How Do We Respond to "Can I Be Gay and Christian?"
To be gay is to openly identify with one's same-sex attractions, making it a crucial aspect of one's identity. Someone who identifies as gay includes their sexuality alongside other identifiers such as name, race, ethnicity, and gender. Therefore, you can be gay and Christian. —Karl
The issue of identity is pivotal. To say "I am gay" is like saying "I am a Republican"—it is an identifying statement. Aligning your identity with same-sex attractions and saying, "this is who I am," contrasts with identifying in Christ and saying, "He is who I am." One cannot find their identity in sin and simultaneously in Christ. Thus, you cannot be both gay and Christian. —Chris
The names of individuals and other identifying details have been altered to protect their privacy and those involved.
Where did this discussion come from?
This post stems from a conversation with my friend Jacqueline, whom I met at Liberty University. During her time there, Jacqueline's life changed profoundly after finding God and growing in her walk with Him. This transformation caught the attention of her lesbian friend, who, desiring similar changes, asked Jacqueline how to find God. However, she had one crucial question before proceeding—can I be gay and Christian?
Different Perspectives: Side B and Side C
As we see with Karly and Chris, strong Christian leaders can reach different conclusions on this question. Preston Sprinkle is a prominent voice for Side B on the topic of sexuality whereas Rosaria Butterfield, Christopher Yuan, and Sam Alberry are notable voices for Side C.
Side B
Side B holds that:
The Bible does not support same-sex marriage but upholds marriage as defined by God.
Same-sex sexual activity is sinful and requires repentance.
Same-sex attraction is not a sin.
Therefore, when someone from Side B is asked, “can I be gay and Christian?” The answer is yes—"calling yourself gay is simply an open acknowledgement of your same-sex attractions.”
You can be gay and a Christian “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). You can be gay and a Christian if you repent and turn away from sexual activity outside the confines of a biblically defined marriage. However, same-sex attractions are not a sin, so through the power of the Holy Spirit, a gay Christian should remain steadfast on celibacy, living a life which can be equally honoring and pleasing to God as the life of a married person.
Side C
Side C holds that:
The Bible does not support same-sex marriage but upholds marriage as defined by God.
Same-sex sexual activity is sinful and requires repentance.
Same-sex attraction itself is sinful.
Therefore, when someone from Side C is asked, “can I be gay and Christian?” The answer is no—"calling yourself gay is an identification with your sin, holding you back from fully surrendering to Christ who calls you to put your identity in Him."
In order to become a Christian, you must “ confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). As a Christian, you must repent and turn away from sexual activity outside the confines of a biblically defined marriage—this includes identifying with same-sex attractions. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, a same-sex attracted Christian should remain steadfast on celibacy, living a life which is equally honoring and pleasing to God as the life of a married person.
Side B and C
I want to emphasize that both Side B and Side C advocate for celibacy for those with same-sex attractions, aiming for lives solely devoted to God or marriage as defined biblically. While our culture may suggest that the LGBT community is at a disadvantage, God's call for holy sexuality applies equally to those with opposite-sex attractions—they too must remain celibate unless in a biblically defined marriage.
My Position
A huge reason that many disagree with side C belief is that they do not believe that same-sex attraction is a sin. I believe God’s original design would not have included same-sex attracted individuals, however, because of Adam’s sin, the original design of God was perverted. We are all "products of heaven" but are simultaneuously "products of the fall". That does not mean that individuals with same-sex attractions are more-sinful, it just means that sin has impacted their sexual desires. However, by becoming a Christian, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the chains to sin are broken and the mind of the flesh is replaced with the mind of the Spirit.
No longer enslaved to sin, you can overcome the temptations of same-sex desires.
Though I align with Side C, I reject the "pray the gay away" approach. Although Christian should be devoted to praying against sin, I put my focus on praying for holiness, not "straightness". I used to pray for attractions to women, but I have since realized that only holiness will help curb the sin inside my heart, not a woman by my side.
Pray for holiness, not straightness.
How Do We Respond?
If someone ever asks you, "Can I be gay and Christian?" I hope you now feel better equipped with a basic understanding of the Christian Side B and Side C positions. Being a Christian is more than a title; it is the core of your identity. As Christians, our purpose is to glorify God, make His Kingdom known, and reveal His reconciliation with the world. Can you fulfill this purpose with same-sex attractions? Absolutely. Can you do it with any other sin? Absolutely. We must remind ourselves daily that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and took upon Himself the wrath of God. Through His sacrifice, we now live in His grace and mercy.
Even if you stumble with the same sins as before—whether it's lusting after someone of the same sex, watching inappropriate content, lying, or gossiping—remember that His grace covers you. He has washed you clean and is calling you to a higher standard. He isn't calling you to heterosexuality; He is calling you to holiness. May we encourage others to pursue the same.
How Do We Respond?
We Respond with Truth and Love
Do you have any questions about the Christian faith or sexuality?
Do you have your own testimony to share?
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