“Clobber Passages” and Choosing Love in Interpretation
Hello everyone, and welcome back to my Sex & Scripture series 🤍
This one feels a little different. I’m not in my usual space—I’ve been traveling, visiting family, and honestly just soaking in some really beautiful scenery. It felt right to film outside, to slow down a bit, and to come back to this series from a more grounded, reflective place.
Before diving in, I took a moment to pray, to express gratitude for creation, and to ask for openness—because this topic, like many in this series, requires that.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxEJok_wJQ
A Thought That Changed How I See the Trinity
Before even getting into Romans, I had a moment recently while listening to The Body Keeps the Score that really stuck with me.
The author talks about how we all have different “parts” within ourselves—like the version of us with friends, with family, our critical voice, our playful side, our nurturing side. And something just clicked for me:
What if the Trinity is kind of like that?
Not in a perfect, literal sense—but in the idea that one being can exist in multiple expressions at once. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as distinct, yet unified. It was the first time that concept felt a little more tangible to me.
Just something to sit with.
Romans 1:26–27 — A “Clobber Passage”
Today’s focus is Romans 1:26–27, often referred to as one of the “clobber passages.”
That term is used for scriptures that are frequently weaponized—especially in conversations about homosexuality.
At face value, I’ll be honest: I understand why people interpret this passage as condemning same-sex relationships. If you read it quickly, without context, it does seem very direct.
But as I’ve said throughout this series, context matters. A lot.
What the 1946 Documentary Suggests
I referenced the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, which explores how certain biblical translations—especially around sexuality—may have been shaped by cultural bias.
While it focuses more heavily on another passage (1 Corinthians 6:9–10), the lens it applies to Romans 1 is similar:
The behaviors described may be tied to idolatry and excess, not loving relationships
Ancient Roman culture often included exploitative sexual practices (power dynamics, coercion, etc.)
The phrase “against nature” might not mean “sinful identity,” but rather acting outside one’s personal or cultural norm
In other words, the argument is that Paul may not have been addressing consensual, loving same-sex relationships as we understand them today.
That doesn’t mean this interpretation is universally accepted—it’s one perspective among many.
The Five Main Interpretations
When you zoom out, there are several major ways people interpret Romans 1:26–27:
1. Traditional / Conservative View
This passage condemns all same-sex sexual behavior as outside of God’s design.
2. Contextual / Progressive View
The focus is on lust, excess, and idolatry, not loving relationships.
3. “Against One’s Nature” View
This interpretation suggests Paul is describing people acting against their own orientation, not making a universal statement.
4. Exploitation / Power Dynamics View
The passage is addressing abuse, coercion, and dominance, which were common in that cultural context.
5. Rhetorical Strategy View
Paul may be building an argument that ultimately leads to: everyone falls short and needs grace (which becomes clear in Romans 2).
So… What Do We Do With That?
If I’m being completely honest—I still wrestle with this.
All of these interpretations make logical sense in their own way.
But what I keep coming back to is this:
I don’t believe someone’s sexual orientation is a simple choice.
And I struggle with any interpretation that pushes people away from even wanting to know God.
Because who wants to enter a space where they feel fundamentally rejected?
The Lens We Read Through Matters
Something I’ve been thinking about a lot:
We all read the Bible through a lens.
If you read it through judgment, you’ll likely find judgment.
If you read it through love, you’ll likely find love.
And while I know I carry my own biases, I’m trying—intentionally—to read through a lens of grace, curiosity, and compassion.
Where I Land (For Now)
I don’t have a perfectly clean conclusion.
But I do know this:
I want people to know they are loved. Fully. As they are.
If you’ve ever felt like there’s something about you that disqualifies you from God—your sexuality, your past, your questions—that is not truth.
God already knows you. Completely.
And still chooses you.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, I can only control how I show up.
So I’m choosing to focus on:
Loving people well
Staying open to growth and understanding
Continuing to ask hard questions without shutting down
Because honestly… that alone takes a lot of energy.
I’ll leave you with this:
I would choose a dark day with God over a dark day without Him—every single time.
Until next time,
I wish your mind, body, and spirit a lifetime of pleasure and balanced intimacy 🤍