Book Review: Does The Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? By Preston Sprinkle 

(Review Written by Christian Englert)

Summary:

In our culture, the topic of same-sex relationships has become quite controversial. And the LGBTQ+ community has made every effort to suggest that the Bible supports same-sex relationships and marriage. Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle, President of the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, has blessed us with a book on this topic. He takes 21 of the most common arguments that affirm the Bible’s support of homosexual relationships and assesses their accuracy. His ultimate question with each one: “Does the Bible support this?” Any reader will be able to pick up on the extensive, scholarly research that was conducted by Sprinkle. And after assessing each argument, you will walk away with a clear understanding of what the Bible has to say about participating in same sex relationships.

Some Significant Arguments and Summary of Sprinkle’s Response:

Argument 1:

The five prohibition passages we see in Scripture are not talking about consensual same-sex relationships between equals. So, if a relationship is supported by both parties, then it is permitted by Scripture.

Sprinkle’s Response: 

The language in these passages does not seem to support this argument. In them, the original language actually points to consensual same-sex relationships, and the cultural/societal factors of ancient Rome show that Paul would have only known of consensual relationships. Sprinkle concludes that on every occasion, Paul is referring to consensual relationships “(Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:9-10), and on every occasion he prohibits them.” 

Argument 2: 

The word homosexual was not added into the Bible until 1946, so the original writers of Scripture must have approved of same sex relationships.

Sprinkle’s Response: 

It is true that the word “homosexual” was introduced by the RSV translation in 1946. It is “a problematic translation” and “truly horrific” because it represents Scripture as rebuking a person who deals with same-sex attraction, and it pushes our culture to identify them as a homosexual. However, Sprinkle suggests someone can be a homosexual (one who experiences same-sex attraction) and be a Christian. This does not mean participating in homosexual relationships/marriage is ok, though. Sprinkle observes that the correct translation of arsenokoitēs, which has been translated as homosexual, is “men who have sex with males.” Therefore, verses that use this word confirm that acting on same-sex attraction is a sin, not encountering its desire.

Argument 3: 

Some people are born gay. And if someone’s sexual preference is a fixed and biologically determined part of their makeup, it must be ok. 

Sprinkle’s Response: 

This particular argument hits home with Sprinkle, and he believes that people do not choose to be gay. It is rare for someone to wake up one day and decide they want to be attracted to the same sex. Moreover, most every branch of Christianity holds to the doctrine that humanity’s original sin tainted the world and distributed an inborn sin problem to every human ancestor. From this, Sprinkle implies that people’s desire for same-sex relationships seems to be an effect of our fallen nature. But he clarifies that “even if we don’t choose to experience certain desires, that doesn’t mean it is necessarily okay to act on them.” Just because we have an inborn desire, that doesn’t mean it is morally right. Sprinkle offers that “we should determine what’s right or wrong based on whether God determines a behavior to be right or wrong, not whether a behavior was fueled by an unchosen desire.”

A Prominent Theme:

While these are just a few of the arguments that Sprinkle looks at, the reader will find a common theme in his responses to all 21 arguments: Sprinkle’s research demonstrates that the Bible is consistent in its prohibition of same-sex relationships/marriage. But Sprinkle’s success in defending the Bible only begins to demonstrate the beauty of his book.

Conclusion:

The true beauty of Sprinkle’s book is the advice he gives about loving the LGBTQ+ community. Just as we must stand with Scripture, we are called to do so in love. Accordingly, those who read this book will want to pay close attention to both Sprinkle’s biblical response to the 21 affirming arguments for same-sex marriage and his approach to loving those who uphold them.