50 Years Later—The Impact of Jim Nelson’s “Homosexuality: An Issue for the Church”

Faith communities have long struggled to reach consensus on the inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ people. Debates in congregations and conferences have led to harmful statements and schisms and highlighted sharp disagreements over theology, ethics, and justice. Of course, these are never merely debates, never just “disagreements;” these are questions of fundamental rights, theology, one’s sense of self, and what it means to love.  

Whereas some denominations reject the very existence of LGBTQ+ identities out of hand, others have sought the counsel of their LGBTQ+ members and committed to structural equality and solidarity. Fifty years ago, this shift was happening at United, owing to the advocacy of students, faculty, and a prescient professor’s willingness to articulate a clear theological case for affirmation.

In United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities: An Ecumenical Venture, Dr. Arthur L. Merrill^† (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, 1958–1995) recounted the impact of Dr. James B. Nelson’s^† (Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics, 1963–1995) paper titled “Homosexuality: An Issue for the Church,” published in the Winter 1975 issue of Theological Markings, United’s journal. In it, Nelson identified what he viewed as the four primary theological positions against other sexual orientations, and he graciously engaged each of them while arguing his clear conviction as a Christian ethicist:  unequivocal affirmation.

Nelson wrote, “An ethics of the Gospel ought never forget that moral responsibility is intrinsically related to self-acceptance, and that self-acceptance is intrinsically related to acceptance by significant others and, ultimately, by God.”  In a section titled “A Personal Note,” Jim posits that acceptance of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people might be a source of “augmented liberation” for all, “bringing new possibilities of tenderness, lessened competitiveness, and greater  emotional intimacy.”

Just two years later, United’s Faculty Senate adopted a statement affirming “equal educational opportunity for all our students regardless of race, sex, or affectional preference” (sexual orientation). It avowed that “we do not believe that such an orientation in and of itself disqualifies a person from preparing for ministry at this seminary.” Nelson’s progressive theological vision and visionary scholarship continue to impact United, its students, and the communities they lead. For his prophetic witness for the common good, we give thanks.

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^† Deceased