There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that suggests that a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity prohibits them from being a follower of Christ. So why do we often hear: “The Bible is clear on this”? Well, there are a handful of verses that are often (mis)used to exclude LGBTQ+ people. In this four-part series, we’ll unpack each of these verses, often referred to as the “clobber passages.”
Part 2: Leviticus 18 & 20
Part 4: 1 Corinthians 6:9 & 1 Timothy 1:10
Genesis 19:1-29 - Sodom & Gomorrah
In this well-known story, two ancient cities were destroyed because of their wickedness. Quick Recap:
God had already decided to destroy these cities. But two angels (disguised as men) went to Sodom to see how bad things were. They were surprised to meet Lot who welcomed them in his home.
Before bedtime, the men of Sodom surrounded Lot’s house demanded that he send out the guests so the people could have sex with them.
Lot refused and the angels protected the household by blinding everyone outside.
The next day, the two angel-men took Lot and his family out of town. The cities were destroyed.
Some Christians point to Sodom and Gomorrah as a “clear” sign that God hates same-sex behavior. Taken to an extreme, this view has been used to claim that queer people are ungodly, vile, and a threat to society. Some believe that if God destroyed Sodom for this, then God would not be pleased with societies today that tolerate queerness.
NOTE: According to the ACLU, starting in the 1960’s, many states put laws in place aimed at limiting the rights of queer people (e.g. the right to raise children). They were called “Sodomy Laws.”
Why Were the Cities Really Destroyed?
The Old Testament includes over a dozen references to Sodom and Gomorrah after Genesis 19. If you look at each of these passages, you’ll find that none of them mention sexuality as a sin of the two cities. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Zephaniah* discuss the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah as murder, theft, idolatry, power abuses, and oppression of the poor. Jesus also mentions Sodom (Luke 10:12) in reference to cities that refuse hospitality to strangers.
“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49
*Check out Jeremiah 23:14; Amos 4:1-11; Zephaniah 2:8-11; Ezekiel 16:49; Isaiah 1:10-18)
The only biblical links between Sodom and Gomorrah and sexual sin are 2 Peter 2:7, which doesn’t mention same-sex behavior, and Jude verse 7. Jude says that the people “indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural lust,” which most likely refers to their attempt to have sex with angels - a different type of being - rather than people of the same gender.
FUN FACT: None of the over 20 biblical references to Sodom and Gomorrah suggest that sexual orientation or same-sex behavior were the reason for Sodom’s destruction.
Early Christians understood the Sodom story as a warning about arrogance, power, violence, and inhospitality, not same-sex interest or behavior. However, throughout the centuries, this story has been misused to suggest Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of the actions of gay men. But the fact is, the men of Sodom weren’t gay; they were an enraged mob who wanted to dominate and humiliate two foreigners through sexual violence. This story has nothing to do with the LGBTQ+ community today or the respectful, consensual love between queer people.
Hospitality, Honor, Respect
What can we learn from Sodom and Gomorrah? That we should never become a society that mistreats foreigners, tolerates sexual violence, and neglects the needs of the poor and suffering. Followers of Jesus are called to practice hospitality to strangers, especially those who are marginalized or suffering. We are to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23).
“Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! […] Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:10-17
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had become dark, depraved places known for their arrogance, lack of hospitality, abuse of power, and oppression of the poor. The story of their ultimate demise invites us to reflect on our own societies. Are we people of goodwill? Are we known for our hospitality and generosity? Do we live out of the love of God? The Bible never teaches that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was about same-sex behavior. So these passages should not be used to “clobber” queer people.
View the slide guide form here.
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