NOTE FROM TED: This talk represents the speaker's personal beliefs and interpretation. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
In this talk, I will weave together my journey as an LGBTQ+ Christian pastor who began within the evangelical tradition, was forced into conversion therapy, and after that failed to ‘heal’ me, I moved to reconcile my faith and sexuality. After spending a decade studying the Bible and Christian theology, I was surprised to find that the anti-LGBTQ+ interpretations of Scripture were wholly inconsistent with a historical approach to the Bible, and discovered a long tradition of queer people within the pages of the Bible and throughout Christian history. In this talk, I will share my thoughts on why homophobic interpretations of the Bible are plainly incorrect and how LGBTQ+ people can reclaim their place as rightful members of the community of faith. Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality and social renewal. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx