The Bible & Homosexuality: The Old Testament

The Bible & Homosexuality: The Old Testament

What does the Bible really say about homosexuality and LGBTQ+ people?

For generations, a small group of Bible verses has been used to condemn, exclude, and harm LGBTQ+ people. Often called the “clobber passages,” these scriptures are frequently presented as clear proof that the Bible rejects same-sex relationships. But is that what they actually mean in their original context?

In this episode of The Inclusive Faith Podcast, Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal examine the three Old Testament passages most often used in conversations about the Bible and homosexuality: Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, and Leviticus 20:13.

Together, they discuss:

• What the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is actually about
• Why sexual violence is not the same as a loving same-sex relationship
• How the historical and cultural context of Leviticus changes the conversation
• Why the original Hebrew wording matters
• How Bible translations can shape Christian beliefs about homosexuality
• The harm caused when Scripture is weaponized against LGBTQ+ people
• Greg’s experience of hearing these passages used during conversion therapy

This episode does not ignore difficult Bible verses. It examines them closely, asks what they meant to their original audiences, and considers whether they can honestly be applied to loving, mutual, and committed LGBTQ+ relationships today.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series on the Bible and homosexuality. Part 2 will examine the New Testament “clobber passages.”

The Inclusive Faith Podcast explores LGBTQ+ Christianity, affirming theology, biblical interpretation, church inclusion, and what it means to build a faith where everyone truly belongs.

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