At of Rebel Faith, we believe that faith should heal, not harm.
When Antoine Maurice Price stormed into Windermere Union Church shouting condemnations at LGBTQ+ members, he wasn’t doing anything new. For generations, religious extremists have weaponized a handful of Bible verses to justify hatred, discrimination, and even violence against LGBTQ+ people. The damage caused by this theological malpractice is immeasurable—from youth suicide to family rejection to legislative attacks on basic human rights.
But what if we told you the Bible doesn’t actually condemn homosexuality as we understand it today?
This Pride Month, of Rebel Faith is proud to partner with Windermere Union Church in launching “LGBTQ+ + CHRISTIANITY,” a groundbreaking series that examines what the Bible actually says—and doesn’t say—about homosexuality and sin.
The “Clobber Verses” Aren’t What You Think
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13
These ancient purity laws were written for a specific historical context. They appear alongside prohibitions against eating shellfish, wearing mixed fabrics, and many other rules Christians no longer follow. More importantly, these laws were likely addressing ritual prostitution and pagan practices—not committed, loving same-sex relationships.
The Hebrew word to’evah (translated as “abomination”) typically refers to ritual impurity, not moral sinfulness. This same word is used for dietary violations and other cultural taboos—none of which Christians consider sins today.
Genesis 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah)
Contrary to popular belief, the sin of Sodom wasn’t homosexuality—it was cruelty and inhospitality. The Bible itself tells us this in Ezekiel 16:49, which states that Sodom’s sin was “pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.”
Romans 1:26-27
In this passage, Paul is describing idol worship and its consequences, not making a statement about sexual orientation as we understand it today. The “unnatural” acts he describes were linked to excessive, exploitative behaviors in pagan rituals.
1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10
These passages contain Greek terms malakoi and arsenokoitai that have been mistranslated in modern Bibles as “homosexuals”—a concept that didn’t exist in the ancient world. More accurate translations suggest these terms referred to exploitative relationships like pederasty or male prostitution—not loving, consensual relationships.
Jesus Never Condemned Homosexuality
Perhaps most telling is Jesus’s complete silence on homosexuality. Despite addressing numerous moral and religious questions, Jesus never once mentioned same-sex relationships in any recorded teaching. Instead, His ministry consistently challenged religious rules that harmed people, welcomed those whom society rejected, and emphasized love as the highest commandment.
A Message of Hope and Liberation
The truth is, a careful, scholarly reading of scripture doesn’t condemn LGBTQ+ people—it liberates them from centuries of misinterpretation and spiritual abuse.
To our LGBTQ+ siblings: Your identity is not a sin. The God who created you loves you exactly as you are.
Join Us at Windermere Union Church
If you’re in the Orlando area, we invite you to experience this transformative series in person at Windermere Union Church, an Open and Affirming congregation committed to creating a welcoming space for all.
Sundays at 10:00 AM
Windermere Union Church
10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road
Windermere, FL 34786
Come with questions, come with doubts, come as you are—you are welcome here.
