It is time to move beyond defending this position. It is not enough for the Bible simply not to condemn homosexuality. When we read the Biblical stories through today's experience, they come alive with new relevance. Lesbians and gay men are everywhere, and always have been, even when silent and closeted about their sexuality. Centuries of silence in Biblical commentaries and reference books must now be broken by a passionate search for Biblical truth about sexuality.
Some stories are incontrovertible.
Others are compellingly gay and lesbian. And, there are other stories curiously suggestive of same-sex relationships. All of these can empower lesbians and gay men to joyfully embrace the Bible. Both have their roots in the prophecies of Isaiah 56. The term refers to a race, culture or people.