What sort of glasses do you wear?

Gender diversity! But not in the Bible! Or is it? Insights from an ELMinar to mark the International Day Against Fear of Diversity in Sexual Orientation.

During an ELMinar to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (Idahobit), Dr Mercedes Garcia Bachmann called on participants to become aware of the lens through which they read biblical texts.

Every set of lenses alters one’s perspective, noted the pastor of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina-Uruguay (IELU). “Many have learnt to read through a patriarchal, homophobic and erotophobic lens. Today we look through a lens that allows us to recognise same-sex relationships as well.” It is important, she said, not to focus on the extremes, but also to recognise the many shades of grey in between, which are part of diversity.

Context is important

Context is also important when it comes to understanding the biblical perspective on relationships. People in biblical times did not have the privacy we know today. They lived much more closely together and witnessed what was happening. “We do not see certain things in the Bible because we have a particular way of reading it that overlooks a great deal. If, for example, David had been a woman, many readers, viewing the descriptions of his relationship with Jonathan through this different lens, would immediately have thought of a romantic relationship.”

“We know of no saying attributed to Jesus – neither in the New Testament nor in any of the many ancient gospels that were not included in the canon – in which he speaks about sexual love between men or between women. Apparently, this kind of love was not a major concern for him.” On the other hand, there are references to the “disciple whom Jesus loved” or to the centurion of Capernaum who loved his slave.
Read through a different lens, the New Testament also reveals a great many different models of family. “Why not change your perspective and discover the diversity!”, is the invitation.

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