Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?

Sam Allberry

It can be easy for Christians today to wonder if we’ve got it wrong on an issue as high-stakes as same-sex sexuality. Deeply biblical, and illustrated in real-life examples, Rebecca McLaughlin’s book shows us the Bible’s consistent and compelling vision for human sexuality. Christians will find this illuminating, reassuring, and deeply encouraging.

Andrew Wilson

This is outstanding: short, readable, warm, well illustrated, clear, and gracious. Rebecca’s blend of personal experience, biblical study, and cultural wisdom is richly displayed in this book, and it is just what we need.

“Concise and Thoughtful”

This book is concise and well-written, and it engages with the heavy topic in a sensitive and respectful way. Rebecca McLaughlin includes stories from her own life and from some of her friends to help contextualize these issues in a personal context, and even though this book includes lots of scholarly content related to interpretations of Scripture, the writing style is highly readable and truly accessible.

McLaughlin engages with ten common arguments in favor of the Bible affirming same-sex relationships, and she acknowledges their stronger points while also showing why they don’t hold up to an accurate understanding of what the Bible teaches. She explores the misunderstandings or distortions behind these arguments, and she presents clear historical and linguistic support for a traditional reading of Scripture. She also engages with some practical issues, such as the importance of the church being a vibrant community of friendship and platonic love for all believers.

Because this book is so brief, McLaughlin cannot engage with every counterargument that someone would make, but she gives these ideas a fair hearing and argues against them in a thoughtful and balanced way. This book will appeal to people who share her stance and want to be able to better articulate it. This is also worthwhile reading for someone who disagrees with the author, because even if the book doesn’t change their mind, it can help them understand where other people are coming from.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

“Concise, Kind, & Compelling”

Rebecca McLaughlin is a writing wizard. It amazes me that she can balance truth and kindness. That sort of tenderness is lacking in our public discourse. Also, I must say that this book is a must read for every Christian. In a day where sexual identity has become the idol of the Western World, having this book on hand helps combat the attacks of the enemy.

“Essential read”

Given the ambivalent leadership emanating from the Church of England on same sex relationships, this is an essential read for all bible believing Christians. The sensitively written conclusion might be slightly different from what you might expect.

“Concise, honest, and elevates friendship”

I've read a lot of books on this topic. This one is one of the shortest, but it still manages to cover a lot! The ten claims McLaughlin looks at are ones I've heard people protest to Christianity. McLaughlin addresses each one with both love and truth reminding us that the true treasure in life is not sexual 'fulfillment' but Jesus himself. She corrects our understanding of all relationships and I think all will find hope in these pages.

“McLaughlin Models Kindess, Discernment, and Speaking Truth in Love”

Rebecca McLaughlin has written another gentle yet insightful and truth-filled book addressing one of the most controversial topics within our culture at the moment. "Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships" addresses 10 claims people make to show how the Bible affirms same-sex relationships, and McLaughlin’s discernment and analysis of these arguments are both helpful and encouraging. This book is not meant to condemn but to point to Christ in whom all sinners–that is, everyone–can find eternal life.

“Concise, honest, and elevates friendship”

The strength of this book is being able to articulate clearly in a short number of pages the biblical argument for sex and marriage to be between a man and woman, but also to elevate other kinds of relationships to their rightful place. It assures those with same-sex attraction that they still belong in the church and they still have a place in sharing in and portraying to others the love of Christ.

This book is short, barely 100 pages, and could easily be read in a day.

It’s not the most exhaustive book on the topic but it hits on 10 popular arguments that people, Christian and otherwise, give claiming that the Bible affirms same-sex sexual relationships.

The author is writing to us because she has been there and she currently is there. A place where she experiences same-sex attraction. She tried so hard to read the Bible in a way that affirms her heart’s longing.

She also shares the stories of some of her friends who had their own journeys of struggle and of coming to the Bible to shape it to their needs. But they all came to the conclusion that the Bible is clear in what it teaches.

“Following Jesus means being willing to give up everything— even our most treasured hopes, dreams, and relationships… Jesus is the treasure. When we find him, we find our life. And as we give ourselves to Jesus, we will find that we have gained each other too.”

“Well-researched and sensitive”

How do you handle questions on the issue of same sex attraction, and the potential arguments some have that the Bible is supportive of same sex practice? Rebecca McLaughlin has systematically and carefully explored the main arguments that are being made, and shows how we can respond authoritatively yet sensitively to those claims. A very helpful resource to have on your bookshelf.

“excellent - clear, touches the heart, faithful”

The personal gentleness of the writer oozes throughout this book, as does the biblical faithfulness and concern for compassionate truth and truthful compassion.
Each chapter is short but/and sufficient to address the concerns of many.
This is helpful for Christians, in equipping us for conversations with others, and yet so well written, it would be good to be given to anyone interested but questionning.

“Speaking the truth in love”

Rebecca McLaughlin speaks directly to the issue of same-sex relationships, but she does so with compassions and empathy. At the same time, her answers to the questions are biblically based - not simply proof-texting but thoughtfully reasoned. Her inclusion of cultural context was also helpful, especially in contrasting Jesus and Paul's handling of sexual matters (i.e. the argument that Jesus did not address same-sex relationships). The book is succinct and accessible, a must read for those who desire to have a biblical understanding of this issue.