LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Same-Sex Attraction Paper
Submitted to Dr. Kenneth W. Bush ,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
CHPL 615
Chaplain Ethics for Advisement and Pastoral Care
By
November 22nd, 2020
Contents
2
Introduction… ............................................................................................................................ 3
My Positional Statement on Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Marriage ................................. 3
Biblical Worldview on Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Marriage ......................................... 6
Plan of Ministry to Men and Women with Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Couples ............. 9
Limits to Ministry and Steps to Take to Ensure Compliance to Laws and Regulations ..............10
Conclusion… ........................................................................................................................... 11
Bibliography… ........................................................................................................................ 13
Introduction
3
In this paper, I will be focusing on my position on same-sex attraction and marriage as well
as the Biblical positions on these relationships, which involves these relationships being seen as
sins when men and women in heterosexual relationships give into temptations of the flesh, and
have relationships with the same-sex while in a relationship with the opposite-sex. After this
discussion, I will then go onto discuss the ministry plan I will implement when I become a police
chaplain, and how I intend to minister to individuals who are in same-sex relationships and/or
marriages. This will lead to a discussion on the limitations that my chaplaincy will possess, as all
ministries have limitations when working with these individuals. As this discussion progresses, I
will keep in mind the laws and legislations that pertain to same-sex relationships and marriages,
as well as the concepts of equality, acceptance, and the ability to adapt my ministry. As it is
generally said, we love the sinner, not the sin, and this applies to all situations and relationships;
just as chaplains it is not our place to violate the rights and freedom of others, as we would not
want that done to us.
My Positional Statement on Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Marriage
As a woman of God, as a Minister, and as a future First Responder Chaplain, I do not believe
that same-sex attraction and relationships are neither wrong nor right, nor do I focus on the
biases and inappropriate opinions of others who consistently discuss this particular aspect of
one’s life. I believe that we all have the right to freedom of religion and the freedom to exercise a
particular religion, just as we have the legal right and freedom to love who we love, and to have
a healthy and loving relationship with whom we want a relationship with, and that no one has the
right to simply tell us otherwise. Relationships, romantic love, and intimacy should be aspects of
our lives that are kept between the two people involved, not with everyone they simply happen to
know. It is not my place to judge individuals for their relationship, gender, or identity
4
preferences; nor is it my place to condemn them, convince them their souls will go to hell simply
because they are different than myself. God is the only one whose judgement matters, it is His
mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love for all of us that matters most, and he loves us all, he just not
love the sins we commit.
Initially yes, sexual intimacy was intended for procreation, and intended to be between a
male and a female. While this is known throughout the Bible, it is also known that the majority
of the discussion within the Bible about same-sex attraction and relationships strictly applies to
individuals who are in heterosexual relationships and commit the sin of adultery with someone of
the same sex. For example, Rae (2018) states that when one reads the New Testament, it is
known that “nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus directly address same-sex relationships”1.
Therefore it is also known that through this, that same-sex relationships are not directly
discussed within the Bible, except in circumstances where a married man or woman commits
adultery and participates in temptations of the flesh with another woman or man in their own
gender. The question becomes, if homosexuality is a sin when committed while in a heterosexual
relationship, and a sin no worse than any other act of sexual immorality, are these relationships
truly a sin if they are loving and individuals are born this way?
Leviticus 18:22, “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is
detestable”2. Leviticus 20:13, “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a
woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will
be on their own heads”3. These scriptures discuss how homosexual relations are a sin and
detestable, yes;
1 Scott B. Rae, “Moral Choices: An Introduction To Ethics” (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2018), 325.
2 Unless otherwise stated, all quotations that come from the Bible are from the New International Version (Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 101.
3 Leviticus 20:13, 102-103.
5
However, it does not address whether these relations while married to the same sex are
detestable. Often it seems scripture sees homosexuality as a sin due to the fact that many men in
the biblical
days were involved with young boys, or other men in sexual ways, and often these relationships
were not seen as consensual. For example, Rae (2018) states that “many sexual relationships
were expressions of a power differential between active and passive partners”; and also that
“bisexuality was no unusual, and it was considered generally acceptable to engage in relations
with both sexes, as long as one was not the passive partner, or if the relations did not involve
Roman citizens”4.
I do not believe that same-sex attraction itself is a sin, as throughout my life I have seen
many struggle with whether they were attracted to the same or opposite sex; I have seen many
often “experiment” with dating both genders, and I also believe that we are all born the way we
are, and at times repeated abuse can cause us to change many aspects of ourselves. I believe it is
my place as God’s shepherd to love the individual, to spiritually serve and guide the individual,
and adapt my ministry and help to them, as I am meant to love the sinner, not the sin. I am meant
to plant the seeds, to help one see what doors are open before them, and then step back and let
God be the one who guides them through the open door and change they are met to achieve. I
believe in equality, I believe in the right to marry the individual whom you love, whether it be an
individual of the same or opposite gender.
Lastly, I believe in we should all have the equal rights to marry whom we love, just as we all
have the equality and freedom to practice any religion we choose to practice. Being heterosexual
does not make you “superior” to others, and being homosexual or bisexual does not make you
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“inferior” to others. We are all equal, we are all loved by God, and all of our lives matter. He has
a purpose and plan for each of us, no matter how He created us, for His plan and purpose. Rae
4 Rae, “Moral Choices”, 324.
(2018) states that Jesus likely would accept these individuals as he does the rest of us, and those
society has turned their back on; specifically this author states that “it is probable that he would
have been accepting of them without affirming their sexual orientation or behavior”5.
While preparing to write this paper, memories of high school came back to the fore front of
my mind. In high school I struggled with same-sex attraction myself, specifically I was attracted
to both males and females, and even briefly dated a female. I believe at one point or another
many of us struggle with this attraction and experience it, and I believe those who are born this
way, this is who they are meant to be, and I will not judge nor condemn for it, for it is not my
place to judge nor condemn, I am not God. I have witnessed many clergy across the
denominations condemning, judging, forcing conversion, forcing exorcisms, forcing unhealthy
and unethical practices to attempt to “force someone to become straight”, as if they are God
when they are not God. I no longer have same-sex attraction, yet at the same time I accept others
for who they are, and I adapt my ministry to them.
I will not join the ranks of other clergy whose position has gone to their head and makes
them feel as though they have the right to judge, condemn, and to force those who are
homosexual to become heterosexual when that will not happen, and when being born the way
you are cannot simply be forced to change. Clergy and Chaplains need to realize they are
Shepherds, Spiritual Leaders, not God, therefore they have no right to judge, condemn, nor
determine whether one’s soul goes to hell or heaven simply because they are in a same-sex
relationship, marriage, or not.
7
Biblical Worldview on Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Marriage
Humanity itself needs to realize that not everyone does, or is going to share the same
perspectives on same-sex attraction, relationships, and marriages. Just as not everyone will share
5 Rae, “Moral Choices”, 325.
the same perspectives on monogyny, polygamy, and asexuality and singleness, just to name a
few.
Within the different Christian denominations the perspectives on same-sex relationships and
marriages vary; few denominations are open and accepting, few tolerate it, and many are openly
against it. For example, according to Keen (2020), “the notable exception being young
evangelicals who affirm marriage for same-sex couples at 53 percent vs. 25 percent of
evangelical seniors”6. There are four specific factors that seem to contribute to this viewpoint,
and the four viewpoints are the following:
“(1) procreation is no longer an inevitable result of marital sex or required for survival”;
(2) egalitarian relationships between men and women have made hierarchical gender norms less
compelling; (3) increased opportunity for LGB people to come out of the closet, reducing
misconceptions, and (4) recognition that persistent and enduring same-sex attraction is unchosen and
unchangeable for most people”7.
One biblical view or interpretation of same-sex attraction and marriage according to Keen
(202) is that “both progressive and traditionalist scholars agree, two primary reasons for
opposition to same-sex relations in antiquity were non-procreative sex and violation of
hierarchical gender norms”8. We have over populated the earth, gender norms are no longer
attractive nor effective to the majority of cultures, and often it leads to an unethical, illegal, and
abusive power imbalance and with men having more freedom and rights than women. This is one
view that is rapidly losing support among many faith communities, as well as communities
8
throughout the world. Another common Biblical view on this is that “the purpose of sex
difference is procreation”, which this is demonstrated throughout Genesis and the Old Testament.
A third biblical perspective I have discovered throughout research is that “many theologians
in Christian tradition have interpreted Romans 1 to say same-sex sexuality is caused by a
rebellious
6 Karen R. Keen, “Cultural Influences on Hermeneutical Frameworks in the Debate on Same-Sex Relationships”,
Journal of Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology” 74(3). 2020: 253-264. DOI:
10.1177/0020964320921
961.
7 Ibid., 254.
8 Ibid., 255.
heart”9. Romans 1 is a scripture, that through great detail and imagery, presents how many
Christians see same-sex relationships as sinful and rebellious behavior, as shameful, as deceitful,
and as an intentional act that betrays God. For example, Romans 1:24-25, “therefore God gave
them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies
with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshipped and served
created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen”10.
Simply stated, Gods belief on what He sees as appropriate relationships, as well as
appropriate sexual attraction remains the same today as it did during the biblical days when His
son Jesus Christ walked the earth. When men and women who are married commit the sin of
being involved with someone of the same gender, it is seen as a sin, as giving into the
temptations of the flesh, it is not appropriate. However, at the same time many Christians, non-
Christians, and theologians, even lay people are questioning the validity of whether the Bible
truly is against same-sex marriages and relationships that are loving and healthy, or if it is just
against these relationships with married, heterosexual couples commit the sin of same-sex
relationships while married. For example, according to Coren (2020), “the subject is hardly
mentioned in the Bible, and when it is referred to, the context is complicated”11.
9
It is not simple for individuals to research, read, and identify the stance that the Bible takes
on same-sex attraction and marriage, as the Bible mainly sees same-sex relationships as sinful
when individuals in heterosexual relationships become unfaithful and pursue a same-sex
relationship while they are currently married to the opposite sex. Many also say to themselves
and others that we can love the sinner, but not the sin itself. Society is also seeing a new rise
starting to take place
9 Keen, “Cultural Influences”, 260.
10 Romans 1:24-25, 966.
11 Michael Coren, “God’s Honest Truth?” ProQuest Central. (2020). Accessed on November 28th, 2020, from http://
Ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fdocview%2F2352040179%3F
Accounted%3D12085.
as the majority of the younger ministry leaders who are rising and being called into ministry
support same-sex relationships and marriages, and even they struggle with identifying how
others
claim the Bible itself is against homosexuality, when in reality, it is against homosexuality when
it is used as a form of power control, manipulation, abuse, and when heterosexual couples while
married have relations with the same sex, which is being unfaithful. For example, according to
Coren (2020), “Jesus doesn’t mention homosexuality at all and is actually extraordinarily
indifferent to the sex lives of those around him”12. Coren (2020) also states the following,
“When the Hebrew scriptures do mention homosexuality – it’s only men, and lesbianism is always
ignored – it generally concerns the need for procreation to preserve the tribe, and has no relevance to what
we now know as committed and loving same-sex relationships”13.
Plan of Ministry to Men and Women with Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Couples
My ministry will be as a police chaplain, also known as a first responder chaplain. There
may be times where I am called to minister, serve, or help both police officers and those they
serve who struggle with same-sex attraction, or who are a same-sex couple in a relationship, or a
10
same-sex couple that is seeking to get married, or have and/or adopt children together. I will treat
these individuals as the same as I treat other individuals, and I will not judge them nor condemn
them, as it is not my place to do either. If they choose not to discuss their relationship or
sexuality, then I will respect their choice and not discuss it with them, nor will I judge them for
being different than myself.
My ministry as a police chaplain is not to judge the officers nor those they help, but if they
do speak about their relationships and ask to know what the Bible says about same-sex
relationships, then I will approach this discussion openly, respectfully, and ask God to help me
discuss the truth,
12 Coren, “God’s Honest Truth?”, 1.
13 Coren, “God’s Honest Truth?”, 1.
and to keep all biases and unhealthy perspectives out of this discussion.
According to Coren (2020), he states that “Jesus the rebel would surely be interested not in
whom we love, but that we love”14. I would encourage them to continue loving, and if that they
want to change or to work through this attraction, then they should confide in God, and let God
guide them through the journey of change, and given that some are born this way, for some that
change may never come. It is a delicate and private conversation, and it surely will take more
than one conversation to navigate someone through this discussion without causing offense,
emotional pain, or judgement.
Another step I would take is to let them know that God is not condemning them, but instead
He loves them, forgives them, and wants to have a relationship with them. That they can seek
redemption and change through Him, as with Him anything is possible. I would let them know
that if they state they were born this way and cannot change, that even through this confession,
11
God will still love them. 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrightousness”15.
I would continuously remind them that I am not there to judge them, to condemn them, nor
force them to change. I would tell them I am here to help bring the presence of God to them, and
to help them see that God does love them, and if they allow me to pray with them, I would pray
with them and for them.
Limits to Ministry and Steps to Take to Ensure Compliance With Laws and Regulations
It will not be easy to identify what limitations I will face as a police chaplain until I have
secured a position as a police chaplain and begin my ministry in a full-time capacity. It will
depend on the department that I work for, the community I work within, and I will have to take
into account
14 Coren, “God’s Honest Truth?”, 2.
15
1 John 1:9, 1054.
how diverse the police officers will be, and how diverse the individuals in the community they
serve and protect daily will be. As in this ministry I will be serving police officers who come
from different economic, cultural, ethnic, personal, professional, and spiritual backgrounds, just
as the individuals within the community that they serve and protect will be equally as diverse.
The first step I would take is to discussion any limitations or hurdles I will face in this regard
with the Chief of Police of the police department, as well as the other supervisors below him or
her, as they will be able to better identify and discussion any limitations at length, and help me
come up with creative ideas to effectively navigate thee limitations. So long as these limitations
do not involve my having to violate laws, regulations and policies, nor my own faith and beliefs
or the faith and beliefs of the officers and those they serve, then I will abide by the presented
limitations.
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I do believe and know that as God’s shepherd I can love the individuals I serve, but not love
nor condone the sins they commit, nor will I excuse them. I firmly believe, within my spiritual
beliefs and personal beliefs, we are all responsible for our own thoughts, emotions, thoughts,
actions, and when they become unethical, immoral, heinous, violent, and illegal, then us, and
only us can face the consequences of our actions, nobody can nor should have to face them for
us. I would ask God to guide me in these situations, and it is His guidance and wisdom I would
follow, just as I would adhere to the individuals rights and the laws pertaining to their rights,
without comprising my faith and beliefs.
Conclusion
Same-sex attraction, relationships, and marriage is a discussion that is occurring more and
more in the present day, and it is often a sensitive, personal, and rather private discussion, one
that many do not feel comfortable, nor safe having due how the Church, Christians, and even
non-Christians have treated them when these discussions occur. Many people have loved ones,
friends, or they themselves identify as LGBTQA, or struggle with sexual immorality or sexual
confusion. The Bible is often misinterpreted, misused, even weaponized by many who take it
literally and utilize it as a means to condemn and judge others, force them to convert, and force
them into a sexuality and relationship that they were not born to be a part of, all because they
simply believe it to be wrong or sinful. A great deal of humanity does not understand the Bible
nor scriptures, the Church and many denominations for many centuries has utilized the Bible to
force conversions, force people to change, and to control them. None of which properly
addresses same-sex relationships or marriages, nor encourages healthy and positive discussions
about how ministries can effectively work through these situations.
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What is the solution? Jesus is the solution. Through Jesus, these individuals are loved, they
are forgiven, they are given mercy and redemption, and Jesus will show them compassion and
love without judgement, without condemning them, and without comprising his beliefs – if He
can do it, so can we as ministry leaders and as chaplains. Doing what is right and ethical is not
always easy, and it may not be meant to be easy, but it is possible. Loving others is never wrong,
even when they greatly differ from us. 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do everything in love”16. If we do
not respond in love, then we fall into what Reed (2017) states which is, “religiosity has been
noted primarily for its negative effect on how a family responds initially and the longer term
impact of the disclosure”17 in regard to same-sex attraction, relationships, and marriages. Which
this is unhealthy, toxic, and the complete opposite of loving others as Christ loves us.
16
1 Corinthians 16:14, 992.
17 Reed et. al., “’Coming Out’ to Parents in a Christian Context: A Consensual Qualitative Analysis of LGB Student
Experiences”, Journal of Counseling and Values. Vol 65. American Counseling Association (2020). DOI:
10.100
2/cvj.12121.
References
Coren, Michael. “God’s Honest Truth?”, ProQuest: The Spectator. (2020). Accessed on
November 28th, 2020, from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fww
w.proquest.com%2Fdocview%2F2352040179%3Faccountid%3D12085.
Keen, Karen R. “Cultural Influences on Hermeneutical Frameworks in the Debate on Same-
Sex Relationships” Journal of Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology, 74(3).
2020: 253-264. DOI: 10.1177/0020964320921961.
MI: Rae, Scott B. “Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics” Fourth Edition. (Grand Rapids,
Zondervan Academic), 2018.
14
Reed, Jeffry L., Stratton, Stephen P., Koprowski, Gregory, Dillon, Christina, Dean, Janet B.,
Yarhouse, Mark A., Lastoria, Michael, and Bucher, Emma K. “’Coming Out’ to Parents
In a Christian Context: A Consensual Qualitative Analysis of LGB Student
Experiences”
Journal of Counseling and Values, 65. American Counseling Association (2017). DOI:
10.1002/cvj.12121.
