UnClobbering the Bible: A Fresh Perspective on Inclusion
Understanding 'Clobber Texts':
'Clobber texts' refer to specific Biblical passages that have been traditionally used to condemn homosexuality. These texts often become conversation stoppers, preventing open and honest dialogue about LGBTQI2+ inclusion within the church. It’s crucial to reinterpret these texts in a way that aligns with the overarching message of love and acceptance found throughout the Bible.
In conversations about LGBTQI2+ inclusion, certain Biblical texts are often used to shut down dialogue. These texts, known as 'clobber texts,' have historically been interpreted in ways that exclude and harm LGBTQI2+ individuals. At a recent General Assembly, I recommended Colby Martin’s book, "UnClobber: Rethinking our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality," to someone seeking guidance on this issue. This book offers a refreshing perspective on how to approach these texts with an inclusive and affirming lens.
Colby Martin's UnClobber:
Colby Martin’s "UnClobber: Rethinking our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to engage in this reexamination. The original book, published in 2016, has been expanded in a 2022 edition that includes a study guide, making it even more accessible for personal and group study. Martin addresses each of the key 'clobber texts' with scholarly insight and pastoral sensitivity, offering readers a way to understand these passages that promotes inclusion rather than exclusion.
In addition to the book, Colby Martin’s website offers video-based courses on "UnClobber," which can be an excellent resource for congregational use. These courses provide an accessible way for groups to engage with the material and open up conversations about inclusion and the Bible.
"God and the Gay Christian" by Matthew Vines
Matthew Vines offers a compelling examination of the Biblical texts traditionally used against LGBTQI2+ people. His book provides a strong argument for full inclusion based on scriptural interpretation.
About the book: As a young Christian man, Matthew Vines harbored the same basic hopes of most young people: to some-day share his life with someone, to build a family of his own, to give and receive love. But when he realized he was gay, those hopes were called into question. The Bible, he’d been taught, condemned gay relationships.
Feeling the tension between his understanding of the Bible and the reality of his same-sex orientation, Vines devoted years of intensive research into what the Bible says about homosexuality. With care and precision, Vines asked questions such as:
• Do biblical teachings on the marriage covenant preclude same-sex marriage or not?
• How should we apply the teachings of Jesus to the gay debate?
• Can celibacy be a calling when it is mandated, not chosen?
• What did Paul have in mind when he warned against same-sex relations?
Unique in its affirmation of both an orthodox faith and sexual diversity, God and the Gay Christian has sparked heated debate, sincere soul searching, and widespread cultural change on the issue of what it means to be a faithful gay Christian.
"Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate" by Justin Lee
An evangelical Christian examines the impact of sexuality, the LGBTQ+ movement, and the future of the church in this thoughtful, deeply researched guide to navigating and mending the social and political division in our families and churches.
Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, Lee knew that he was called to a life in evangelical Christian ministry. But questions about his own sexuality forced him to rethink his “love the sinner, hate the sin” approach, sending him on a journey to better understand the Bible, the science, and the history of the church’s gay debate—eventually leading him to become one of the most respected voices on the subject on both sides of the divide.
Filled with personal stories and careful research, Torn provides insightful, practical guidance for all committed Christians who wonder how to relate to gay friends or family members—or who struggle with their own sexuality.
Torn has been a trusted resource for over a decade, and this updated edition features new material to address the impact and aftermath of the “ex-gay” movement, gender identity and the broader LGBTQ+ movement, and an updated and expanded look at where the overall affirming Christian movement is going. It also features new practical recommendations for combating the increased polarization that threatens to tear us apart.
Convinced that God’s grace is the key to loving one another without compromise, Lee charts a path for people on both sides of the debate to help mend Christianity’s shattered reputation and bring peace to our families and churches.
The Reformation Project
Founded by Matthew Vines, The Reformation Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training Christians to support LGBTQI2+ inclusion in the church. The organization offers various resources, including training materials and conferences.
Queer Theology
An online platform offering resources, articles, and podcasts that explore theology from an LGBTQI2+ perspective. Queer Theology aims to provide inclusive and affirming interpretations of scripture.
About the Queer Theology Podcast (in their own words): The longest running podcast for and by LGBTQ Christians and other queer people of faith and spiritual seekers. Hosted by Fr. Shannon TL Kearns, a transgender Christian priest and Brian G. Murphy, a bisexual polyamorous Jew. and now in its 10th year, the Queer Theology Podcast shares deep insights and practical tools for building a thriving spiritual life on your own terms.
Explore the archives for a queer perspective on hundreds of Bible passages as well as dozens of interviews with respected LGBTQ leaders like Amy-Jill Levine, Namoli Brennet, Joy Ladin, Emmy Kegler, Trey Pearson, Dr. Pamela Lightsey (and a few cis, straight folks too). We also have series on Matthew, Mark, and Galatians, as well as topics like Sunday School Sex Ed, Scary Things You Might Have Been Taught In Church, and so much more!
What do you think? What did we miss? Is there an affirming and helpful resource we should add to the list?