The Complete Course

The Biblical Case for LGBTQ Inclusion

A deep dive into the theological debate about the Bible and same-sex relationships, exploring key questions of hermeneutics and interpretation for church teachings about marriage and sexuality.

20
Modules
7 hrs
Video content
4K
Professional production
PDF
Full study guide
Purchase — $99
▶
Play Trailer
Enroll in the Course
$99
$149
Save $50
  • 20 modules — 7+ hours of video
  • Personalized web portal
  • Lifetime access
  • Downloadable PDF study guide
  • Shot with professional 4K film crew
Purchase for Myself Purchase as a Gift
About the Course

Led by Matthew Vines, author of God and the Gay Christian.

In this 20-module course, Matthew Vines will lead you through an in-depth theological exploration of the Bible and LGBTQ inclusion. From the six biblical passages that refer to same-sex behavior to broader themes in Scripture about marriage, celibacy, sexual ethics, and the roles of men and women, this course carefully lays the groundwork for how Christians can both affirm the authority of the Bible and affirm their LGBTQ friends and loved ones.

Shot with a professional 20-person film crew and high-end 4K camera gear, this is a premier digital learning experience — accessible on any device, with lifetime access to all content and a full downloadable PDF study guide.

20
Modules
Topics covering biblical interpretation, church history, and Christian sexual ethics
7 hrs
Video content
An approachable, in-depth resource covering many different aspects of this topic
4K
Professional production
Shot with a professional 20-person film crew and high-end camera gear
PDF
Full study guide
Downloadable guide with summarized notes from every module
The Biblical Case for LGBTQ Inclusion course shown on desktop and mobile
Watch the Trailer

See what the course looks like before you buy.

Module 01 — Scripture and Experience — is also available to watch free. Sign up to access it and get a feel for the course before purchasing the full library.

Purchase Now — $99 Watch Module 01 Free
Course Curriculum

20 modules. Every major question, addressed in depth.

The course moves from foundational questions of biblical interpretation through the specific passages, and into the path forward for churches and families.

Module 01 is available to watch free — no purchase required.

Introduction
4 modules
00
The Invitation Free
5 min
▾
  • Framing and overview for the course
01
Scripture and Experience Free
20 min
▾
  • Assessing the appropriate role of experience in shaping our beliefs and interpretation of Scripture
  • Responding to non-affirming arguments against taking into account the consequences of interpretations of Scripture on people's lives
02
Biblical Authority and Christian Orthodoxy
12 min
▾
  • Reviewing the most important theological beliefs of the Christian faith that Christians should continue to uphold regardless of their views about LGBTQ inclusion
  • Addressing common concerns about the proverbial "slippery slope"
03
Biblical Interpretation and Moral Logic
20 min
▾
  • Understanding and applying the basic elements of biblical interpretation: exegesis and hermeneutics
  • Recognizing how Christians have historically considered not just what biblical texts say, but the broader reasons or "moral logic" behind biblical texts
History of Sexuality
4 modules
04
Same-Sex Practices in the Biblical World
29 min
▾
  • Surveying historical evidence about same-sex practices in the Ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome
  • Assessing the sexual norms and taboos that prevailed in the biblical world and the attitudes that existed about same-sex behavior as a result
05
Did Same-Sex Marriage Exist in the Biblical World?
27 min
▾
  • Responding to arguments from non-affirming writers about whether same-sex marriages or marriage-like relationships existed in the biblical world
06
Tradition and Sexual Orientation
21 min
▾
  • Recognizing how Christians have historically reconsidered interpretations of Scripture when confronted with new information
  • Surveying historical evidence about understandings of same-sex attraction in ancient societies
07
Did the Concept of Sexual Orientation Exist in the Biblical World?
17 min
▾
  • Responding to arguments from non-affirming writers about whether the concept of sexual orientation existed in the biblical world
Gender Complementarity
4 modules
08
The Gift of Celibacy
27 min
▾
  • Assessing the viability of mixed-orientation marriages, ex-gay ministries, and celibacy mandates
  • Reviewing biblical teachings about and traditional Christian understandings of celibacy as a gift and considering their applicability to LGBTQ Christians today
09
Anatomical and Biological Complementarity
18 min
▾
  • Responding to arguments from non-affirming writers about biological and anatomical interpretations of gender complementarity
  • Studying the creation accounts in Genesis 1–2 and Jesus's teaching on marriage in Matthew 19, including his reference to "male and female"
10
Procreative Complementarity
16 min
▾
  • Reviewing the overall role of procreation in the biblical narrative
  • Assessing whether Scripture teaches that procreative capacity is required for marriage or that sexual intimacy must be open to procreation in order to be moral
11
Gender Hierarchy
17 min
▾
  • Considering the role of patriarchy in Scripture and whether marriages must reflect gender hierarchy
  • Assessing the relevance of biblical arguments against slavery for the topic of patriarchy
Old Testament Texts
2 modules
12
The Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah
29 min
▾
  • Studying the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 and later biblical references to it
  • Reviewing the history of Jewish and Christian interpretations of the Sodom story
13
The Prohibitions of Leviticus
25 min
▾
  • Considering the role of the Old Testament law for Christians
  • Studying the prohibitions of male same-sex intercourse in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, the moral logic behind them, and their applicability to Christians today
New Testament Texts
3 modules
14
Romans 1:26–27: Lust and Desire
16 min
▾
  • Reviewing in detail Romans 1:26–27, focusing on Paul's discussion of lust and desire and the broader cultural context of this passage
15
Romans 1:26–27: Honor, Shame, and Nature
23 min
▾
  • Analyzing the terms "natural," "unnatural," and "shameful" in both 1 Corinthians 11:14 and Romans 1:26–27
  • Considering the role of texts like Genesis 3 and Wisdom of Solomon in shaping the backdrop of Romans 1
16
1 Corinthians 6:9: Is "Homosexual" an Accurate Translation?
21 min
▾
  • Studying in depth the Greek words arsenokoitai and malakoi in 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10
  • Reviewing the history of these terms' translation into English and when the word "homosexual" was first used in any Bible translation
The Path Forward
4 modules
17
Marriage and Sexual Ethics
25 min
▾
  • Considering biblical teachings about marriage and sexuality in order to determine if same-sex unions are consistent with the Bible's deepest principles about marriage
  • Assessing the ongoing importance of values like monogamy and covenant for Christian same-sex relationships
18
Gender and Sexual Minorities and the Arc of Scripture
16 min
▾
  • Considering specific theological questions related to transgender and intersex people
  • Discerning the overall arc of Scripture when it comes to gender and sexual minorities
19
Affirming Arguments to Avoid
20 min
▾
  • Considering common but misguided biblical arguments sometimes made in defense of same-sex relationships
  • Assessing common affirming mantras and ideas that require revision and refinement from a Christian standpoint
20
Tips for Having the Conversation
14 min
▾
  • Closing guidance for how to most effectively engage across disagreement in conversations about LGBTQ inclusion in the church
Order Today

Ready to go deeper into the scholarship?

The Biblical Case for LGBTQ Inclusion gives you the tools to understand, teach, and engage these questions with the rigor they deserve — with lifetime access and a full PDF study guide included. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a discounted group price; contact us to inquire.

The Complete Course
$99
$149
Save $50
Purchase for Myself Purchase as a Gift
Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the course.

Is there a group discount?
Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a discounted group price. If you are interested in purchasing 10 or more licenses, please contact us to inquire about pricing.
How many people can use each license?
Licenses may be used by individuals or households but may not otherwise be shared. While the course is designed for individual viewing, if you choose to watch as part of a larger group, we ask that each group member obtain their own license. We operate on an honor system, and all proceeds from course sales go to support our mission of advancing LGBTQ inclusion in the church.
Can I watch a module before purchasing?
Yes — Module 01 (Scripture and Experience) is available free. Sign up here to watch it before buying.
Can I purchase the course as a gift?
Yes. Select "Purchase as a Gift" and follow the gifting instructions to send access to someone else.