God’s Love Isn’t Just for Straight White Males

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Abstract

re assigned at birth.Bible verses are selectively quoted to support those views, while other verses are ignored. For instance, Jesus never says anything about same-sex relationships, but he does say (in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke) that anyone who divorces and remarries commits adultery.The same people who use a handful of Bible verses as proof that homosexual relationships are sinful ignore Jesus’ words about divorce. That is because most of them have been divorced at least once, or have friends and family members who have.Just to be clear, I believe there are times when divorce is the best option and that Jesus does not condemn anyone who divorces and remarries. I have cited this example solely to point out the hypocrisy of those who claim to believe the entire Bible is inerrant, yet choose to ignore the verses that challenge their own actions.It’s also important to note that the book of Leviticus calls eating shellfish an abomination, prohibits males from getting haircuts, and forbids wearing clothes made of two different fabrics. It allows the possession of slaves and even selling one’s own daughter into slavery. Exodus states that those who work on the Sabbath sho

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uld be put to death.Yet I know plenty of Christians who condemn people who identify as LGBTQ+ but regularly wear clothes made of at least two fabrics (polycotton blends). They also eat shellfish and the men get haircuts.The same Christians who cite Bible passages to argue that women can’t preach or teach men ignore the many other Bible verses affirming women in positions of religious leadership.Luke 2:36 mentions the prophet Anna. Romans 16 tells of the deacon Phoebe (16:1) and Julia, an “outstanding” apostle (16:7). In all four gospels, it is women who first encounter the risen Christ and share that news with the male disciples. The testimony of the woman at the well (John 4:39) leads others to faith in Christ.The Bible has often been misused to hurt and exclude people. It has been cited to justify slavery in the past and legalize discrimination today.Its overarching message is one of love, though. Jesus’ interactions with lepers, people possessed by demons, the woman caught in adultery, Samaritans and others scorned by the religious authorities of his day make it clear that God’s love knows no bounds. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise!</article></body>

(Despite what you may have heard)

The Bible is full of stories about God’s love for humanity. Perhaps its most well-known and often quoted verse, John 3:16, begins with the words “for God so loved the world.” Another passage goes so far as to say that God is love (1 John 4:16).

Yet some of God’s people would have you believe that God’s love isn’t for everyone. More specifically, that it isn’t for YOU, or at least that it’s contingent on you behaving in certain ways.

If you’re female, you can’t preach, and you need to submit to your husband.

If you’re gay, you can’t marry; in fact, you must be celibate for life (or undergo conversion therapy and learn to live as a heterosexual). Being trans is not acceptable either; you must accept the gender identity you were assigned at birth.

Bible verses are selectively quoted to support those views, while other verses are ignored. For instance, Jesus never says anything about same-sex relationships, but he does say (in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke) that anyone who divorces and remarries commits adultery.

The same people who use a handful of Bible verses as proof that homosexual relationships are sinful ignore Jesus’ words about divorce. That is because most of them have been divorced at least once, or have friends and family members who have.

Just to be clear, I believe there are times when divorce is the best option and that Jesus does not condemn anyone who divorces and remarries. I have cited this example solely to point out the hypocrisy of those who claim to believe the entire Bible is inerrant, yet choose to ignore the verses that challenge their own actions.

It’s also important to note that the book of Leviticus calls eating shellfish an abomination, prohibits males from getting haircuts, and forbids wearing clothes made of two different fabrics. It allows the possession of slaves and even selling one’s own daughter into slavery. Exodus states that those who work on the Sabbath should be put to death.

Yet I know plenty of Christians who condemn people who identify as LGBTQ+ but regularly wear clothes made of at least two fabrics (polycotton blends). They also eat shellfish and the men get haircuts.

The same Christians who cite Bible passages to argue that women can’t preach or teach men ignore the many other Bible verses affirming women in positions of religious leadership.

Luke 2:36 mentions the prophet Anna. Romans 16 tells of the deacon Phoebe (16:1) and Julia, an “outstanding” apostle (16:7). In all four gospels, it is women who first encounter the risen Christ and share that news with the male disciples. The testimony of the woman at the well (John 4:39) leads others to faith in Christ.

The Bible has often been misused to hurt and exclude people. It has been cited to justify slavery in the past and legalize discrimination today.

Its overarching message is one of love, though. Jesus’ interactions with lepers, people possessed by demons, the woman caught in adultery, Samaritans and others scorned by the religious authorities of his day make it clear that God’s love knows no bounds. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise!