Start Here: Understanding Our Approach
At St. John's we believe that following Jesus means holding together deep faith, careful study of Scripture, and genuine love for people.
Many Christians searching "what does the Bible say about homosexuality" or "can you be gay and Christian?" find only heated arguments — not careful Bible study. Rather than avoiding the hard passages, we believe it's important to examine them in their full historical and biblical context.
The teachings below walk through the passages most often cited in conversations about the Bible and LGBTQ people — exploring what Scripture actually says, how Christians have come to different conclusions, and why an Open and Affirming reading of faith is both biblically grounded and faithful to the gospel.
Sodom and Gomorrah
Genesis 18 & 19
What was the actual sin of Sodom? Many people are surprised to learn that this story is not primarily about homosexuality. This teaching explores the historical and biblical context of Genesis 18 and 19 — examining what the text actually addresses: violence, injustice, and the failure of hospitality.
Creation, Marriage, and the Story of Adam and Eve
Genesis 1 & 2
Does Genesis define the only acceptable form of human relationship? This teaching examines what Genesis 1 and 2 actually argue — and what they don't — about humanity, love, and what it means to bear the image of God. A foundational study for anyone asking what the Bible says about marriage and sexuality.
Old Testament Law
Leviticus 18 & 20
How do Christians understand Old Testament holiness laws today — and do they apply to same-sex relationships? This study explores how the Law functioned in ancient Israel, how Christians interpret these passages within the broader biblical story, and why context matters when reading Leviticus.
That's Greek to Me
1 Corinthians 6 & 1 Timothy 1
Two rare Greek words in Paul's letters appear nowhere else in ancient literature — yet they've become central to debates about LGBTQ people and the church. This study examines what these words likely meant in their original language, cultural context, and how scholars understand their translation today.
the Turning of the Table
Romans 1and 2
Romans 1 is one of the most frequently cited passages in debates about Christianity and homosexuality — but Paul's argument doesn't stop there. This teaching explores how Paul addresses Jewish and Gentile believers together, and how Romans 2 turns the argument back on the reader: no group stands morally above another before God.
The Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8
Who belongs in the community of Christ? The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch is one of the most remarkable welcome stories in the New Testament. This teaching explores what this passage reveals about belonging, inclusion, and the ever-expanding community of God's people.