I remember feeling very skeptical back in 1995 or so when I first heard about this research. I figured whatever ceremonies had been dug up, whatever liturgies uncovered, had to be just some sort of sacramental friendship thing. Like blood brothers, only for adults. (Although I did think that would have been very convenient for two men who loved one another. What great cover they would have!)

Gradually, I began to ask myself if I weren’t denying the obvious right in front of my nose. Had I been conditioned to summarily dismiss same-sex romance like it’s so often dismissed when we see it clearly in old literature and correspondence?

I’m thrilled to see the research has continued and more and more evidence keeps coming to light. More and more evidence keeps demonstrating that our ancient Christian ancestors weren’t the sexual prudes contemporary Christians presume.