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In the heart of the Christian Universalist Association’s ethos lies a commitment to inclusivity and love, a pledge every member embraces, rejecting any form of bias, hatred, or discrimination. This principle, deeply woven into the fabric of our association, challenges the many narratives that have, over time, been construed from scriptural texts, especially concerning human diversity and sexual orientation. The journey to understanding homosexuality through the lens of scripture is nuanced and often misconstrued, leading to polarizing views within the broader Christian community.

Our foundation rests on a fundamental belief: the Bible narrates the divine relationship between God and humanity, a story that reaches its zenith in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s actions and words, God’s unconditional love for every human being was unveiled. Jesus’s ministry was marked by an unwavering commitment to reaching out to the marginalized, feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and advocating for the downtrodden. Notably, he never addressed sexual orientation or gender identity, suggesting that these issues were not central to his message of love and acceptance.

Jesus’s interactions with people from diverse backgrounds underscore his ministry’s inclusivity. He embraced individuals from all walks of life, including those whom society deemed unworthy. His teachings transcended the societal norms of his time, advocating for a community where every person, irrespective of their social standing, gender identity, or sexual orientation, was valued and affirmed.

The Christian Universalist Association aligns with this vision of inclusivity. We challenge the traditional interpretations of scripture that condemn non-heteronormative relationships, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of biblical laws. Jewish tradition categorizes the Law into two distinct types: the Works of the Law (erga in the Greek), which pertain to rituals and ceremonies under the Old Covenant, and the Justices of the Law (dikaiomata in the Greek), which govern interpersonal relationships and ethical standards. The Works of the Law, which include regulations on purity and ritual practices, were specific to the Jewish people and are not applicable under the New Covenant. On the contrary, the Justices of the Law, emphasizing love and fairness in interpersonal dealings, remain relevant and binding.

The contention that the Bible unequivocally condemns homosexual relationships often arises from a misunderstanding of these distinct categories. The Justices, when speaking of sexual sin, address exploitation, infidelity, and injustice—acts that betray the fundamental command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. The Works, on the other hand, were the requirements for being an Old Covenant Jew; now rendered obsolete by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, who fulfilled the Law.

Our interpretation of scripture, therefore, centers on the enduring message of love, justice, and inclusivity. By accurately distinguishing between the Works and the Justices of the Law, we understand that the Justices of the Law still call us to love our neighbor; and that encompasses all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. While, the Works of the Law, on which all the misunderstandings are based, no longer apply—and haven’t for 2,000 years. This perspective invites a reevaluation of traditional views on homosexuality, urging a return to the core values of compassion, acceptance, and love that Jesus exemplified. In embracing this approach, the Christian Universalist Association continues to champion a faith that celebrates diversity and affirms the dignity of every person, reflecting the boundless love of God.

NOTE: This article used to rely heavily on book links. Amazon made major changes to book links in 2024. To retain both legibility and continuity, this article now directly reflects the CUA statement on Human Diversity: The Scriptural Foundation