What is the Bible’s Authority on Human Sexuality

Over the last two years, there’s been one question that I’ve been asked more than any other: "How do I read and interpret the Bible in a way that’s affirming of women in leadership and of LGBTQ+ people in the church?"

Many of us at the Collective naturally believe in inclusivity, but the challenge is how to reconcile that with a traditional reading of Scripture. How can we take the Bible seriously while being an affirming and progressive church?

To respond to this, we’re beginning a new sermon series called The Bible, the Birds, and the Bees. In this series, we’ll explore what the Bible says about sexuality, gender identity, and sex. We’ll center on one big question: How can we read the Bible in a way that honors God’s sacred word and revelation, while also embracing a radically inclusive and affirming church?

Now, I want to acknowledge that there are multiple views on the Bible here. Some of you might interpret it differently, and that’s okay. I want to create space for dialogue, so let’s not let this conversation end here. Feel free to ask questions and share your concerns. Let’s keep the conversation going.

So, Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby

When we think about human sexuality and gender identity, it’s essential to consider how we view the Bible. People’s views on the Bible often shape their views on these issues. Some Christians believe the Bible is inerrantL perfect and without error. And that its words are the unchanging revelation of God. This view leads to literal readings of Scripture, like in 1 Corinthians, where women are told to be silent in church and submit to their husbands. For those who hold this view, these passages are seen as enduring truths for all times, even today.

But there are other Christians who see the Bible as authoritative but recognize that it was written by human authors who were influenced by their cultural contexts. This doesn’t diminish its value; rather, it invites us to approach Scripture critically, acknowledging human involvement in its transmission.

For instance, we don’t have the original manuscripts of the Bible, just copies made by scribes who sometimes had to make interpretative decisions due to poor handwriting or damaged materials. These discrepancies don’t reflect poorly on God; they reflect the process of human editing. Even with these inconsistencies, I believe the Bible is a source of enduring wisdom, but it requires critical engagement to understand its relevance for us today.

Principles for Interpreting the Bible

To help us interpret the Bible, especially on issues of gender and sexuality, I want to offer six principles.

1. The Bible is a theological text, not a scientific one.
   The Bible’s primary purpose is to help us understand God, not to teach us about science or gender theory. Too often, we read it as a rulebook for everything, but it’s not meant to answer every question in a literal or scientific way. The Bible’s stories and teachings are written within specific cultural contexts, and reading them through a modern scientific lens can mislead us.

2. The Bible is a historically affected document.
   The Bible was written in a particular historical and social context, and our interpretations of it are affected by our own time and culture. For example, in 1 Corinthians 7, Paul suggests celibacy is ideal but permits marriage for those who can’t control their sexual desires. This advice was shaped by his own cultural context, and we should read it accordingly.

3. The Bible requires interpretation.
   There is no “one true Bible” or “original” meaning of Scripture. Even the translation into English is an act of interpretation. We must recognize that different groups interpret the Bible in different ways, and these interpretations are shaped by our own beliefs and contexts.

4. The Bible invites us to wrestle with mystery.
   If our reading of the Bible leads to certainty without mystery, we’re missing something. The Bible doesn’t provide all the answers; it invites us into a process of wrestling with questions that may never be fully answered. This wrestling is where we encounter God.

5. The Bible is lived out in our actions.
   Biblical interpretation is not just intellectual; it’s a performance. We live out our interpretation of Scripture in the ways we treat others, especially those on the margins. Our actions, such as loving and affirming others, reveal the Bible to the world.

6. The Bible should center the liberating work of Jesus.
   The Bible must be interpreted through the lens of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We must read it with humility, recognizing that we don’t have all the answers. Ultimately, we worship Jesus, not the Bible. Jesus’ message of liberation and love should guide our understanding of Scripture.

A Call to Radical Inclusion and Liberation

At the end of the day, our interpretation of the Bible should lead us to a deeper understanding of God’s love for all people. The Bible is a tool that can help us live out God’s will, but it should never be used to shame, harm, or oppress others. When we read the Bible through the lens of Jesus, we discover that God’s purpose is liberation, not condemnation.

I hope that as we explore the Bible together, we can reclaim these texts for today. Not as weapons of shame, but as sources of hope, grace, and radical inclusion. May our interpretations of the Bible help us build a community where everyone can experience the love of God, just as they are.

Amen.