Ephesians 5:11 (ESV)
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
Compromise in the Name of Compassion?
Ephesians 5:11 commands believers not to partner with darkness—but rather, to expose it. And yet, in today’s church, we are seeing increasing attempts to accommodate sin—particularly sexual immorality—under the guise of compassion and outreach.
One prominent example of this compromise is found in what’s called “Side B Christianity.” This movement claims to uphold biblical morality while accepting LGBTQ identity—an approach that attempts to “lower the entry bar” for unbelievers and ease the discipleship journey for professing believers, especially those identifying as LGBTQ.
But while it may appear compassionate at first glance, Side B Christianity offers a false gospel. Jesus invites all to come as they are, but He never calls us to stay as we are.
What Is Side B Christianity?
A recent op-ed by Daren Mehl, President of Voice of the Voiceless, references a definition of Side B from the late pastor Dr. Tim Keller:
“People attracted to the same sex, though remaining celibate in obedience to the Bible, still can call themselves ‘gay Christians’ and see their attraction as part of their identity which should be acknowledged like one’s race or nationality.”
In essence, Side B theology acknowledges that homosexual acts are sinful, yet affirms LGBTQ identity as morally neutral or intrinsic.
Rosaria Butterfield’s Warning
Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, a former lesbian activist turned Christian (and speaker at AiG’s 2026 Answers for Women conference), defines it this way:
“Celibate gay theology [Side B]—which claims to uphold a traditional biblical view of sexuality—has become the default compromise in churches and parachurch ministries. It embraces homosexual orientation and identity but disallows gay sex. It categorizes homosexual desire as a morally neutral temptation.”
The problem? Sinful desire is not a neutral identity.
Can Christians Identify with a Sin God Hates?
“How can any of us fight a sin that we don’t hate?” — Dr. Butterfield
Those who follow Christ are not defined by their temptations, but by their new identity in Him. “Gay Christian” is an identity that binds the believer to a temptation Christ came to deliver them from. This mindset weakens our spiritual battle, invites confusion, and distorts the message of redemption.
We who have repented and believed the gospel stand in Christ’s righteousness, not in our past desires. We may struggle, but we are not our sin—and we must never let it define us.
Is Sexual Orientation Equivalent to Race?
Keller’s comparison of sexual orientation to race or nationality is fundamentally flawed.
Acts 17:26 – “[God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth…”
- Ethnicity is a God-given trait.
- Nationality may change, but it carries no moral weight.
- Same-sex attraction, by contrast, is a temptation—not an identity—and is to be resisted and overcome.
As James 1:13–15 teaches, such desires do not come from God but from within, and when nurtured, they lead to death.
The Cross Sets Us Free—Fully
“Side B offers a truncated gospel.” — Daren Mehl
The message of Side B Christianity is that celibacy is enough. But the real gospel doesn’t just call us to abstain from sin outwardly—it transforms us inwardly.
Romans 6:18 – “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves of righteousness.”
1 Corinthians 6:11 – “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Jesus didn’t die to make us celibate—He died to make us holy, transformed, and victorious over sin in thought, identity, and action.
Why Side B Must Be Rejected
Side B Christianity is not compassionate—it is dangerous. It:
- Waters down the power of the cross
- Affirms sinful identity instead of calling people to die to self
- Denies full freedom in Christ
- Mutes the call to holiness
As John 8:36 says: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” And as 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
A Return to “Did God Really Say?”
“Side B” is a modern echo of Satan’s question in Genesis 3:1:
“Did God actually say…?”
This deception undermines the authority of Scripture and is making its way into even theologically conservative churches. As Mehl’s article highlights, it’s already affecting ministries and creating confusion among believers.
What Can You Do?
- Read the full op-ed by Daren Mehl for a deeper understanding of how Side B theology is infiltrating churches.
- Equip yourself and your family—especially your daughters and granddaughters—with biblical clarity.
Attend the 2026 Answers for Women Conference
If you’re a woman, consider attending Answers in Genesis’ 2026 Answers for Women Conference, where Dr. Rosaria Butterfield will speak directly on this issue.
Other speakers include:
- Dr. Georgia Purdom
- Avery Foley
- Heidi St. John
- Dr. Voddie Baucham
- Megan Basham
- Dr. Christopher Yuan
- Ken Ham and others
This event will address not only sexuality but other pressing cultural topics from a biblical worldview.
Final Word: There Is Hope and Freedom in Christ
“To the confused believer who may be struggling, know this: you are not alone in your anguish. Your temptations do not define you. Your sexual desires are not your identity. You can be free. You can be transformed. You are not beyond redemption. Christ died to make you holy, not just celibate.”
Side B Christianity is regression. It offers a powerless gospel clothed in therapeutic language. But Jesus Christ offers true transformation, freedom from sin, and a new identity as a child of God.
2 Timothy 3:5 – “…having a form of godliness, but denying its power.”
The Real Gospel Sets Captives Free
Pastors must not patronize strugglers with lifeless slogans. Instead, they must boldly proclaim the full gospel—which does not affirm sin but conquers it.
Author:
Ken Ham
Founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis, the Creation Museum, and the Ark Encounter
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