The Christian church’s position on LGBTQ+ has been a topic of intense debate. While many still maintain an anti-gay stance, this is NOT deeply rooted in scripture or thousands of years of history. In truth, it gained popularity with the rise of the Moral Majority movement in the 1970s.
Prior to the emergence of the Moral Majority movement, the Christian church’s position on homosexuality varied wildly across different denominations and regions. Homosexuality was considered taboo in many religious communities, primarily because of cultural norms and fear, but the notion of homosexuality as a fundamental sin deserving condemnation was not universally held.
In the 1970s, a conservative Christian political organization known as the Moral Majority gained prominence. Led by figures like Jerry Falwell Sr., (yes, the dad of THAT Jerry Falwell Jr. former head of Liberty University prior to his own scandal), along with people like Pat Robertson and James Dobson, the movement sought to mobilize Christians around conservative social values in order to gain political influence, power and wealth. While they addressed a range of issues, including abortion and school prayer, their vehement opposition to homosexuality became a defining characteristic. It also became the issue that resulted in the most financial support.
The Moral Majority movement’s false teachings about biblical texts played a pivotal role in shaping the church’s anti-gay stance. Scholars point out that their interpretation and teaching was incorrect and deeply influenced by cultural biases, rather than relying on a comprehensive understanding of scripture, which includes context, original language, and examining edit/translation history.
Looking back, the Moral Majority’s focus on homosexuality as a sin overshadowed any message of love, compassion, and acceptance. Jesus’ teachings emphasized love for one another, especially those who are marginalized and oppressed. Many see the Moral Majority as a key player of what are now experiencing with the church and politics being so entwined, leading to so much division, hate, and harm.
The truth is that the Moral Majority is neither. The overwhelming majority of society has become more inclusive and accepting, and the Christian church has experienced a shift in attitudes towards homosexuality. Many progressive Christians have embraced a more affirming and inclusive theology that welcomes and fully affirms LGBTQ+ without judgment or discrimination. They realize that the essence of truly believing in and following Jesus lies in unconditionally loving, accepting and supporting all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The anti-gay stance of the Christian church is not rooted in scripture or thousands of years of history, as some claim. Rather, a key influence can be traced back to the Moral Majority movement of the 1970s, which promoted a false, conservative teaching of biblical texts. A false teaching that continues today.
However, as the deadly impact of these teachings become even more known, and as we progress and a society, increasing numbers of Christians are rising to stand up, speak out, and challenge these false beliefs, advocating for a more loving, affirming, Christ-like theology.
Amen to that.
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