These pastors and leaders all spoke out publicly on their views about homosexuality and same-sex marriage. We believe it’s important for pastors and leaders to have an answer ready on this hot-button cultural issue. So we invite you to watch how these well-known pastors handled themselves in the public space when asked directly, “Is homosexuality a sin?” and we encourage you to share your feedback in the comment section below.
1. Joel Osteen
In this clip, Joel gets grilled about homosexuality on live TV. He does state the Bible calls the practice of homosexuality a sin, but he demurs and tries to change the direction of the conversation as well.
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2. Rick Warren
As a guest on Piers Morgan, Rick answers the question directly and stays strong on his biblical stance–even though Piers is convinced he will wear Rick down one day.
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3. Tim Keller
In this conversation at the Veritas forum, Keller offers a response focused on loving our neighbors–whether our neighbors come from different religions or sexual orientation. He does call homosexuality sin, but he digs a little deeper into the constructs of sin in relation to salvation.
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4. Franklin Graham
In this chat with Piers Morgan, Graham stays strong on the fact that God defines marriage, not government.
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5. Kirk Cameron
Kirk believes that marriage was defined by God and that homosexuality is a sin. “It’s unnatural, it’s detrimental and ultimately destructive…”
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6. Tony Evans
In this interview with Soledad O’Brien, Evans doesn’t budge in the importance of following God’s Word and not changing with the direction of culture when it comes to homosexuality and gay marriage. However, Soledad is clearly not convinced.
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7. John MacArthur
In this Larry King interview John MacArthur discusses the biblical approach to homosexuality as he sits next to a homosexual man. The interview is tense and emotional.
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8. Carl Lentz
In this HuffPo interview Lentz makes it clear he doesn’t believe it’s the church’s role to make bold political or cultural statements on private issues like homosexuality. This view is consistent with Hillsong’s overall perspective.
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9. John Piper
Piper goes a step further to explain “Why” homosexuality is offensive to God and to be avoided.
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10. Perry Noble
In a sermon series at NewSpring, Perry shoots straight with the church on this issue. He boldly declares that he doesn’t hate homosexuals and they’re welcome at the church, but it is a sin and he hopes they find freedom through the Gospel.
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11. Matt Chandler
This clip is longer (running 37 minutes) but it’s a valuable Q & A on culture and theology–and Chandler covers the issue of homosexuality in the first question.
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12. Mike Glenn
In this clip, Pastor Mike Glenn of Brentwood Baptist Church shares his perspective on the issue of homosexuality and how their church handles it–compared to other sins.
