Reflecting on the theology of bisexuality helps us expand our image of the divine. Some theological concepts to reflect on include:
- A sexual ethic focused on personal relationships and social justice (as called for in the Religious Declaration on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing)
- The diversity, beauty, and wonder of creation
- The interconnectedness of justice work across identities and oppressions
- The priority of individual conscience and agency
- The dignity and sacred worth of all people
- Humanity: everyone has a sexual orientation
No matter our faith tradition, in the United States, Christian supremacy means that nearly everyone has to wrestle with what the bible says about sexuality. While it is often necessary to debunk harmful interpretations of biblical passages, it is also possible discern liberative messages on sexuality in the bible, and for bisexual+ people to find themselves in the text. Here are a few examples.
- The bible teaches that all people are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27a, Genesis 5:1–3, Genesis 9:6, 1 Corinthians: 11:7, and James 3:9)
- Both testaments enjoin people to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27)
- The bible includes stories of a wide diversity of intimate relationships, including characters that, in today’s understandings, might be considered bisexual. (Ruth and Naomi, Jonathan and David)
- Jesus’ life and ministry demonstrated the inclusion and honoring of people marginalized by society
For more information, download this excerpt from Bisexuality: Making the Invisible Visible in Faith Communities.