There are more than 31,000 verses in the Bible. At most, six or seven are used to justify excluding LGBTQ Christians and their families from the church. Engaging scripture is a key element of any Open and Affirming journey: congregations can do this in a way that opens hearts and minds. For a healthy ONA conversation, we recommend:
Many of these suggestions are from evangelical sources and reflect a high regard for the authority of Scripture. They may be helpful in reaching some of the more conservative members of your congregation.
Torn (book) by Justin Lee
God and the Gay Christian (book) by Matthew Vines
The Bible and Homosexuality (YouTube) by Matthew Vines
The Clobber Passages (website) by Evangelicals Concerned
TransAction (curriculum for churches)
Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality (book) by Jack Rogers
What the Bible Really Says about Gay Christians May Surprise You by Bill Lyons
The Bible and Homosexuality by Walter Wink
Bible and the Transgender Experience by Linda Tatro
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Hearts Unbound: Engaging Biblical Texts of God’s Radical Love
“Hearts Unbound” helps your congregation to explore ten inspiring stories of radical love and welcome from scripture. Using a simple model of reader’s theater, each session looks in-depth at the story, its historical context, and insights to be learned.
Idea Card from Many Voices
In situations where a respectful conversation on the deeper meaning of the Bible is not possible, this 6×9 postcard suggests a way of responding in love to those who quote scripture as proof texts against our capacity to love and be loved. Order copies from Many Voices.