The Bible contains several passages—the so-called “clobber” texts—in the Old and New Testaments that are often cited to condemn LGBTQIA+ persons. When condemnation is joined with traditional social intolerance of the LGBTQIA+ community, LGBTQIA+ people face harsh discrimination, ridicule, and harassment. Deeply troubled about the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community under such condemnation, the author, a veteran biblical scholar, university professor, and pastor, challenges the misuse of such texts. He critically reexamines in the light of their own time and place what the biblical writers had to say about homosexuality. Does the Bible clearly condemn homosexuality? Does it censure all same-sex relations? Do the Scriptures also denounce other sexual orientations on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum? The author’s thorough biblical investigation deals with these and other questions. His analysis concludes by charting a bold new path of hope for LGBTQIA+ people.
