Why Do Christians Condemn Being Gay While Ignoring Other Old Testament Laws?

Same sex relationships

By Willem van Schalkwyk

Published: 25 August 2025

Category: Faith, LGBTQ+, Spirituality, Identity

The Question We Need to Ask

“Why is being gay still condemned by people who eat shellfish, wear mixed fabrics, shave their sideburns, and ignore half the laws in the Old Testament — yet believe they are righteous and obedient to God?”

This contradiction has become a painful reality for many LGBTQ+ people who grew up in religious environments — especially within conservative Christianity. Many of us have been judged, rejected, or silenced by the very people who ignore the same laws they weaponize against us.

It’s not just hypocrisy. It’s selective spirituality, and it’s time we called it out.

A Look at the Old Testament Laws

The most commonly quoted verses against homosexuality come from Leviticus — particularly Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, which refer to same-sex acts as an “abomination.”

But those verses are part of a much larger code called the Holiness Code, which also forbids:

• Eating shellfish (Leviticus 11:10)

• Wearing mixed fabrics (Leviticus 19:19)

• Cutting your beard or sideburns (Leviticus 19:27)

• Planting two kinds of crops together

• Touching a woman during her period

• Getting tattoos

Most Christians today do not follow these laws because they believe Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant. Yet somehow, when it comes to LGBTQ+ people, many choose to cling to only one of these laws — while conveniently ignoring the rest.

What Jesus Actually Taught

Let’s be very clear:

Jesus never said a single word about homosexuality. Not once.

What did Jesus talk about?

• Love

• Grace

• Justice

• Hypocrisy

• Inclusion

Jesus welcomed tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers — the very people the religious system had rejected. He challenged religious leaders more than anyone else.

His focus was always relationship over rules.

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” — Matthew 9:13“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” — Matthew 7:1“Love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” — John 13:34-35

Double Standards and Selective Sin

Why is being gay so often called “sin,” but:

• A man cheating on his wife gets a second chance?

• Gossip is overlooked?

• Greed is rewarded?

• Gluttony is normalized?

• Pride is even celebrated?

The answer is simple: people condemn what they don’t understand.They use scripture to justify bias, not truth.

If they really followed the Bible word-for-word, they’d have to give up bacon, polyester, and tattoos — but they won’t. Because those sins affect them. Condemning gay people is easier. It requires no self-reflection, just a verse and a pointed finger.

“But Being Gay Is a Choice…”

Let’s stop this lie here.

Being gay is not a choice.

• Coming out is.

• Living openly is.

• Refusing to hide anymore is.

We don’t “choose” this life.We survive it.We were born this way — fearfully and wonderfully made — long before we even had the words to describe who we were.

🧠 Christianity Must Grow — Like Everything Else

We live in a world that’s advanced in so many ways:Electric cars, artificial intelligence, mental health breakthroughs, space travel…

Yet some people are still reading the Bible like it’s a legal code, instead of a spiritual journey. They’re stuck interpreting Bronze Age texts with a medieval mindset — while ignoring the heart of the Gospel.

The Bible has been used to justify slavery, racism, sexism — and now, homophobia.

But that’s not God. That’s people using God’s name to stay in control.

For the Families Still Condemning Their Own

If you are a Christian parent, sibling, friend, or pastor still rejecting LGBTQ+ people based on what you think the Bible says, I ask:

• Are you following Jesus — or just religious tradition?

• Are you leading with fear — or with love?

• Do you believe God asks you to reject your own child?

• Do you think shame leads anyone closer to God?

You don’t need to stop being a Christian to love your gay child.But you may need to stop being the kind of Christian who causes harm in God’s name.

To Those Still Hiding

To anyone reading this in silence — scared, closeted, or carrying years of shame — hear this:

You are not an abomination.You are not broken.You are not a mistake.

You are the image of God.You are loved.You are enough.

Don’t let outdated theology rob you of your breath.Don’t let religious fear keep you from your freedom.

Final Thought

Don’t weaponize the Bible against others while ignoring the parts that apply to yourself.

If you’re going to preach the law, live it.If you’re going to follow Jesus, lead with love.And if you’re going to condemn others — first ask yourself:“Would Jesus be doing this?”

Spoiler: He wouldn’t.

Coming Up Next:

“What the Bible Really Says About Being Gay” – A breakdown of the so-called ‘clobber verses’ and what they actually mean.

✍️ Author Bio:

Willem van Schalkwyk is an entrepreneur, creative, and spiritual seeker navigating the beautiful complexity of being both gay and Christian. His work focuses on healing the divide between faith and identity through storytelling, reflection, and truth-telling.

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