Fact-Check: What Jesus Actually Taught
Examining claims about Jesus's teachings on social issues
Claim: Jesus never taught about homosexuality
This claim is used in contemporary debates about LGBTQ+ inclusion in Christianity.
The Scholarly Consensus
All four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) have been thoroughly examined by New Testament scholars. None of them contain any statement or parable from Jesus addressing homosexual behavior or orientation.
This is significant because:
- Jesus speaks extensively on sexual ethics and morality in the Gospels
- His silence on this topic stands out when compared to other ethical issues he addresses
- Homosexual behavior was practiced in first-century Mediterranean culture
- If Jesus had taught against it, the Gospels would likely record it
What Does Appear in Scripture
Jesus's Teachings on Sexual Ethics
- Warnings against adultery and lust (Matthew 5:27-30)
- Teachings on divorce (Matthew 19:1-12)
- Calls to sexual purity (Luke 16:18)
- Emphasis on loving others and treating them as you wish to be treated
Later Writings (Paul)
Passages addressing same-sex behavior appear in Paul's letters (Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:10), written decades after Jesus. These are Paul's teachings, not Jesus's, reflecting a different cultural and theological context.
Why This Distinction Matters
For Christian Interpretation: Different churches weight Jesus's direct teachings vs. apostolic writings differently in their theology
For Historical Accuracy: Confusing Jesus's teachings with later apostolic writings is factually incorrect
For Theological Debate: Believers can disagree about the relevance of Paul's writings, but should be clear about what Jesus himself taught
Scholarly Support
Bart Ehrman (University of North Carolina) - Explicitly notes Jesus does not address homosexuality in any Gospel accounts
Craig Evans (Southwestern Baptist Seminary) - Conservative scholar confirms no Gospel teachings by Jesus on this topic
Jacob Neusner (Brown University) - Jewish scholar notes the absence in Jesus's ethical teachings
E.P. Sanders (Oxford) - Leading Jesus scholar confirms no Gospel passages on homosexuality
Verdict Summary
TRUE
Jesus did not teach about homosexuality in any of the four Gospel accounts. This is the scholarly consensus across conservative, moderate, and progressive interpreters. While later Christian writers (particularly Paul) address the topic, Jesus himself does not.