What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality and Sin:
A Journey Through Love, Truth, and Scripture
At of Rebel Faith, we believe that faith should heal, not harm.
When Antoine Maurice Price stormed into Windermere Union Church shouting condemnations at LGBTQ+ members, he wasn't doing anything new. For generations, religious extremists have weaponized a handful of Bible verses to justify hatred, discrimination, and even violence against LGBTQ+ people. The damage caused by this theological malpractice is immeasurable—from youth suicide to family rejection to legislative attacks on basic human rights.
But what if we told you the Bible doesn't actually condemn homosexuality as we understand it today?
This Pride Month, of Rebel Faith is proud to partner with Windermere Union Church in launching "LGBTQ+ + CHRISTIANITY," a groundbreaking series that examines what the Bible actually says—and doesn't say—about homosexuality and sin. After months of research, the evidence is clear: traditional interpretations of the so-called "clobber verses" are based on profound misunderstandings of historical context, linguistic nuance, and theological purpose.
The "Clobber Verses" Aren't What You Think
Let's look at the facts about these passages:
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13
These ancient purity laws were written for a specific historical context. They appear alongside prohibitions against eating shellfish, wearing mixed fabrics, and many other rules Christians no longer follow. More importantly, these laws were likely addressing ritual prostitution and pagan practices—not committed, loving same-sex relationships.
"When we look at Leviticus in its full context, we're seeing a society trying to distinguish itself from surrounding cultures," explains Rev. Brad Jagger. "These weren't universal moral pronouncements but specific instructions for ancient Israel. The same chapter that mentions homosexual acts also forbids planting two kinds of seed in the same field—rules we recognize as culturally specific today."
The Hebrew word to'evah (translated as "abomination") typically refers to ritual impurity, not moral sinfulness. This same word is used for dietary violations and other cultural taboos—none of which Christians consider sins today.
Genesis 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah)
Contrary to popular belief, the sin of Sodom wasn't homosexuality—it was cruelty and inhospitality. The Bible itself tells us this in Ezekiel 16:49, which states that Sodom's sin was "pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy."
"This story has been catastrophically misused," says RUKE, founder of of Rebel Faith. "It's about attempted gang rape—a violent act of domination. To use this as a condemnation of loving LGBTQ+ relationships is like using a story about heterosexual assault to condemn all straight marriage. It's intellectually dishonest and spiritually harmful."
Romans 1:26-27
In this passage, Paul is describing idol worship and its consequences, not making a statement about sexual orientation as we understand it today. The "unnatural" acts he describes were linked to excessive, exploitative behaviors in pagan rituals.
"What's fascinating is that Paul uses the exact same Greek phrase for 'unnatural' when describing God's actions elsewhere in Romans," Rev. Jagger notes. "Clearly he wasn't implying sinfulness with this term—it meant 'unexpected' or 'uncommon,' not 'immoral.' Context is everything with scripture."
1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10
These passages contain Greek terms malakoi and arsenokoitai that have been mistranslated in modern Bibles as "homosexuals"—a concept that didn't exist in the ancient world. More accurate translations suggest these terms referred to exploitative relationships like pederasty (older men exploiting boys) or male prostitution—not loving, consensual relationships.
"The word 'homosexual' didn't appear in any Bible until 1946," RUKE emphasizes. "The original Greek terms describe specific exploitative practices common in ancient Rome, not sexual orientation as we understand it today. This mistranslation has caused immeasurable harm to countless LGBTQ+ people."
Jesus Never Condemned Homosexuality
Perhaps most telling is Jesus's complete silence on homosexuality. Despite addressing numerous moral and religious questions, Jesus never once mentioned same-sex relationships in any recorded teaching. Instead, His ministry consistently challenged religious rules that harmed people, welcomed those whom society rejected, and emphasized love as the highest commandment.
"If homosexuality were truly the grave sin some claim it to be, wouldn't Jesus have mentioned it at least once?" asks Rev. Jagger. "Instead, we see Him repeatedly challenging religious leaders who used scripture to exclude people. His harshest words were reserved for those who burdened others with religious rules while missing the heart of God's love."
The Shocking Reality of Religious Hatred
In researching this series, our team at of Rebel Faith was genuinely horrified to discover religious leaders openly calling for violence against LGBTQ+ people. Pastors like Steven Anderson have claimed that the Pulse nightclub shooting was good because it meant "50 less pedophiles in this world." Others, like Pastor Jonathan Shelley, have declared that homosexuality deserves the death penalty.
"And here's a really crazy thing," notes RUKE. "Let's just agree, just for a moment, that homosexuality is a sin. And if you believe a sin is a sin, then a sin is a sin. But the call around the subject matter of homosexuality—the penalty is so extreme. You wouldn't call for the death of someone who ate oysters if you believe that's a sin. You wouldn't call for the death of someone who lied or call for the death of someone who cheated on their partner or spouse."
"It's very eye-opening, shocking, and scary to see such rhetoric out there that calls for such hatred and abuse and death," RUKE continues. "I'm grateful to understand what the LGBTQ+ community has faced, and unfortunately still is facing. That was my biggest eye-opener, and that's why I'm proud to do this work."
A Message of Hope and Liberation
The truth is, a careful, scholarly reading of scripture doesn't condemn LGBTQ+ people—it liberates them from centuries of misinterpretation and spiritual abuse.
"We're not rewriting scripture," Rev. Jagger insists. "We're reclaiming it from misuse—looking carefully at what these texts really say, in the context they were written. When we do this honest work, we find a God who is far more loving and inclusive than many religious voices have claimed."
"My overall hope for this series, and for those who engage with it, is if you look at homosexuality as being a sin, that you see it from a different light," explains RUKE. "Even minimally, if you believe it's about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then release that to be their personal thing, not yours—therefore you have no responsibility to change or interject. Love them as they are and as they become, whatever they were born and desire and are inspired to be."
To our LGBTQ+ siblings: Your identity is not a sin. The God who created you loves you exactly as you are. As RUKE tells his child, "I am so proud that you have been able to find your identity, that you are able to express yourself freely, that you know who you are and can stand in that space. Because, quite frankly, especially around my generation, a lot of us are still trying to find that. But to know who you are—that is powerful."
Join Us at Windermere Union Church
If you're in the Orlando area, we invite you to experience this transformative series in person at Windermere Union Church, an Open and Affirming congregation committed to creating a welcoming space for all.
Starting Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Windermere Union Church
10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road
Windermere, FL 34786
Come with questions, come with doubts, come as you are—you are welcome here.
Because the God of the Bible is not a god of condemnation for LGBTQ+ people—but a God of radical love, fierce justice, and complete acceptance.
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Rev. Dr. Brad Jagger is Senior Pastor at Windermere Union Church. Co-creator of Rebel Faith and the "LGBTQ+ + CHRISTIANITY" series For more information about church services or programs, contact pastorbrad@windermereunion.org or visit windermereunion.org.
RUKE is co-creator of of Rebel Faith and the "LGBTQ+ + CHRISTIANITY" series. For more information, contact ruke@ofRebelFaith.com or visit ofRebelFaith.com.