Yes, I’ve been running into the 1946 argument on social media quite a lot, and while I understand the appeal it has for LGBTQ people, it’s hardly the theological slam dunk some people are trying to present it as. I think those of us who want to press for acceptance by conservative Christians will need much more sophisticated talking points.

The fact that we don’t know what Paul meant when he apparently coined the word Arsenokoitai is important to acknowledge. The fact that the Sodom story does not appear to condemn homosexuality is important to acknowledge. The fact that certain Levitical proscriptions appear in lists Jews and Christians alike no longer adhere to is important to acknowledge.

Jesus’s overarching message of faith and grace is important to acknowledge.

But it’s all a package. There are no silver bullets, and even if there were, belief is a choice. You can’t reason someone out of something they didn’t reason themselves into.