WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY?

Definitions

Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic and/or sexual attraction between people of the same sex or gender. For the purpose of this paper the respective people will be referred to in a broader category of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ). 

The population of USA is 330 million and of that an estimated 20 million are LBGTQ, In Africa the figure is unknown as it is mainly a cultural taboo.

There are 12000 non-instrumental Churches of Christ in the USA and 3000 across the globe. 406 are found in Zimbabwe.

The Church of Christ (CoC) is also known as Christian Church or Disciples of Christ (DoC). There are an estimated 4000 DoC congregations in the USA, there is no record of DOC in Zimbabwe but some found in Botswana, Nigeria, Congo and South Africa.

 The Church of Christ (CoC) is a broad family of congregations emphasizing New Testament authority, local autonomy, and a pattern of worship and practice. Within this broad family, there are conservative and more liberal strands; this article presents a conservative CoC perspective.

Disciples of Christ (DoC)  in some contexts, has moved toward greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, but many conservative DoC congregations remain cautious or traditional on sexuality. This article notes DoC positions where relevant, but centers a conservative interpretation grounded in Scripture.

 WHAT  THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY

In the conservative CoC view, the Bible is the authoritative rule of faith and life. Sexual ethics are understood to be clearly taught in Scripture, including heterosexual marriage as the God-ordained context for sexual relations. While recognizing differences within the broader CoC/DoC family, this article presents a shelf of core biblical texts and a hermeneutical stance that aims to remain faithful to Scripture on the issue of homosexuality.

1) Core hermeneutical commitments

• Scripture as binding authority: The Bible provides explicit and implicit teachings about sexuality that are taken as normative for faith and practice.
• Creation ordinances and natural law: The creation account and Jesus’ teaching on marriage are understood to establish heterosexual marriage as the design of God.
• Holistic ethics: The church seeks holiness, fidelity, and love in how it engages with all persons, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. Pastoral care is important, but it does not redefine biblical sexual ethics.
• Local church stewardship: CoC congregations emphasize autonomy and apply biblical text to life and practice within their local context, often leading to similar conclusions on sexuality across many conservative congregations.

 2) Key passages and conservative readings:

• Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13-Read as clear prohibitions against male same-sex sexual acts within the Holiness Code. The conservative CoC approach treats these commands as part of God’s immutable moral law given to Israel, applicable today as universal standards for sexual conduct, though some readers distinguish between ritual purity and moral law without nullifying the prohibition.
• Genesis 19:1-11 (Sodom and Gomorrah)-Traditionally read as a warning against sexual violence, exploitation, and inhospitality, rather than a blanket condemnation of all same-sex relationships. The conservative reading distinguishes between acts of coercion/abuse and consensual, loving same-sex affection (which is not affirmed biblically as a legitimate pattern of marriage or sexual expression).
• Romans 1:26-27-Interpreted as Paul describing and judging same-sex acts as contrary to God’s created order, arising from humanity’s rebellion and idolatry. The emphasis is on the ethic of creation design, not on endorsing homosexual orientation as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. The passage is taken as a clear New Testament sanction against unbiblical sexual conduct.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:9-10-The Greek terms malakoi and arsenokoitai are debated in scholarship, but the conservative CoC reading typically aligns with the historic tradition that these lists condemn specific exploitative, cultic, or abusive practices rather than affirming all forms of same-sex relationship. The broader point is that the church must avoid practices that are inconsistent with biblical sexuality and maintain holiness in community life.
• Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9-Jesus affirms God’s design in creation: male and female in marriage, a lifelong covenant. This is understood as the normative standard for marriage and sexual relationships, shaping the church’s discipline and teaching about sexuality.

 3) Doctrinal and practical implications for the CoC

• Marriage and sexuality-The conservative CoC view upholds heterosexual marriage as the divinely ordained context for sexual relations. Sex outside of this framework is understood as sin according to Scripture.
• Leadership and church discipline (1 Tim 3:2;12)-Many conservative CoC congregations limit leadership roles (e.g., elders, deacons) to those who uphold biblical sexual ethics within marriage. This often includes explicit or implicit expectations regarding celibacy outside heterosexual marriage.
• Pastoral care-While upholding biblical sexual ethics, conservative CoC communities emphasize compassion, truth-telling, and pastoral care for LGBTQ+ individuals, including guidance toward holiness, reconciliation with God, and supportive relationships within the church.
• Autonomy and variation-Despite a conservative baseline, CoC congregations retain local autonomy. Some communities may emphasize stronger boundary lines, while others seek to maintain a welcoming witness without compromising biblical teaching.

4) DoC considerations from a conservative posture

The DoC umbrella includes congregations and associations that range in practice. A conservative DoC position tends to align with traditional biblical sexual ethics, though some DoC contexts may exercise more permissive or inclusive language in worship and leadership.

Where DoC has pursued inclusion, conservative critics within the DoC frame argue for maintaining biblical boundaries, especially around marriage and ordination. The conservative CoC perspective would encourage faithful adherence to biblical norms while engaging in compassionate, redemptive ministry.

 5) Practical pastoral guidance for conservative CoC congregations

• Teaching and preaching-Emphasize creation, the authority of Scripture, and Jesus’ teaching on marriage. Address issues of sexuality with clarity, compassion, and pastoral sensitivity, calling members to holiness and obedience to God’s word.
• Counseling and care-Provide pastoral care consistent with biblical ethics, offering guidance, support, and accountability while avoiding harsh condemnation. Emphasize repentance and renewal through Christ.
• Worship and practice-Maintain the pattern of worship and church life consistent with traditional CoC practice, including elder-led governance, congregational singing, the Lord’s Supper, and prayer, while upholding biblical standards for sexuality.
• Education and catechesis-Offer Bible study that situates sexuality within the broader biblical narrative: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Include studies on love, grace, and justice within the framework of biblical truth.
• Community and outreach-Demonstrate love for neighbor and gospel witness, inviting all people to hear the gospel while upholding biblical ethics in church life.