggio
- Executive Produced By: Daniel Karslake
- Produced By: Jena Serbu And Sharon “Rocky” Roggio
- Original Music By: Mary Lambert
Women Make Movies: https://www.wmm.com/sponsored-project/1946-the-mistranslation-that-shifted-culture
Podcast produced by: Elton Sherwin
Audio edited and enhanced with: Descript Studio Sound
Synthesized speech using: Speechelo
#Bible
#Christian
#Affirming
19. Seven Clobber Passages CLOBBERED, DEBUNKED and CRUSHED
7 Bible scriptures that are MISUSED to condemn the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Janet sets the record straight.
In this episode, the second half of Janet Edmonds new leaflet, we look at 7 Bible scriptures that are INCORRECTLY used to condemn sexual minorities.
Links to Janet's writing:
Janet's leaflet, read in this podcast: GOD LOVES YOU - God Loves All of the LGBTQIA+ Community!!
More details and scholarly references can be found in Janet’s longer white paper which is published several places:
- https://tiny.cc/Janet1
- https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses
- In a PDF: https://elcvienna.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Booklet-about-Homosexuality-and-the-Bible-Sept.-2016.pdf
Podcast written and produced by: Elton Sherwin
Audio edited and enhanced with: Descript Studio Sound
Synthesized speech using: Speechelo
#Bible
#Christian
#Affirming
18. God Loves YOU - God Loves All of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Using the Bible to condemn all queer people is a MISINTERPRETATION of the original scriptures and the initial purpose of why they were written.
In this episode, the first half of Janet Edmonds new leaflet, a look at two AMAZING Bible scriptures that are AFFIRMING and ENCOURAGING for the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Links to Janet's writing:
Janet's leaflet, read in this podcast: GOD LOVES YOU - God Loves All of the LGBTQIA+ Community!!
More details and scholarly references can be found in Janet’s longer white paper which is published several places:
- https://tiny.cc/Janet1
- https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses
- In a PDF: https://elcvienna.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Booklet-about-Homosexuality-and-the-Bible-Sept.-2016.pdf
Podcast written and produced by: Elton Sherwin
Audio edited and enhanced with: Descript Studio Sound
Synthesized speech using: Speechelo
#Bible
#Christian
#Affirming
17. Leviticus: Cancelled by God?
Did God cancel Leviticus and its archaic and unjust laws?
We look at Isaiah 56 and a conservative Bible commentary. The results are surprising.
Three Scriptures used in this episode
· Isaiah 56: 4-5 (ESV)
· Leviticus 18: 22 (ESV)
· Leviticus 21: 18-20 (NIV)
Quoted in this Episode
The Enduring Word Commentary by David Guzik
About Isaiah 56: 4-5The Enduring Word Commentary says:
“This also PROPHESIES THE PASSING OF THE DOMINANCE OF THE LEVITICAL ORDER.
“Clearly, giving eunuchs a place and a name in God’s house CONTRADICTED the command of LEVITICUS 21:17-20. BUT UNDER A COMING NEW COVENANT, THERE IS A HIGHER PRINCIPLE AT WORK THAN THE SHADOWS OF THE LEVITICAL LAW.”
Leviticus is describing who is EXCLUDED from the PRIESTHOOD Leviticus 21: 18-20
“No man who has any DEFECT may come near: no man who is BLIND or LAME, DISFIGURED or DEFORMED; no man with a CRIPPLED FOOT or hand, or who is a HUNCHBACK or a DWARF, or who has any EYE DEFECT, or who has festering or RUNNING SORES or DAMAGED TESTICLES.”
#bible #biblestudy #affirming #gaychristian #queerchristian #Christian #exvangelical #pride #Lgbt #gay #ally #lgbtqia #trans
16. Some Are Born Gay: Created in God's Image
“For, there are some who have been gay from birth, so knit together in their mother's wombs and created in God's image.”
This is a modern, amplified translation of Jesus' words from Matthew 19: 11-12 and the topic of this episode.
Scripture quoted:
· Matthew 19: 11-12 (ESV)
· Matthew 19: 11-12 (King James Version)
· Matthew 19: 12 (Multiple translations)
· Matthew 19: 12 (original Greek)
Quotes and URLs
…"eunuchs who have been so from birth," is the closest biblical term we have for someone who today we refer to as homosexual.
Reverend Jeff Miner quote:
www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/biblical_evidence/born_gay
In the ancient world, including ancient Jewish culture as reflected in the Talmud, natural or born eunuchs… they were associated with stereotypically effeminate, characteristics and behavior… As we have also seen eunuchs were commonly associated with homosexual desire.
Pastor Rick Brentlinger quote:
Historical evidence beside what Jesus said, indicates that gay, lesbians and transgendered people were included in the group known as eunuchs.
#bible #biblestudy #affirming #gaychristian #queerchristian #Christian #exvangelical #pride #Lgbt #gay #ally #lgbtqia #trans
15. Isaiah’s Great Blessing
We look at the traditional view of Isaiah’s blessing, which is surprisingly affirming of sexual minorities. Join me as we look at the great blessing in Isaiah 56: 4-5.
Scripture quoted:
· Galatians 3: 28 (NASB)
References and URLs:
“It is difficult to overstate the significance of this story about the Ethiopian eunuch to our modern quest for Biblical insights into homosexuality. The Holy Spirit could have chosen anyone to be the first Gentile Christian, but the Holy Spirit chose an African, sexual minority who showed faith.
“The Bible’s unmistakable message here is one of inclusiveness and of God’s love for all people, regardless of their sexual preferences.”
Bridgeway Bible Commentary by Don Fleming:
“When the Jews returned to Jerusalem, some Gentile converts returned with them. Among these were several eunuchs, possibly people who were previously connected with the palaces in Babylon and Persia. The law of Moses made it plain that eunuchs were to be excluded from the tabernacle worship, probably to discourage the Israelites from making their own people eunuchs (Deuteronomy 23:1). But in the new Jerusalem all foreigners, eunuchs or otherwise, who honour God and keep his law should be allowed to worship in the temple along with godly Israelites”
“Love and obedience towards God, not physical or national characteristics, are the important things in God’s sight. The temple is for the use of all people, not just Jews, because God’s mercy is for all people”
“For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs - Even the eunuchs, who have hitherto been excluded from the privileges of the people of God, and who have been regarded as a separated and degraded people, shall be admitted to the same privileges as others.”
“This also prophesies the passing of the dominance of the Levitical order.”
#bible #biblestudy #affirming #affirmingchurch #gaychristian #queerchristian #Christian #affirmingyouthministries #exchristian #exmormon #belovedarise #youarebloved
14. Finding Your Perfect Match: What Does Modern Research Say? What Does the Bible Say?
In this episode: I discuss with Grandma Clair three things that predict successful relationships and marriages.
From The Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/
· The Magic Relationship Ratio (used in Podcast) https://youtu.be/Xw9SE315GtA
· Four horsemen https://youtu.be/1o30Ps-_8is
· “Bids” https://www.gottman.com/blog/turn-toward-instead-of-away/
· Singles newsletter https://www.gottman.com/singles-newsletter/
12 Year Study of same-sex relationships:
· https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-12-year-study/
· https://www.gottman.com/blog/what-makes-same-sex-relationships-succeed-or-fail/
Smiling
· https://youtu.be/jp42DM0x1Fc
First date questions: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/first-date-questions/
Marriages from online dating: https://www.science.org/content/article/online-dating-really-can-lead-love
Psychopathy (Don’t Marry)
· https://www.bikellaw.com/blog/37/is-your-husband-a-psychopath/
Gratitude
The Power of saying: “thank you” in marriages
· https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151021170814.htm
Top things couples fight about
https://www.inc.com/melanie-curtin/the-10-things-every-couple-will-fight-about-at-some-point.html
Scripture used in this episode
· Proverbs 15: 30
· Galatians 5: 22-23
· Matthew 25: 40
· Ephesians 4: 29
· 1 Peter 3: 10
· 1 Thessalonians 5: 11
#Marriage #Dating #Christian #Research #Love
13. When Is Sex Between Two Unmarried People God Honoring?
Are the rules for gay sex different than straight sex?
GRANDMA CLAIR’S: SEVEN RULES FOR SAFE SEX:
1) If you can become pregnant get a LARC.
2) When dating go slowly, start with your hands and wait awhile before you move to oral or intercourse.
3) Only have intercourse inside of a monogamous and romantic relationship.
4) ALWAYS use condoms, to protect against STIs.
5) Avoid hook-up sex. And if you do have hook-up sex use only your hands.
6) Wait on oral sex until you are in a long-term, monogamous relationship and have both been tested for STIs.
7) Try to wait until you are 19 to have intercourse.
REPORTS USED:
(Capitalization in tiny URLs matters)
Hook-up Sex Flunks Out, But Romance Rocks:
Romantic Sex Lowers Teen Delinquency
http://tiny.cc/SexAndDelinquency
Queer Youth and School Engagement
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835305/
LARCs Success:
STIs risks: Oral and Anal Sex verses using hands (fingering)
Kissing and STIs
http://tiny.cc/Kiss4Gonorrhoea
Percent of Americans Having Premarital Sex
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nsfg/key_statistics/p.htm
Teens and STIs
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5002249/
Late Bloomers Rock: Delaying First Intercourse Beyond High School Is Beneficial
http://tiny.cc/DoesTrueLoveWait
http://tiny.cc/HeritageTeenSex
http://tiny.cc/57studiesonTeenSex
A Book of Charts
Early Sex in El Salvador and Peru Has Poor Outcomes
Children of Teen Moms
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219236/
https://voxeu.org/article/why-children-teen-mothers-do-worse-life
Graduation Rates for Teen Moms:
http://tiny.cc/TeenMomsInSchool
#premaritalsex #teensex #Christiansex #gaysex #safesex
A New Name: The Queer Christian
From Apple Podcast reviews:
A young man wrote:
“I really don’t know how to say this, but thank you.
Your podcasts helped me stop my suicidal thoughts.
You saved my life…”
A gay mom wrote:
“You put some scriptures that have been used to harm people into perspective.
In my gut, I knew those scriptures didn’t apply to me, but I lacked the ability to articulate that for others.
I have shared your Podcast with dozens of people. I wonder how many gays will not seek suicide because they feel loved and accepted.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing love in this world.”
If you’ve been one of our thousands of longtime listeners in over 100 countries– thank you.
Remember, God created you.
He knit you together in your mother’s womb, exactly the way you are, for a purpose, because He wanted someone with precisely your gifts and talents.
God loves you.
You are not a mistake!
You were created by God for a reason!
Stay safe, stay strong, and God bless.
Elton Sherwin.
12. The Problems with Purity Doctrines
Millions of Christian’s feel guilt or shame about premarital sex. But should they? What do the Gospels and the 10 Commandments actually say about premarital sex?
This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MYsj67BTnkY
References and URLs
Terry Gross Fresh Air interview of Linda Kay Klein:
Transcript and audio:
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/648737143
Linda Kay Klein’s book, PURE:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQV274T
“Inside the Purity Movement and Its Effect on Evangelical Women” by Julie Ingersoll University of North Florida
Charts used from part 1:
The benefits of church attendance for women (Harvard study):
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2521827
https://ifstudies.org/blog/religious-service-attendance-marriage-and-health/
The association of religiosity and suicide in queer youth:
http://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(18)30050-3/fulltext
Falling church attendance – Pew research:
http://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/
President Carter quote:
https://youtu.be/znTO949aPNg?t=155
More than 1 in 2 Americans will get STD in lifetime
HPV and Cancer: “HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex…
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer
There is a vaccine for many sexually transmitted cancers:
www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/cases.htm
#safesex #purity #premaritalsex #teensex #Christiansex #gaysex
Voices: Descript.com #descript
11. Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church; and Some Are Committing Suicide
21% of Gen Z identifies as LGBT according to a 2022 Gallup Poll. Both parents and churches are failing to keep them safe.
Research tells us there are surprisingly large benefits to health and wellbeing associated with church attendance. Unfortunately, there is a dark side to religion, particularly for some young Christians and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
This episode is also available on YouTube:
References and URLs
21% of Gen Z identifies as LGBT according to a 2022 Gallup Poll:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/389792/lgbt-identification-ticks-up.aspx
“Homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered" Catechism of the Catholic Church:
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2357.htm
Franklin Graham quote:
The benefits of church attendance for women (Harvard study):
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2521827
https://ifstudies.org/blog/religious-service-attendance-marriage-and-health/
Benefits of church attendance for young adults (2ndHarvard study):
https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/187/11/2355/5094534
The association of religiosity and suicide in queer youth:
http://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(18)30050-3/fulltext
Falling church attendance – Barna Group research:
http://www.barna.com/research/changing-state-of-the-church/
Falling church attendance – Pew research:
http://www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/
Friendly and Welcoming Is Not Affirming:
Trans godparents forbidden in the Catholic Church:
http://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-roman-catholic-church
http://www.newwaysministry.org/2015/09/13/did-the-vatican-really-ban-transgender-godparents/
#churchtoo #affirmingchurch #gaychristian #FaithfullyLGBT #gay #LGBT
10. My Journey, Sexual Purity and President Carter on Gay Marriage
In this episode: We review President Carter’s famous remarks affirming gay marriage. I talk about how these podcasts came to be. And we look briefly at what godly gay sex might look like. We conclude with a short rant on sexual purity.
References:
Religious upbringing linked to better health and well-being during early adulthood
Chilling Study Sums Up Link Between Religion And Suicide For Queer Youth:
InMenlo online article:
President Carter’s interviews
2012: “Homosexuality was well known in the ancient world…
2015: “I believe Jesus would approve gay marriage…”
“Children born from unplanned pregnancies often face a range of developmental risks. Data indicates that these children report poorer physical and mental health compared to children born as the result of an intended pregnancy”
https://web.archive.org/web/20201024204014/https://www.michigan.gov/ruready/0,4664,7-276-57380_65294---,00.html(loads slowly)
“Almost half of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. There’s a surprisingly easy way to change that”
More than 1 in 2 Americans will get STD in lifetime
www.sctimes.com/story/life/wellness/2015/08/21/americans--get-std-lifetime/32123427/
HPV and Cancer: “HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex…
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer
There is a vaccine for many sexually transmitted cancers:
www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet
90% cervical cancers from STIs
“In general, HPV is thought to be responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers.”
9. The Baptism of The Ethiopian Eunuch
In this famous—but often misinterpreted—story we see God emphasizing that the Gospel message is inclusive and open to all. And that the kingdom of heaven does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or sexual orientation. From the Book of Acts, chapter 8 verses 26 to 40.
References and URLs:
Quotes from Janet Edmonds:
https://serendipitydodah.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-clobber-verses
Quote from Rev. Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley in
The Children Are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships:
https://books.google.com/books?id=c3uCTACZ46sC&pg=PA42
See the last full paragraph on page 42, then read the surrounding pages
Additional Reverend Jeff Miner resources:
www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/biblical_evidence/born_gay
and books: www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ARev.+Jeff+Miner
Recent article from InMenlo on the origins of this series:
For more from my research about eunuchs in antiquity, see the notes in episode 6.
#affirmingchurch #gaychristian #lgbtpride #FaithfullyLGBT #affirming #lgbtchristian #gay #LGBT #pride #biblestudy #dobetteryounglife #EltonsPodcasts #gaychristian #queerchristian #affirming #queerparenting #christianparenting #queerkids #queerteen #queerteens #transchristian #lgbtchristian #affirmingchristian #lgbtpride #pride #trans #Lgbt #gay #ally #allies #affirmingchurch #FaithfullyLGBT #queerallies #Christian #belovedarise #queer #lgbtyouth #queerpride #lgbtqpride #progressivechristian #lgbtqteens #lesbian #comingout #youth #jesus #god #qeerpride #religioustrauma #progressivechristianity #exchristian #exmormon
8. Paul, Gay Marriage and Gender Pronouns
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
7. Did Jesus Say, “Some Are Born Queer?”
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
6. What Did Jesus Say About Sexual and Gender Minorities?
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
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
5. What Is with All the Rules in Leviticus?
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?
An older version of this episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WSU-DOLNbmw
References and URLs:
1. Janet Edmonds quotes and sources:
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
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 #progressivechristian #affirmingchristian #trans #Lgbt #gay #Homosexual #Homosexuality
4. Men Lying with Men in Leviticus
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.
Transcript: https://affirmingscripture.com/4
An older version of this episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PrjcJpHK1yg (although the audio is not quite as good as the podcast)
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
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/LGBTI
Quotes voiced by Speechelo
#Biblestudy #Christian #gaychristian #lgbtpride #Affirming #lgbtchristian #Bible #QueerYouthOfaith #affirmingchurch #FaithfullyLGBT #queerallies #progressivechristian #affirmingchristian #trans #Lgbt #gay #Homosexual #Homosexuality
3. Blame the Gay Guys: The Attempted Rape of the Angels
We dive deeper into these 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://affirmingscripture.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 (quoted in this episode– this URL loads slowly)
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.rainn.org/articles/lgbtq-survivors-sexual-violence
Sexual abuse of slaves in America:
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:
The rape of Indigenous peoples in America:
Rap of men during wars and conflicts:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wartime_sexual_violence#Rape_of_men
2. The Murder of the Levite’s Concubine
This dark 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://affirmingscripture.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
1. Sodom and Gomorrah: The Most Misused Scripture in the Bible
What is this story actually about? Gay men or…? The Prophet Ezekiel explains Genesis 19, the first of the “clobber verses.”
Transcript: https://affirmingscripture.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:
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
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
Introduction: The Queer Christian
Questioning the Bible’s stance on same-sex attraction or premarital sex?
This podcast series debunks the myths propagated by conservative churches. We expose the shameful use of Old Testament verses to condemn gay Christians and spotlight Biblical scriptures that affirm queer identities.
Yes, there are pro-LGBTQIA+ scriptures.
And NOWHERE in the Gospel does Jesus forbid premarital sex, same-sex marriages, or female priests.
If your faith and sexuality seem at odds, these podcasts may help.
Too many churches teach a cultural gospel, a false gospel, that Jesus never preached.
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.