Sunshine Cathedral Blog

Question: Your sermon last week about Jonathan & David was very enlightening. I wish I had heard something like that 20 years ago; it would have made my journey easier. I had never heard that story. Is it really in the bible? And do you really believe that there is nothing wrong with being gay?

Answer: I’m glad you found last week’s sermon uplifting. The story of Jonathan and David is absolutely in the bible. It comes mostly from the book of 1 Samuel, though David’s lament for Jonathan when he is killed in battle is in the first chapter of 2 Samuel. Regarding your second question – Yes! I really do believe there nothing wrong with being gay (or straight, or bisexual). In fact, I believe that human sexuality is a gift to celebrate, honor, and for which we can be grateful. Some of us will enjoy and express that gift authentically with persons of the same gender, while others will enjoy and express that gift authentically with persons of the opposite gender. It’s all part of the wonderful diversity of life. Being gay isn’t a burden to bear, it is a special gift… it is part of what makes you, you. And you, just as you are, are made in the divine image and likeness. When people use the bible to justify their prejudices, it of course hurts those of us against whom those prejudices are directed. But we can know for ourselves that we have a divinely appointed place in the human family, and we are a gift to the world. Jesus said, “You believe in God, believe also in me.” I would extend that sage advice to your particular place in life: You believe in God, believe also in yourself. I trust that God in you is leading you to wonderful blessings.