Is 1 Corinthians 6:9 really a condemnation of same sex relationships or are there other interpretive possibilities?

1. Moral Sexuality
In the Context of Spirituality
1 Corinthians 6:9-20
D. Kelley

2. Purpose
To address the topic of human sexuality.
To explore the text of 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
To explore homoeroticism in the framework of
morality
To discover a God honoring framework for
homoerotic expressions of sexuality

3. Human Sexuality:
Perceptions and Misconceptions
Week 1

4. The Concept
Many of us have beliefs and perceptions
regarding heterosexuality as well as
homosexuality. Some of these are valid
others are mere assumptions, perhaps
based on communication received from
our family, church or others. It is
important to assess those things that we
have held as true.

5. The Concept
Who/what Defines Moral
Working definition(s) of
Sexuality
Meaning of moral sexuality

6. Questions
What immediately comes to mind when
you hear the word sexuality?
What has impacted your beliefs
regarding sexuality and spirituality?

7. Think About It
Assumptions #1 Individuals who are not
heterosexual are usually promiscuous
Assumption #2 The Bible emphatically
denounces homosexual relationships

8. Discussion
Video Presentation: Jessica’s Story
• How do you define feminine/masculine?
• Can a person be gay and Christian?

9. The Challenge
Who can you talk to this week to
probe and explore their thoughts
regarding moral sexuality?

10. Digging Deeper:
Debatable Key Texts & Interpretive Possibilities
Week 2

11. The Concept
The meanings we pour into words are
sometimes correct and at other times
they require deeper exploration.

12. The Concept
A deeper look at the the language of 1
Corinthians 6:9 – 10 can enable us to view
the topic of homosexuality differently.
For this session we will explore:
 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
 Malakos and Arsenokoitai

13. Questions
Agree or Disagree?
“The Bible is literally the word of God. Scripture
consists of the writings that were inspired by
God, if not actually dictated by God to the
biblical writers. The community of faith is to
submit to biblical authority. Biblical
interpretation is divine, expressing the will of
God, not of human beings.”

14. Think About It
“The Bible does not offer a
systematic set of
teachings or a single
sexual code, but it does
reveal sometimes
conflicting attempts on
the part of people and
groups to define sexual
morality, and to do so in
the name of God.”
(Jennifer Knust, 17)

15. Discussion
Video Presentation – Eric’s Story
 What struck you as you listened to Eric’s
story?
 What questions/concerns does his
experience raise for you?

16. The Challenge
Think through some alternative
approaches you can take as you
engage people in a dialogue about
the topic of homosexuality

17. Week 3: It’s Complicated
Week 3

18. The Concept
Our comfort level with uncertainty is an
indication that we trust God with the
complex. Letting go of our obligation to
have the correct answers enables us to
develop Christian communities of faith
where all members are cared for whether
they are SGL/LGBT, or heterosexual.

19. The Concept
 Principles for Sexual Ethics – 2
Corinthians 6:11 – 20
 Being Comfortable with the Questions
 Better Christian Communities
 Caring for the SGL/LGBT Identified

20. Questions
On a scale of 1 – 10, how
important is it for you to have
the correct answers regarding
what is right or wrong?

21. Think About It
Imagine that you are gay, lesbian, transgender,
bisexual or even intersex.
How would your life change? What privileges
would you no longer experience? What runs
through your mind when you are the brunt of
humor from pulpits?
How do you explain your current reality to your
family? What would you fear?

22. Discussion
Video Presentation: Darren’s Story
• What is the most
significant aspect of
your identity?
• What does it mean to
be fully human?

23. The Challenge
Generate a list of practices and
theological traditions that are
constructive or destructive to
LGBT/SGL persons?

24. Resources and Photo Credits
• Anerson, Cheryl B. Ancient Laws and Contemporary Controversies: The Need for
Inclusive Biblical Interpretation. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2009.
• Knust, Jennifer Wright. Unprotected Texts: The Bible’s Surprising Contradictions
About Sex and Desire. New York, NY: Harper Collins (Harper One), 2011.
• Marin, Andrew. Love is an Orientation DVD. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), 2011.
• www.flickr.com/creativecommons
• www.123rf.com
• www.cherylbanderson.com