First is the story of Adam and Eve, so popular with the God-Hates-Fags crowd. They love to chant, “Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,” because it’s such a clever phrase — and it rhymes!

Then there’s Jesus’ hard teaching on divorce. Many of us were taught to interpret this as a strict prohibition against almost all divorce. And, for those of us who came to an understanding of our sexual orientation or gender identity late in life, and found ourselves in a divorce we hadn’t planned on, this teaching haunts us with guilt.

But did you know that those texts can be read to affirm lgbt people? Listen as we get to the heart of these passages.

This sermon was presented by Tyler Connoley, a friend and former member of Jesus MCC, and coauthor of The Children Are Free.

So, how do you respond when someone says, “Just because you’re born that way doesn’t mean it’s good. Some people say addicts are born that way, but that doesn’t make addiction good.”

Or

“The Bible says that in the last days false prophets will arise. How do you know your pastor isn’t a false prophet? How can you be so sure you’re right?”

There are good, spiritually sound answers to all of these questions. Listen for a message of great encouragement.

And unfortunately, too many of us live with a fear that they might be right.

Of course, we dismiss this as right-wing, fundamentalist, superstitious, cave-man thinking. It doesn’t keep us from coming out or forming relationships. But buried there in the back of our minds may be a subconscious, low-grade fear that maybe I am going to hell.

This sermon thoroughly examines these “abomination” passages. Put the fear to rest — and be ready with an answer for those who condemn.