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Forging a Sacred Weapon: The 1946 Bible Mistranslation Behind Anti-Gay Theology
In 1946, a single English word appeared in the Bible for the first time. That word was homosexuals.
Independent historian and researcher Kathy Baldock traces how this modern term—unknown to the biblical world—was inserted into 1 Corinthians 6:9–10, reshaping Christian theology, fracturing families, and fueling decades of church policy and culture wars that continue today.
Drawing on archival investigations with research partner Ed Oxford at Yale University and elsewhere, Baldock reconstructs the cultural assumptions and linguistic gaps that made this mistranslation possible—and follows its devastating ripple effects across translations, denominations, and generations.
At the heart of the David, a young seminarian who discovered the error and wrote directly to the Revised Standard Version translation committee in 1959 to correct it. His concern was taken seriously—but the publisher's policy prohibited changes to the translation for ten years. The word stayed. And its consequences spread.
Forging a Sacred Weapon is seven years of primary research—550 pages of historical reconstruction and documentary evidence—made for listeners who care about Scripture, truth, and what happens when translation becomes theology.
If you've ever wondered how the Bible came to say what it says on this topic, this is where the answer begins.
Independent historian and researcher Kathy Baldock traces how this modern term—unknown to the biblical world—was inserted into 1 Corinthians 6:9–10, reshaping Christian theology, fracturing families, and fueling decades of church policy and culture wars that continue today.
Drawing on archival investigations with research partner Ed Oxford at Yale University and elsewhere, Baldock reconstructs the cultural assumptions and linguistic gaps that made this mistranslation possible—and follows its devastating ripple effects across translations, denominations, and generations.
At the heart of the David, a young seminarian who discovered the error and wrote directly to the Revised Standard Version translation committee in 1959 to correct it. His concern was taken seriously—but the publisher's policy prohibited changes to the translation for ten years. The word stayed. And its consequences spread.
Forging a Sacred Weapon is seven years of primary research—550 pages of historical reconstruction and documentary evidence—made for listeners who care about Scripture, truth, and what happens when translation becomes theology.
If you've ever wondered how the Bible came to say what it says on this topic, this is where the answer begins.
564 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 24, 2026
Excellent and Educational Overview of LGBTQ Christianity
Kathy Baldock fights for the Christ-followers who identify as LGBTQ. She explains how she uncovers this truth for the entire church--one hard fought step after another--to clear The Way for these sisters and brothers to worship freely in Christ. Her story is a true page turner!
Kathy Baldock fights for the Christ-followers who identify as LGBTQ. She explains how she uncovers this truth for the entire church--one hard fought step after another--to clear The Way for these sisters and brothers to worship freely in Christ. Her story is a true page turner!
August 1, 2026
In a word: thorough!
Another word: accessible!
Kathy Baldock made a name for herself (in her circles) for her timeline of all of human civilization on which she would describe the ways same-sex sexual behavior was viewed in each broad era going back to ancient, and almost prehistoric times. Two YouTube videos totaling about five hours contain her extended lectures. This book is the publication of those lectures.
Then there’s the discovery she and a friend made as they excavated the archives of the Revised Standard Version translation committee in Yale’s Library finding only one scholarly challenge to their choice of the word “homosexuals” to translate two words in the Greek New Testament. Baldock presents the current state of scholarship on ancient, medieval and modern historical context and biblical exegesis on same-sex sexual behavior, and explains the consequences of that one translation choice in 1946.
Required and compelling reading for anyone wanting to learn the case for affirming folks in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Another word: accessible!
Kathy Baldock made a name for herself (in her circles) for her timeline of all of human civilization on which she would describe the ways same-sex sexual behavior was viewed in each broad era going back to ancient, and almost prehistoric times. Two YouTube videos totaling about five hours contain her extended lectures. This book is the publication of those lectures.
Then there’s the discovery she and a friend made as they excavated the archives of the Revised Standard Version translation committee in Yale’s Library finding only one scholarly challenge to their choice of the word “homosexuals” to translate two words in the Greek New Testament. Baldock presents the current state of scholarship on ancient, medieval and modern historical context and biblical exegesis on same-sex sexual behavior, and explains the consequences of that one translation choice in 1946.
Required and compelling reading for anyone wanting to learn the case for affirming folks in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is nothing short of transformative. It takes a subject that has caused real harm and examines it with clarity, compassion, and serious research. Kathy Baldock carefully unpacks how modern anti gay theology developed and challenges it in a way that feels both grounded and deeply human.
What stands out most is the heart behind it. This is about truth, healing, and giving people a way to reconnect with their faith without fear or shame.
Kathy deserves recognition for this work. The impact it will have on people’s lives cannot be overstated.
What stands out most is the heart behind it. This is about truth, healing, and giving people a way to reconnect with their faith without fear or shame.
Kathy deserves recognition for this work. The impact it will have on people’s lives cannot be overstated.
July 27, 2026
Kathy Baldock has a remarkable gift for connecting historical dots that others have overlooked. Her research is meticulous, her documentation is extensive, and she has an uncanny ability to uncover the stories behind the stories.
This book belongs on the shelf of anyone who is serious about understanding the conversation surrounding homosexuality and the Christian faith.
My review can be found on Substack. A Pathway Forward.
This book belongs on the shelf of anyone who is serious about understanding the conversation surrounding homosexuality and the Christian faith.
My review can be found on Substack. A Pathway Forward.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews