One significant way that the debate about homosexuality can be reframed is to stop saying the Bible says anything about “homosexuality.” No where in the Bible is the word “homosexual” used. Indeed, it would have been impossible for anyone during the Bible’s writing to mention the word since the history of “homosexual” is rather contemporary. It was first coined around the turn of the twentieth century. So, historically speaking, it is inaccurate and anachronistic to say the Bible says anything about “homosexuality.”

Secondly, this isn’t just semantics. The word “homosexual” is a politically loaded term that partisans use to denounce or to support their particular causes. It didn’t start receiving a lot of evangelical attention until the 1980s, 1990s and particularly during the 2000s. So, for those wishing to reframe the dialog, it would be wise (perhaps) to stop using the terminology that frames the old, combative debate between those in favor and those against.

Instead of “homosexual,” I think it would be better to use the depoliticized and fairly uncommon words written in Scripture. What does the Word actually say? In one instance, it says that men and women “exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural…. Men committed shameless acts with men, giving up natural…”(Romans 1:26-27).

The point is that to reframe the debate entails the use of new terminology that isn’t embedded in the old debate.