How Should Christians Respond to the Homosexuality Debates and Issues Penetrating Christianity?

Christians have debated on how to effectively engage with the culture since the formation of the Church. The Apostle Paul writes,  

To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:20-22 NASB1995).  

Paul clearly describes his ministry as presenting himself to the culture in an appealing way, yet “not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ.” Cultural engagement and showing Christ’s unconditional love while also holding to the unwavering biblical truth can be difficult to balance when discussing the homosexuality movement and how Christians should biblically approach the issues and debates surrounding same-sex attraction and Side A/B/X/Y Christianity. How much biblical truth should believers share when interacting with practicing homosexuals? How much grace should be given to the homosexual unbeliever? How much love are Christians called to share? How do Christians balance grace and truth?  

What the Bible Says About Homosexuality   

Most conservatives who believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God agree that the Bible speaks against homosexuality. Well-known theologians of this view include John MacArthur, Paul Washer, and C.S. Lewis. However, more progressive theologians, such as Rob Bell, Matthew Vines, and Stan Mitchell, would argue otherwise. The main Bible passages that address homosexuality are Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Leviticus 18:22, and Leviticus 20:13. The Romans 1 passage is specifically clear regarding its prohibition of homosexual behavior and is the only passage in the Bible that addresses not only men sleeping with men but also women sleeping with women. Paul uses a unique compound Greek word, arsenokoitai, which is another word made up by Paul – as was his custom when there was not another proper word. Arsenokoitai is made up of two Greek words put together, literally translating as “men who sleep with men.” Arsenokoitai in the context of Romans 1 describes sleeping with the same gender as wrong and a perversion of the natural order of things. While some try to argue that homosexuality is only forbidden if it is not consensual, the arguments simply do not align with what is written in Scripture. This is because, since Genesis, marriage was made for one man and one woman to come together and become one flesh for one lifetime. The Bible itself, in writing, is clear.  

Reverand Brandan Robertson, Pastor Colby Martin, and other such progressive Christians would disagree with the authority of Scripture or twist it to fit modern-day society; however, these are deviations from biblical Christianity. While the Bible makes it clear that homosexuality is a sin, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments, the debate continues surrounding same-sex attraction and whether it is a sin to be sexually attracted to the same gender.  

Same-Sex Attraction  

Same-sex attraction (SSA) is a rising concern within the church. The debate on homosexuality is easy enough, as the Bible is clear in the fact that it is sexual immorality and is a sin. However, in the Christian community, there is a massive debate on whether same-sex attraction is a sin or if SSA is only a sin if someone acts on those sexual attractions.  

Rosaria Butterfield and Alisa Childers, two apologists within conservative Christianity, held a podcast together on February 13th, 2024, discussing same-sex attraction as a sin and calling Preston Sprinkle out, a “conservative” Christian leader in the apologetics of the homosexual debate. Rosaria Butterfield called Preston Sprinkle out, claiming that he was giving people an escape and a reason to not confess and confront sin. Preston Sprinkle responded to these claims on his YouTube channel, defending himself and explaining the situation. What happened? The conflict was from a fundamental difference in the view of SSA. Rosaria Butterfield views SSA as an inherent sin, while Preston Sprinkle views SSA as a brokenness from the fall, parallel to a natural disaster or the decaying of the human body. To understand the conflict, Christians must understand the difference in these theological principles.  

In Genesis 3, humanity sinned against God and what is known as “the fall” takes place. This introduces sin and brokenness to the world. Christians must differentiate between the two if Christians are to begin discussing its application to same-sex attraction.  

Sin is the wrongful human nature inside of us all. It is our flesh, which everyone must die to and be born again in the Spirit. Sin includes lying (Col. 3:9), stealing (Ex. 20:15), murdering (Deut. 5:17), sexual immorality (Galatians 5:19), and anything else that goes against God’s holy nature. Homosexuality is included in the list of sins. Brokenness, on the other hand, is the state of the fallen world we now live in. Brokenness is displayed through natural disasters, sickness, disease, decay, and pain. So, which of these does same-sex attraction fall under? This is where the debate lies.  

Rosaria Butterfield claims that same-sex attraction falls under the category of sin. In Rosaria Butterfield’s eyes, same-sex attraction comes from the sinful desires of the flesh and is an inherent sin that must be repented from and turned away from.  

Preston Sprinkle, conversely, believes same-sex attraction is the fault of brokenness and not an inherent sin. He believes that SSA is related to an illness, a broken consequence of the fall. Preston Sprinkle would equate same-sex attraction as the same thing as heterosexual orientation. It is the actions and what is done with the attraction that determines sin or not.  

So, is same-sex attraction an inherent sin, or is it brokenness? While the Bible itself does not provide direct dialogue on same-sex attraction, Christians can look to biblical principles and apply the general concepts to SSA.  

Matthew 5:27-28 is clear, along with the principles in the sermon on the mount, that it is a sin to desire to do something sinful. Homosexuality is a sin, so if someone is lusting after someone they are not married to, of any gender, it is a sin. But the question of temptation arises, as it is not a sin to be tempted. After all, even Jesus was tempted (Hebrews 4:15). Still, the question remains: is same-sex attraction an active sin or temptation?  

The answer: it depends. Same-sex attraction is a fruit of the fallen world and comes from a fallen human nature, but so does the desire to steal or lie. If someone is tempted to steal, but refrains and does not entertain the idea, no one would be able to argue reasonably that it is a sin. Jesus was tempted in all the ways that we are tempted (Heb. 4:15), yet He did not sin because he did not act or entertain those temptations. It is reasonable to apply the same biblical logic to same-sex attraction. Christians should strive to die to the desires of the flesh, being born again in the Spirit. If someone desires to tell a lie to escape punishment but instead owns up to the truth, they have done a good thing and have not sinned. This is the principle that applies to same-sex attraction. It is not an inherent sin but could be if the thought is entertained or acted upon. It is something to seek to get rid of but is not a sin to have. It is brokenness from the fall.  

Side A, Side B, Side X, and Side Y Christianity; Understanding the Debate and Bringing Clarity to the Chaos   

How do Christians think they should approach the homosexuality issue and debate? There are four main sides to this debate, known as Side A, Side B, Side X, and Side Y.  

Side A states that a Christian can be gay, affirms gay marriage, and denies the sin behind homosexuality. Side B allows identification as gay but recognizes the action of homosexuality as a sin. Side B Christians are where you will find the “celibate gay Christian.” Side X believes that same-sex attraction is inherently a sin and seeks to get rid of homosexual desires. Finally, Side Y, which fits between B and X, does not call SSA a sin, but does call homosexuality a sin. Side Y argues that Christians should not identify with their same-sex attraction but seek to become more like Christ.  

Proponents of Side A include Matthew Vines and Rob Bell. This paper has already discussed Preston Sprinkle, who agrees with Side B theology. Side X Christianity is where Alisa Childers and Rosaria Butterfield’s views are. Apologists Alan Shlemon and Christopher Yuan would agree with Side Y Christianity.  

Based on what was discussed above, Sides A, B, and X have already been exposed as unbiblical responses. While Side Y seems closest to the truth, if not an accurate representation of what has been discussed, it would be wrong to identify as a “Side Y Christian.” Paul calls us to unity, not dividing over trivial, secondary matters (Philippians 2:2). Identifying as “Side Y” or “Side B” would be doing a similar thing to what the church of Corinth was doing when Paul wrote to them on unity (see 1 Corinthians 1:10-13).  

Bringing it Back to the Gospel   

Now that the main debates and positions have been explored and examined, there is a key principle that should not be ignored. This principle is called homotheologo.  

Like Paul when creating arsenokoitai, there is a need for an innovative word to describe the balance of grace and truth. Homotheologo is derived from the Greek and means “to be of the same reasoning for God.” I created this word to describe the call to unity under Christ, recognizing that the lost need saving.  

Homotheologo is the principle of focusing on the Gospel which unifies all Christians. This is key when interacting with non-Christians. If someone is an unbeliever, they have no reason to listen to you and adhere to biblical sexuality. It is the same thing for all immoralities. Lying, stealing, cheating, sex before marriage, murder, and homosexuality are all sins and equally punishable before God (Romans 6:23). The unbeliever has no reason to follow these commands, except in some cases if they fear the legal consequences in this world (for example being in prison for murder).  

When it comes to the unbeliever, forget everything that has been mentioned about homosexuality, same-sex attraction, and all the sides of Christianity. If they do not have Jesus, they are on the path to hell. Salvation is the most important thing to focus on. Homotheologo is a call to unity under the cause of the Gospel, the salvation that comes through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Homosexuality is only secondary. Being homosexual will not send someone to hell, but denying Jesus will.  

Again, homotheologo applies to those who do not accept the Word of God as absolute truth and the moral guidance for life and living out a Christian walk. If Progressive Christianity, the denial of the authority of Scripture, has led to homosexuality, focus on the Progressive Christianity first. If there is no reason to adhere to Scripture, then there is no reason to adhere to its reasoning for heterosexuality.  

This is what homotheologo is. It is bringing it back to the core, uniting and focusing on what truly matters: Jesus.  

How Christians Should Respond; Practical Applications   

This leads to the main point: how Christians should respond. First, homotheologo. If a Christian is interacting with a non-believer or someone who denies the authority of Scripture, it is important to focus on those things rather than divide on issues of homosexuality and same-sex attraction.  

If a Christian is interacting with a believer who affirms the authority of Scripture, it is important to make sure the intentions of talking with them are out of love. Approaching the believer in love, one-on-one, gracefully addressing the problem, and walking alongside the believer through Scripture, are the steps that should be taken. If the believer is unrepentant of their sins, have multiple people come up and talk with them. Try to understand the believer’s reasons for not trying to align with the Bible. Jesus says,  

He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. . . If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me (John 14:21-24).  

If they do not adhere to correction, listen to the authority of Scripture, and desire to follow God and His commandments, then they do not love God and will not change their ways until they change their heart. At this point, it is arguable if they understand salvation.  

The Christian must come back to homotheologo, and look at what the Bible teaches on the unrepentant sinner.  

Conclusion   

The Bible is clear that homosexuality is a sin and a perversion of the original intent for marriage to be between one man and one woman for one lifetime. While Romans 1:26-27 is one of the easiest and clearest passages, all of Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, unify in its prohibition of homosexuality. Christians should not engage in homosexual behaviors or actions, including lusting after someone of any gender; however, same-sex attraction is not inherently a sin, but rather a temptation. Though Christians should try to flee from temptation and seek to be more pure and holy, experiencing same-sex attraction – if not acted upon – is not a sin.  

While Christians, theologians, apologists, and teachers disagree and argue about homosexuality issues, Christians must be unified. Christians should not divide into Sides A, B, X, and Y. Christians should focus on the Gospel. The church is in desperate need of homotheologo, unifying under the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  

The Bible should be the ultimate source of truth, authority, guidance, and correction. All Christians should desire to follow God and His ways. God desires everyone to follow Him and know Him, and Christians should proclaim the truth with grace and love. Christians must tell the truth of Jesus’ salvation to the unbeliever and the truth of homosexual sin to the believer, but it all should be done in gentleness and respect, with grace and love.