#61 - 7 Myths of Side A: On Sex, Love, and Marriage for LGBTQ Christians

What if celibate people are really just repressing their sexuality? Or the Bible writers banned same-sex sex because they couldn’t imagine a modern, egalitarian, consensual marriage?

Join TJ (social science researcher) and David (communitarian vibes) as they name 7 “myths” of sex, celibacy, marriage, and love, and talk about LGBTQ flourishing for Christians.

Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

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★ Timestamps

(00:00) #61 - 7 Myths of Side A: On Sex, Love, and Marriage for LGBTQ Christians

(03:19) Myth #1: Celibacy equals sexual repression or misery

(10:29) Myth #2: The Bible writers only banned gay sex because they couldn't imagine consensual, egalitarian same-sex monogamous relationships

(15:32) Myth #3: Marriage is the only committed covenant relationship

(23:17) Myth #4: Colonialist European Christianity is the source of homophobia around the globe

(31:06) Myth #5: A sexual ethic is just a personal decision

(36:33) Myth #6: Love trumps everything

(42:20) Myth #7: Sexual ethics are minor differences among Christians

(53:25) Summing up

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★ Links and References

* Bill White in the New York Times: “How My Dad Reconciled His God and His Gay Son.” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/05/opinion/coming-out-evangelical-pastor.html?unlocked_article_code=1.u04.SZiC.MDfFGLX6HWTO&smid=url-share

* Wendell Berry, **“Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community,” (2018). https://www.counterpointpress.com/books/sex-economy-freedom-community/

* John Pike, “Were loving, faithful same-sex relations known in antiquity?” https://www.psephizo.com/sexuality-2/were-loving-faithful-same-sex-relations-known-in-antiquity/

* Preston Sprinkle, “Did Consensual Same-Sex Sexual Relationships Exist in Biblical Times? A Response to Matthew Vines,” (August 30, 2022). https://www.centerforfaith.com/blog/did-consensual-same-sex-sexual-relationships-exist-in-biblical-times-a-response-to-matthew

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★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!

Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship

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★ Credits

Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★

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