Faithful Politics

Can Faith and Queerness Coexist? Matthew Vines on Biblical Belonging

Season 6

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Can the Bible affirm same-sex relationships without compromising its authority?

More than half of LGBTQ youth raised in non-affirming Christian households report suicidal thoughts, according to The Trevor Project. In this timely and vulnerable conversation, Matthew Vines—author of God and the Gay Christian and founder of The Reformation Project—joins Will and Josh to explore the moral, theological, and pastoral implications of excluding LGBTQ people from covenantal love.

Raised in an evangelical church, Matthew shares his deeply personal story of coming out, challenging the “clobber verses,” and making a theologically conservative case for full LGBTQ inclusion. The conversation also unpacks celibacy mandates, biblical context vs. timeless principles, and how churches can (and can’t) offer belonging without affirmation.
Josh remains non-affirming, but open. The result is a rare, emotionally intelligent dialogue that refuses easy answers—and models what truth-seeking looks like across deep difference.

Guest Bio
Matthew Vines is the author of God and the Gay Christian and founder of The Reformation Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing LGBTQ inclusion in the church while upholding biblical authority. A Harvard-trained theologian turned advocate, Vines is known for articulating an affirming theology rooted in evangelical hermeneutics and traditional biblical scholarship.

God and the Gay Christian (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/God-Gay-Christian-Biblical-Relationships/dp/1601425163

The Reformation Project Website
https://reformationproject.org/

Matthew Vines on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@ReformationProject

Support the show

🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:
donorbox.org/faithful-politics-podcast

📩 Reach out to us:

  • Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com
  • Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com

📱 Follow & connect with us:

📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com

📅 RSVP for upcoming live events:
Chec...

People on this episode