The Bible and Homosexuality: A Nuanced Approach

It's time to rethink how we talk about homosexuality as Christians. Here's why.
If you disagree or have questions or thoughts on this video, I'd love to hear them! I believe nuance often requires back and forth, and my goal here is to start the conversation, not provide a definitive answer. So let's chat.
I don't censor comments for disagreeing with me; however, I reserve the right to remove any comments that are obviously trolling, inflammatory, or unkind-on any side of the issue.
I'm planning more videos in this series, so please subscribe to know when they're released.
There are also more resources on this subject on my website at GeekyJustin.com. Thanks for being part of the conversation!
Chapters:
0:00 What if God called you?
2:18 A nuanced approach
5:57 In the beginning...
8:49 The clobber passages
12:43 A text without a context...
15:40 Compassion v. Scripture?
21:02 Learning from Jesus
27:57 Final thoughts

[@FBBifidus]

"And when you're gay, it's so frustrating to hear people tell you that a passage about gang rape is supposed to answer your question about loneliness, and whether you can fall in love..." Brilliant point.

[@ivangrigorevichpetrov605]

Also, I dont understand why would a gay person want to be a Christian / believe Bible when it seems they hate us. I believe in freedom and would never hate on people because of their religion, but I dont understand the WHY people would join something which doesn't understand nor respect them as they are.

[@GeekyJustin]

Glad you liked it!

[@GeekyJustin]

@Ivan Contrary to how it may seem, many Christians are very LGBT supportive. But when I get time, I'll look into making a video to explain why I'm a Christian. In the meantime, this article might help: geekyjustin.com/sick-of-christianity-this-ones-for-you/

[@ivangrigorevichpetrov605]

Thank you. I am an ex-Russian Orthodox, now Asatruar. Many in my family are of this pathway, too. My fiance' is a pantheist. I'll read the article; I am curious.

[@hunterholden6261]

Love this. This helped me a lot as 21 year old guy who is struggling being gay.

[@babie2angel]

As a 30 year old, this morning, I just came out to my Mom AND sent her this video, she has yet to respond. Fingers crossed.

[@lizz1124]

how did it go?

[@eros727]

Good luck 🤞

[@Theboywhoatelasagna]

One of the best explanations/videos I’ve seen, and would actually make me consider going back to church.

[@endswithme555]

I’m a gay Christian male. How I hang my hat on this issue is the letter of the law vs the spirit of the law issue as well as the good fruit argument. The overarching theme of Scripture is God loving us compassionately in our brokenness and drawing all Souls regardless of walk to him. I love God - passionately! I love the Word and i love what He stands for…love and acceptance. Ultimately I think many people are going to be shocked at who God brings into His Kingdom because it will consists of people they would’ve never given a second thought about. And that’s what makes Him God and not us. Bravo to explaining the cultural shift away slavery analogy. Regardless of there being clear explicit scriptures seemingly admonishing slavery, the spirit of what Christ preached diametrically opposed that practice. That’s a clear demonstration of spirit of the law vs the letter of the law. I believe that’s where this gay va Christian argument is heading.

[@bearboots4u]

THANK YOU FROM MY BODY, MIND AND SOUL!! You are saying exactly what I have felt my entire life but just didn't know how to verbally express it. You have given my life a new inspiration. Thank You.

[@chikeokjr24]

You're amazing, thank you for helping to dispel this mess, we (as Christians) need to be better and lead on this issue, our generation must be better so we can point the way for future generations.

[@KevinMakins]

Yes. Yes. Yes. This is so insanely helpful for me as a pastor with a very diverse congregation and context. Helping people think nuanced and Jesusy is among the most difficult, and important, tasks for the modern church. Thank you Justin, this will become one of the go-to resources I hand anyone asking the important questions about sexuality. I can't express how important your voice is in this conversation. Keep going.

[@bran8370]

As a transwoman who was formerly Southern Baptist/Calvinist, I love this video--it gives me hope that I may still find a place in the Church.

[@tomo.8096]

This is the most compelling, clear and concise approach to this topic that I've found. And for the record, I have done a lot of studying, reading and listening on this subject. I'm a gay man in my 50's who grew up in a small rural town attending a conservative Pentecostal church 3 times a week. I also spent 21 months participating in a live-in ex gay program. This is not first and foremost an academic topic for me, but a topic that drills down to the core of my being. Fortunately, I have been a self accepting gay Christian for a number of years now. Brilliantly and simply stated, Justin. THANK YOU.

[@biinniit]

Justin, this is wonderful work. It's wonderful passion for Christ. God bless you a thousand; you are awesome. I mean, I glance at you and then at my local pastor (my entire environment is violently homophobic) and all I can notice is that you TEND towards Christ. You are an example to us all, and even if (by any chance) you're wrong, your intent is completely pure. Christians really need to be more willing to talk about this, and to talk about it. I see LIGHT!

[@deivid_ruso]

I whish I could've watch this when you posted it three years ago. Thank God you're on earth, Justin. I'm so amazed boys like you and Mathew Vines, who were raised in the gospel just like me, are speaking out this beautiful true. I wouldn't have been that brave, but I'm so glad you were, and you are. You have no idea how liberating this was to know after spending all those childhood and teenage years walking the Church halls feeling broken and incapable to please my Lord... Actually I think you do have idea 😆. I send you a big hug from Monterrey, Mexico😊. PS: All your sketches make me laugh so hard 🤣

[@zackplog2588]

Just Dang Yes I've been wrestling with LGBT+ issues for......a good while. I haven't the words to captivate how affirming this is but, yeah, I appreciate this. You've helped connect of the dots in my head.

[@danielkoons]

Thanks so much for making this Justin. I so appreciated your sharing your story in Torn and making "the debate" real. Way too few want to actually pause, think, reflect, study with the willingness to actually wrestle and even change your view on a subject. You certainly made me do that. Thank you so much, you rock!

[@GeekyJustin]

I appreciate that!

[@thevictoriousjh]

Thank you for this! It will be very useful for introducing this topic to people. Thanks for the work you put into it.

[@GeekyJustin]

Glad you liked it! I hope it can help spark some more nuanced dialogue on the subject.

[@jayj8069]

Thank you so much for making this video! I have struggled with this area of my life as a Christian and a bi person for years and this video has helped me so much! God bless you and your work!

[@sams2802]

wow, it's really hard to find the digestible video that logically tackles and breaks down this topic. I know generally 30 minutes is a long runtime for a video But I love how you broke down each segment and beat. This has been a topic I have been struggling with for a long time, constantly dropping and picking up every now and then but never satisfied with the answers I find. I'm glad to have found someone with the information to start an end to my struggling journey. But (for the sake of perspective) I would love to hear an opposing opinion as to what you said, since I Really can't think of what someone could say. Seriously solid stuff!

[@williambeugin8134]

Good job. Very well constructed, both intellectually and compassionnaly. A very important talk to hear especially for people like me, a heterosexual young pastor. Keep going.

[@l.andersen3155]

Thank you for this channel and this important video! I’m a bi cis woman in a lesbian relationship finding God again ❤️

[@johnpeccarelli2389]

Brother, thank you for this nuanced approach to a vital topic in the 21st century Church. So many focus on what Jesus did not discuss, rather than focusing on what He did say. I have done a fair amount of research recently on this topic, and have not yet heard such a clear application of the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Thank you and God bless you in your work.

[@ellyg8702]

Thank you so much for making this video!! I think everything you said it completely right and I really needed to hear this. I just hope the church will acknowledge this fact one day too!

[@sethfry9788]

This saved me!

[@kevseb66]

"God CARES about people. People matter to God". I, a gay person actually matter to God? For a entire life time this is something I couldn't even wrap my brain around, nevermind believe. One has to believe you matter to God to have any kind of a relationship with Him or to have any love for oneself.

[@AnishProductions]

God’s revelation is continual! Context is everything. Amazing video. Thank you for bringing much needed heart and intelligence to this conversation, Justin. God Bless You!

[@Joannapendleton]

Wonderful! Thank you for this theological approach.

[@gravetrick9200]

Thank you for your work Justin! I appreciate you and Matthew Vines so much! Your books are on my list to read next!

[@racheltanshiying]

Wow. This is really interesting! Much food for thought.

[@Morew_92]

Thank you so much for this video! I needed this and to know I'm not alone.

[@sherryu]

I loved 'Torn'. Thank you for writing such a great book. You explained things in a way I can grasp.

[@ronaldgreen2336]

Very well done. Exactly to the point. Looking forward to reading your book when it comes out.

[@GeekyJustin]

Thanks. :)

[@andrewalbaugh1325]

Thank you for this Justin. Definitely took some weight off my shoulders and heart hearing your insights. You definitely have the heart of a minister!

[@travisemmanuel]

Thanks for the video, Justin! I especially appreciated your point about compassion being pitted against scripture as well as the reminder of how Jesus approached the law.

[@BertaSue1963]

This is a great video. I highly respect you, Justin, and your ministry. You have helped me understand scriptures related to these issues so much better. May God bless and continue to use you.

[@brunosferreira88]

Hi Justin, I'm from Brazil and your videos are helping a lot, this one particulary is awesome. I've been struggling with celibacy for 13 years. I became really depressed and I just wanted to die in the late years of celibacy. I'm in touch now with affirming theology, I've read your book torn and James Brownson's book. You've a blessing for me and to my friends here in Brazil, I just want to thank you a lot.

[@meganann9625]

Wow. Just wow. I have been a born again believer for 1.5 years and trusted the popular interpretation of scripture- the "historical" approach if you will. This video is making me question things. Thanks for the perspective.

[@DCson3]

Great video, Justin! I loved every bit but found your point in discussing the story of Jesus healing the man's hand on the Sabbath to be particularly significant. I hope you don't mind if I reuse some of that. I'll be eagerly looking forward to your next video!

[@GeekyJustin]

Feel free, of course!

[@ivsonaguiar4979]

You're such an inspiring person Justin. Thanks for the awesome video and keep the good work! Not sure if you remember me, but I have translated your book to Portuguese :)

[@GeekyJustin]

Thanks for the kind words! And if you know any good publishers who publish in Portuguese, tell them to contact Hachette Book Group to ask about getting Torn published in Portuguese. I'd love it.

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

That was deep. Really love you brother. You are helping so many people on both sides.

[@sethfry9788]

I’m posting this to Facebook and asking anyone who has a gay family member or friend to please watch out of compassion and understanding.

[@amyebh]

Great work Justin. Thank you!

[@eugeniaeugenia8445]

Thank you so much, that was really helpful video for me. On a side note: I don’t know why but the pipe organ sounds in the video totally cracked me up 😂 I probably needed the laugh because in reality this is a touch subject for me that I live and stuggle with every day… Thank you again.

[@gally1174]

Thank you so much for this. I'm an lgbt+ muslim woman, and your videos are so helpful and inspiring. I look forward to reading your books!

[@mercenaryknight5419]

Excellent way to go about this. Great job. ^^

[@mhadle1992]

Woah this was incredible - so enlightening. I’m currently a theology student and next semester we’ll be looking at Christian issues in a contemporary world which will include homosexuality but also things like abortion so I’m hoping to be able to use these ideas about nuance and the spirit of the law in these conversations (some of my classmates are heavy on the letter of the law so that will be interesting but challenging)

[@GeekyJustin]

Thanks! Let me know how it goes.

[@lienlael3196]

😆 you are just great!!! I hear you dear brother. Thank you for your ministry. I truly believe we have a long road to walk.

[@JCoUKthe1]

Great video - thanks so much Justin

[@GeekyJustin]

Thank you for all your incredible work, Jeremy.

[@annalittleton8351]

I’m very thankful for you. As a lesbian Christian you have helped me out a lot with your videos. I’m still a little new to your channel. Do you have any videos on David and Jonathan?

[@basialewinska1428]

Thank you, this video means more to me than you could possibly imagine

[@mari_perez914]

I’m really tempted to send this to my mom because she doesn’t accept me that I’m bisexual.. :(

[@jkel6564]

This video is really helping me so.thank you so much

[@joaodemoura1997]

Waou ! that's what I needed to hear. Thanks

[@SherryMH]

You have given me much to think about. Thanks so much.

[@jasonramirez4502]

Your absolutely amazing Thank you Lord Jesus for blessing Justin with true wisdom 🙏🙏😘😘

[@nataliebartels2202]

Oh dude. This spirit of the law over the letter of the law. Get out your highlighters!

[@gpfeia]

Nicely done!

[@pythosdegothos6181]

Brilliantly done. Also, Jesus never once mentioned homosexuality.

[@ahuman4461]

Im 12 and Pansexual my mom thinks im "confused" or "im questioning" but i know what i like. We're a Christian family but she says "God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Adam"

[@kennethmaese4622]

Posting to fb hoping for good conversation

[@GeekyJustin]

Let me know how it goes...

[@hosamadeebnashedfahmy5476]

Years ago, I asked a native Greek on the subject of "arsénokitè" and "malakí" (I've chosen to write the pronunciation in Greek rather than the usual spelling in Latin letters). His answer was: Malakí means the feminine plural of "soft" which would be absurd for us to understand as effeminate males, or "used" males as some translations prefer to say... Arsénokitè is composed of Arsenios (god of fertility back then) + bed; which seem to denote a male prostitute who is sent to serve ladies on their premises... Those two terms are then used in another epistle, but this time coupled with "people who steal people" (or something along these lines, depending on the specific translation). Adding all this together, one would infer that St Paul in fact was referring to Sex Slavery: young girls, hunks and those who kidnapped them and/or sell their services.

[@bee-yq3wb]

Lol I like your skits, you're funny!

[@andreanatsuminadeau5608]

Just added your book to my audible and will probably buy it in print (easier to share passage that way). As a trans/bi who want to renew with her faith I think your words will help me sell that yes I'm bi/trans and Christian and yeah it's possible.

[@OpenDoorMedia]

Bravo Justin!!!

[@ellazona8367]

What an absolutely beautiful analysis. I've never been homophobic or concerned with this issue in real life but it's so interesting to hear different opinions and yours is so biblically backed and smart!

[@robinlucindawoods]

Hi Justin I love your work, thank you for everything you have written about and done. I also want to share this KZbin clip to my Christian friends who think that the Bible says that you can’t be gay and Christian. But I’m hesitant to do it because I think they would be offended by the acting of the Christian people saying silly things. Do you have a version of this that doesn’t have that?

[@legacyoflore1597]

I love this!

[@isabelleleblanc-cheminant1078]

Thank you for this! Your videos are so well put together and give a voice to so many gay christians, and ALL LGBTQ+ people who just need to know that Jesus died for them and loves them no matter what.

[@RayJamil]

Thank you for sharing this. ⛅️🌤️☀️

[@jcg2466]

I'm a side B Christian because of my experiences which I can't get into here. But I did share this for a few reasons. One is for Christian Churches to open a dialogue and stop with the judging. And the other is many side A christians and side A supporters come at me worse than any self righteous condemning Christian EVER did.

[@GeekyJustin]

We desperately need nuance on ALL sides, don’t we? Even though I share my Side A view here, some of my best friends are Side B and deserve to be treated respectfully as brothers and sisters in Christ. My ultimate goal is a respectful, nuanced conversation no matter our differences. Thanks for sharing.

[@whaley2365]

Thanks Justin for your inspiritional approch to the Bible👍 Jesus had always been trying to get across to the pharisees and the teachers of the law, the intent and Spirit of God within the scriptures.

[@ronaldgreen2336]

I watched the video . Grand slam home. Do we need to redefine what a homosexual is rather and what a homosexual does?

[@GeekyJustin]

Yeah, I think definitions are probably important to this conversation.

[@lyubaalexeievnapetrova9373]

It's not what you DO; it is who you are. It isn't an action.

[@diueadslvrsl1711]

I appreciate this video. I’m 22 and trying to figure out how to reconcile being attracted to guys with wanting to put God as the #1 in my life. A lot of videos on this topic seem reductive and I appreciate your care in the details. I got a lot to think about. Muchos gracias, Justin.

[@justinbiddy7034]

Hey Justin- I read your book !!

[@GeekyJustin]

I hope you liked it! My next one is out in August. :)

[@bergcrawler1]

Great video

[@lyubaalexeievnapetrova9373]

If people had compassion, empathy, wisdom and ethics, you wouldn' t need a bible to tell you slavery and homophobia is wrong.

[@etiennejung8389]

I totally agree

[@ballinglikechoji6558]

If anyone here is a Gay Christian, I HIGHLY recommend reading his book, "Torn." Regardless if you affirm same sex relationships or if you are pro gay celibacy, this book will soften your heart and help you approach the topic, and those who disagree with you, with a level of love and respect that should be common, but sadly isnt, in the Christian community. I cried, laughed, prayed, and smiled reading Justins work of art and often return to it as a good tool to use during my bible studies.

[@josephsmith5816]

god loves us all

[@Pheminon1]

My pastor is an amazing person. The amount of things him and the staff have done for not only the church but local communities and internationally cannot be understated. But, he is divorced and got remarried. I've always said, if my pastor can get divorced, remarry, and touch as many lives as he has, then I don't see why a gay couple can't do the same. At the end of the day, even if one person is saved, then all of heaven is rejoicing. Just as I would say to a straight couple: find someone that is just as in fire for God, if no more, as you are As Christians, all we're trying to do is be good enough

[@brianpeytonjoyner3078]

Wonderful content. Incredible production values. Sexy frat boy cameo. Justin - Glad to see you back in action. I especially loved the comment about Genesis 2. Why did God feel the need to create a companion for Adam? Wasn't God enough?

[@jroma5241]

Thank you Justin

[@ivangrigorevichpetrov605]

What does 'nuanced' mean?

[@GeekyJustin]

There's a definition of "nuance" at 2:25, but basically, a "nuanced" approach is one that takes into account the details and finer points of the issue. So instead of just saying that you're "for" or "against" the idea of homosexuality, a nuanced approach would look at all the details: What do we know about sexual orientation and gay people's lives? What does the Bible say about love and companionship as well as about sex? What options does a gay Christian have and what do we know about those options? Etc.

[@ivangrigorevichpetrov605]

Thanks for the explanation. I understand now.

[@BrittBrattBossLady]

Probably because the bible is missing a lot of parts, so we maybe will never know the back stories to what Paul was referencing. SMH.

[@MusicalRaichu]

you can research ancient graeco-roman sexuality. romans 1 actually started making sense to me for the first time once i got to understand roman culture. there's a book titled "roman sexualities" but it's probably expensive to buy. i managed to read a few pages for free on google books and even that was extremely enlightening on paul's world and the mindset of the people he was dealing with.

[@PushkaCom]

Oh my gosh, Jesus?

[@GeekyJustin]

Is this a reference to my old musical? Because if so, that's hilarious.

[@PushkaCom]

GeekyJustin firstly yes, secondly, I'm dying to watch it again~~~~

[@GeekyJustin]

I'll see what I can do.

[@PushkaCom]

[@joyfulspirit]

Thanks you Justin. I am straight, but doing my own biblical research have shifted from growing up believing that being gay is wrong view to Side B view. I really appreciate your video and is a good way to open civil dialogue. I have strong opinions about gay marriage and transgenderism. Yet we are still called to love them. I agreed with everything you were saying, except the end... I'm still Side B. Couldn't God still call gays be celibate? When looking at scripture I only see support for heterosexual marriage. Matthew 19 has three mentions of male and female unions. Other passages likened the marriage of husband and wife to that of Christ and the church. Adam was alone in garden, but we aren't alone now. There lots of ways to have relationships with one another. But on your issue of falling in love/romance with someone, I don't know. I understand what you are saying/feeling, but I still feel that marriage is supposed to be male and female.

[@rickdiorio153]

oh my god I think I am falling in love with you , hahaha