I Don't Have Enough FAITH to Be an ATHEIST

What Does the Bible REALLY Say About Homosexuality? with Dr. Robert Gagnon

11 snips

Jan 9, 2026

Dr. Robert Gagnon, a leading biblical scholar and author of 'The Bible and Homosexual Practice', dives deep into the complexities surrounding homosexuality and scripture. He discusses whether the Bible can justify same-sex relationships and the implications of being 'born gay'. Gagnon critiques the cultural response to his work and distinguishes between moral laws and symbolic ones in Leviticus. The conversation also explores the meaning of love, measurable harms in same-sex unions, and how affirming homosexuality could redefine sexual morality.

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ANECDOTE

Tenure Fight Over His Book

Robert Gagnon recounts that his book on homosexuality cost him support during his tenure process.
He says critics inside his denomination sought to deny him tenure despite wide scholarly endorsements.

INSIGHT

Sex Laws Are Moral, Not Ritual

Gagnon distinguishes Levitical food laws as symbolic but sexual laws as moral and non-symbolic.
He argues incest and male-male intercourse are treated as serious sins, not ritual impurities.

INSIGHT

Measured Harms In Same‑Sex Unions

Gagnon cites higher measurable harms in same-sex relationships, differing by sex.
He links male same-sex unions to more partners and STDs, and female unions to mental-health strains and lower longevity.

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Can a biblical case be made to justify the practice of homosexuality? Does science support the narrative that people are "born gay"? And what did Jesus really teach about sexual ethics in light of the Old Testament? In this powerful episode, Frank is joined by Dr. Robert Gagnon, arguably the world’s leading scholarly authority on the topic, to tackle one of the most divisive moral issues of our time. Drawing from Dr. Gagnon’s landmark book, 'The Bible and Homosexual Practice', widely regarded as the standard work on the subject for over 25 years, they examine what Scripture and science reveal about the issue of homosexuality. Tune in as they answer questions like:

What was the initial response to Robert's book?
How does the Bible define love?
What's wrong with "loving" someone of the same sex?
What factors influence the likelihood that someone could be attracted to the same sex?
If homosexual practices are off limits because of Leviticus 18 what about eating shrimp?
What did Jesus say about Old Testament teachings on marriage, divorce, and sex?
Does loving someone require affirming all of their desires or behaviors?
How do same-sex unions compare to traditional marriage in terms of measurable harm and human flourishing?
Why does affirming homosexuality logically open the door to redefining all sexual morality?
Why was polygamy sometimes permitted in the Old Testament and is it still ok today?

This episode kicks off the new year with a topic that many Christians avoid, but one we can’t afford to ignore as biblical morality continues to be challenged in the public square and the church. Don’t miss the next episode where Frank and Dr. Gagnon continue unpacking the cultural and theological consequences of redefining God’s design for sexuality.

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Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/

The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics - https://a.co/d/3P03zPQ

Website - http://www.robgagnon.net/

Follow Dr. Gagnon on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/robert.a.gagnon.56

Follow Dr. Gagnon on X - https://x.com/RobertAJGagnon1