About me
G'day! My name is David Coltheart
and this is my story
I grew up as the son of a pastor, attended Bible college and church-run university, and became a pastor and evangelist. I spent 30 years in ministry all over Australia and Papua New Guinea, speaking to many thousands of people. All the time, I held a secret that I dared not share with anyone. And I
was terrified that someone would find out.
Now I have written my story in a free 360-page book that tells how I found out the truth about myself and learned what the Bible really says
about being gay. After a decades-long search, I want to share what I discovered so that others will find understanding and peace.
Finding Out is the story of my journey from the darkness of despair, to the light of understanding and acceptance.
Illustrated with photos of my life, the book is free
to download and share. Also included is a useful page of links to other resources to answer your questions.
While Finding Out is copyright, the book and resources on this website are completely free and without obligation. I do not collect your details or send any marketing follow-up. To contact me, go to the CONTACT page.
The Bible says?
Most people assume there are hundreds of texts condemning gays and lesbians, but out of more than 31,000 verses in the Bible, there are only 6 that reference same-sex activity. And not everyone is convinced that the texts refer to modern same-sex relationships.
These verses are often called the "clobber texts" because of the way they are used to denigrate sexual minorities. However, these texts are not hammers but simply 6 verses that have been mistranslated and misinterpreted. People have used the church's interpretation to condemn LGBTIQ+ people.
The 6 verses refer to the actions of heterosexual people (mostly men). The texts condemn acts of sexual violence, rape, abuse and exploitation. Both straight and gay Christians reject such abhorrent behaviour.
The 6 verses refer to:
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attempted gang rape of two angels
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male humiliation, a cultural taboo in ancient Israel
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worship of fertility gods and goddesses
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sacred orgies
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sexual exploitation
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promiscuity
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pederasty
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abusive power relationships.
Love and inclusion
The 6 so-called "clobber texts" only mention examples of deviant behaviour. The texts have no connection to the modern idea of sexual orientation. Nor do they refer to love, faithfulness and mutual support between two people in a committed same-sex relationship.
Jesus did not mention or condemn homosexuality. By contrast, Jesus urged love for our neighbour and and offered inclusion in God's family. Jesus invites everyone into fellowship with God, regardless of who they are or who they love.
Click on the link to read or save:
Read the facts
To find out what what the Bible does - and does not - say about homosexuality, read the facts for yourself. Then reach your own conclusions. I have researched the topic over many years and wrote the following documents to explain what I believe the texts say
to people in the 21st century.
Click on the links to read or save:
1. The Sin of Sodom (Gen 19:1-11)
2. Idolatry, Rape & Abomination (Lev 18:13; 20:22)
3. Natural or Unnatural (Rom 1:25-27)
4. Softies & Man-bedders (1 Cor 6:9,10; 1 Tim 1:9,10)
Gay and Christian
People can be both gay and Christian - these terms are not mutually exclusive. Because the Bible nowhere condemns loving, faithful and committed same-sex relationships, you can be a person who loves God, follows the teachings of Jesus Christ - and who just happens to be gay.
For three years, I was the pastor of the Brisbane Metropolitan Community Church, a world-wide Christian church that affirms LGBTIQ+ Christians and their families. I helped hundreds of people come to know Jesus better - because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Click on the links to read or save:
Your questions answered
I have already written the answers to many of your questions. If not, feel free to contact me with your query. Just leave your contact details below.
Or use the "Let's Chat" box on the lower right-hand corner of your screen to send me a message. If I am not online, I will get back to you.
Click on the links to read or save:
God Made Adam & Eve, and Adam & Steve
Same Sex Relationships in the Bible
Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?
Resources
There are countless websites, books, videos, blogs and other resources available for gay Christians, their parents, friends and allies. Most of the resources are free. I have prepared a list of resources that I have found the most helpful.
Click on the link to read or save:
Here I am
I told part of my story in the documentary
"Here I Am." Other gay and lesbian Christians tell their own stories in this 35-minute movie.
Designed as a discussion starter for Christians to use with their families and churches, you can watch the movie on YouTube. Click on the white arrow to start.
Or go to HereIam.watch
Going Deeper
The Abomination of Leviticus examines the two "clobber texts" of Leviticus. The book looks at Israelite history and culture to find out what these commands meant in ancient times and how they were applied in the context of idolatry and other sexual laws. The translation problems are examined to find out why words have been added to the English translation to alter the meaning. Finally the explosive word "abomination" is explained and defused. (104 pages, March 2022)
Who Were The Sodomites looks at the story of ancient Sodom and the invention of "sodomy." The book examines five problem verses that mention "sodomites" and charts the history of Bible translations to reveal why modern versions translate a word that means "holy people" as "temple prostitutes." Who were these mysterious people? Find out why this translation is now obsolete and is being replaced by the phrase "consecrated workers." (130 pages, July 2022)
Both books available as PDFs (approx 1 MB ea) and are free to download and read.