Affirmative: Why You Can Say Yes to the Bible and Yes to People Who Are LGBTQI+

by Jonathan Tallon

You can affirm both the Bible and people who are LGBTQI+. Many Christians are conflicted between including and accepting LGBTQI+ Christians and upholding scripture. They are dissatisfied with the limited welcome given in churches, and feel torn when told that being lesbian, gay, trans, or bisexual is wrong. But the two don’t have to clash. This book shows how biblical verses sometimes understood as condemning LGBTQI+ people have been misinterpreted by being taken out of their context. It also shows how the Bible can support positively the full inclusion of LGBTQI+ people in church. Straightforward and easy to follow, yet based on the best scholarship, this book helps resolve the tensions around the Bible, sexuality and gender without compromising love or scriptural faithfulness. Dr Jonathan Tallon is a biblical studies tutor at an ecumenical theological college. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students, trains people for ministry, and educates churches and church leaders. He has been helping people from different denominations, traditions and backgrounds with the Bible and LGBTQI+ people for over a decade. His popular Bible and Homosexuality YouTube channel and website have had hundreds of thousands of visitors. Dr Jonathan Tallon lives in Manchester, UK, with his family.

164 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2023

Reviews

[Mrs C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly laid out, reasoned arguments discussing the debates held in evangelical circles. The author has a clear conclusion that the overarching message of scripture is affirming of people's identities with little that equates to direct messaging on LGBTQI+ per se. Although he does suggest principles that help today's reader use the bible in working out a reasoned response to the debate.
Tallon works hard to make the book accessible and clear for those who are new and open to the discussion.

[Winston J. Bygrave · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sincere attempt to present an affirming view – but argument is based on the silence of scripture




The author makes a sincere attempt to presents an evangelical approach to an affirming view to same-sex marriage and same-sex genital activity, based on the most relevant scholarship. After examining all the key scriptures that refer to male-on-male anal intercourse, he concludes that the Bible says nothing about homosexuality directly as we understand human sexuality today.

He concludes that scripture is simply condemning male-on-male anal intercourse associated with rape, pagan worship, orgies and the abuse of boys – pederasty, and that scripture knew nothing about a monogamous committed loving same-sex relationship which we advocate today.

However, a major weakness in the author’s argument is the assumption that the ancient world had no concept of sexual orientation and he therefore conflates the ancient world’s moral view of human sexuality with the Judeo-Christian moral view on human sexuality (cf. Lev. 18:1-5, 2430; 1 Thess. 4:4-5). This results in him failing to understand that the call of scripture is a call to God’s people to sexual purity, in which all sexual activity outside of a committed heterosexual marriage is not acceptable for God’s chosen people (cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Heb.13:4).

The second weakness of this book is that it argues from the silence of scripture in order to justify same-sex marriage and same-sex genital activity, when the clear voice of scripture always condemns such activity (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:10).

Finally, the book fails to offer any real biblical pastoral support for believers who are struggling with same-sex attraction or with identifying with the gender that does not match their biological sex, and explaining to them how their faith in the gospel can and does contribute to restoring their true image in Christ (cf. Rom. 7:8; 8:29; Col. 3:1-5,10; Eph. 4:4-5,24).

[Murdo Murchison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sincere, and worth a read as an introduction to the topic. Unfortunately the author makes an argument from the silence of scripture. The conclusions are therefore very weak. I also think he takes his argument a little far when assessing the meaning of Greek words - trying to have the more obscure reading be accepted to fit his arguments. He also has some logical fallacies which he decried others making arguing the opposite in other chapters. The main being on keeping things in context (which generally he does well) to the time and culture save when Christ takes a differing view from him and he tries to brush off as to put Christ in historical context would be to put God in a box. In this he puts Christ in a box of agreeing with him in his own context. It comes across as Jesus would agree with me because I’m being loving as opposed to taking Christ at face value and having Christs words challenge his suppositions (in my view any reading of scripture should be to challenge our suppositions) Such issues are frustrating and come across as pejorative instead of a scholarly pursuit of the truth of scripture. I would say his position on homosexuality are better argued than his views on trans-rights. That said there is discrimination by many against LGTBQ+ in the church and instead of welcoming them and setting out why we hold the position we do they reject and belittle them. In Christ we are called to love and bring in the lost so this does perhaps challenge som me preconceived ideas and open a wider dialogue that can encourage people to be more loving and reasoned in their position to those who are seeking truth and identity (which I believe both are found in Christ).

[Judy Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aimed squarely at evangelical Christians, with the intention that they should be encouraged to think through the oft-repeated proposition that the Bible clearly condemns same-sex intercourse and gender re-assignment, and to consider the possibility that alternative interpretations of key texts may in fact be more accurate and more true to God's purposes for mankind. Not being an evangelical myself, I can't say whether the book succeeds in this aim. I did not myself learn much that was new to me, but I hope that the attention to detail and determination to base all arguments on scripture itself may appeal to evangelicals and entice them into taking a broader view of this subject than is customary in that wing of the Christian Church.

This is altogether, a worthwhile endeavour at a key time, when the church of England is considering seriously the possibility of allowing same-sex marriages in church.

[Ron Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my FAVORITE resource for affirming theology, mostly because Jonathan Tallon touches on almost everything that I have uncovered myself over the past year or so while looking back into history, bible translations, Greek and Hebrew words, etc., and he does so in a short and sweet book. You can find some of his work at the website bibleandhomosexuality.org. He is an Anglican priest from Britain, and doesn't have anyone gay in his family that moved him to become affirming. He just decided to research it one day, and found what he always assumed was "very clear in scripture" was indeed, not very clear.

It's an easy, pleasant read. More of an overview than a deep dive. But a fantastic introduction to some of the big ideas.

[Catie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really found this detailed and helpful. Appreciate the way the arguments are laid out and he separately states in his opinion what is most convincing but also what might be plausible. Having read this I finally feel peace where my heart has been troubled, I'm so grateful to the author and all who contributed.

[Carla Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Academically rigorous and eminently readable, this book grapples with difficult concepts from both biblical and contextual standpoints. The writer's ability to bring the ancient world - albeit its seamer side - is convincing, powerful and refreshing. Highly recommended to Christian and other readers of all persuasions.

[Mr N · Rating 1 out of 5]

If this book is correct then the God of the Bible is the worst communicator of all time. Until about 10 years ago nobody had really understood what he was talking about when it came to matters of sexuality and gender.

Rebecca McLaughlin has a book out in May 2024 that will deal with the issues raised in this book which really does engage with the scholarship not straw men.

[Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would highly recommend to anyone uncomfortable with the evangelical attitude towards queer community.

As one who has been there, I would also recommend to every evangelical to challenge your position before challenging a friend or stranger on their sexuality or identity. Or before signing a petition, sharing a post, promoting an event that targets this issue.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on LGBT issues from an affirming evangelical perspective. I do wish gender roles were talked about more, since that topic is very relevant to LGBT issues, but overall the book does a great job of giving a comprehensive look at the different arguments for and against affirming LGBT people.

[Tracey Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bible believers can be affirmative!!

Excellent read for evangelicals that believe the bible is inclusive. Too much rhetoric disqualifying Christians because of this opinion. The book puts forward a solid, in my view indisputable argument for inclusivity

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent easy to read book that doesn't leave academic rigour behind.

Really good book - not offensive to those who disagree with its premise, but full of challenge. A good book for those who are affirmative and those who are not.

[Tim Chesterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent book is a welcome addition to the growing library of resources by evangelical Christians who are questioning the accepted 'party line' about same-sex relationships.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent exploration of the Scriptures. Clearly written but academically robust. Many thanks, Jonathan, for a very helpful resource

[Emma Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent book. Should be read by all Christians. It's time...10/10

[Obed Cundangan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 rounded up: seemingly well-researched and easy to follow, offering a more nuanced view of Biblical exegesis, which I appreciate.