In a recent social media post that has sparked heated debates, Rev. Andrew Stehlik of Rutgers Presbyterian Church in New York City challenged the conventional understanding of biblical family values. Stehlik, who is known for his progressive stance on social issues, argued that the Bible contains multiple examples of nonmonogamous and same-sex couples, defying the traditional interpretation of scripture. His remarks have ignited a storm of controversy, with many social media users voicing strong objections to his assertions.
The Argument for a Plurality of Family Models in the Bible
Stehlik’s post begins with a personal reflection on his arrival in the United States, where he was confronted with a different cultural and religious discourse. “When I came to America, I came as someone educated in theology and anthropology from Europe. It was a European education, and I was completely ignorant and unprepared for the local evangelical and cultural-political discourse,” Stehlik began, framing his argument within his own journey of intellectual discovery.
He continued by expressing confusion over the widespread use of the term “biblical family values” in American political and religious circles. “I heard some very loud politicians, preachers, and cultural experts, if you wish, talking about biblical family values. Well, I must admit, I was mystified. What do they mean by biblical family values?” Stehlik asked. According to him, the Bible does not adhere to a singular concept of family, but rather presents a variety of family models.
Stehlik pointed to several instances in the Hebrew Bible, where nonmonogamous arrangements such as polygamy were common. He emphasized the prevalence of patriarchs with multiple wives, noting that polygamy was much more common than monogamy in the Old Testament. “Just remember patriarchs and their multiple wives,” he said, arguing that these relationships were historically accepted within the scriptural context.
Challenging Traditional Views on Marriage
Stehlik further expanded his argument by discussing different marital practices found in the Bible, including patrilocal marriages. He explained that in patrilocal marriages, the wife joins her husband’s family, which he claims was more common in biblical times. However, he also pointed out that there were notable examples of matrilocal marriages, where the husband joined the wife’s family, such as the case of Moses, who married a woman from a different tribe.
The pastor went on to cite Genesis, where marriage is introduced in the Bible. “Therefore, a man will leave his father and his mother and will be joined to his wife,” Stehlik pointed out, citing a classic example of patrilocal marriage. According to him, this scripture does not present a uniform, universally applicable model of marriage but instead reflects a diverse range of family arrangements.
Exploring Nontraditional Family Units
One of Stehlik’s more provocative claims was that there were even same-gender family households in the Bible, which he cited as evidence for his argument that LGBTQ relationships were present in biblical times. He pointed specifically to the relationship between Naomi and Ruth, which he described as a “same-gender family household.” This interpretation has drawn significant backlash, with many critics disputing his claim.
Stehlik’s assertions about Naomi and Ruth have caused a stir, with one social media user reacting humorously, saying, “I spit out my drink when I heard ‘Naomi and Ruth are a same-gender household.’” Others were quick to point out that while the Bible may describe many different types of relationships, not all of them were endorsed or approved by God. One critic argued, “In the Bible doesn’t automatically mean endorsed by God. Polygamy, for example, is practiced by all of the OT kings, but is never cited as a valid practice AND runs in contradiction to the Marriage Mandate in Genesis 2!”
Political and Social Context
Stehlik’s post is not just a theological discussion; it is also deeply tied to his activism within the progressive community. As a member of Rutgers Presbyterian Church, Stehlik is involved in numerous social causes, including LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, and climate action. The church itself is known for its progressive values, organizing community forums, letter-writing campaigns, and participating in local and global demonstrations, such as Pride parades and climate marches.
On the church’s official website, it states, “We adamantly reject any notion that laws, courts, and judges should have power over the bodily autonomy of women. It is no one’s right to limit and control a woman’s personal and medical reproductive decisions.” This is a clear reflection of Stehlik’s broader stance on human rights and justice.
Social Media Reactions and the Debate Over Biblical Interpretation
Stehlik’s comments have sparked intense reactions across social media, with some praising his willingness to challenge traditional interpretations of scripture, while others argue that his claims are not supported by biblical texts. The debate over the true meaning of “biblical family values” and the interpretation of biblical stories like that of Naomi and Ruth is not new, but Stehlik’s provocative statements have brought the issue back into the spotlight.
Supporters of Stehlik argue that religious texts must be understood in their historical and cultural context, suggesting that the Bible’s teachings on marriage and family are more complex than often assumed. Detractors, however, assert that the Bible’s foundational principles, including the concept of marriage, remain steadfast and consistent across time. Regardless of one’s position, Stehlik’s post has reignited the ongoing debate over the role of scripture in shaping modern social values.
This controversy highlights the challenges of interpreting ancient texts in the context of contemporary issues. Whether Stehlik’s reading of the Bible will gain traction within progressive Christian circles or whether it will be rejected by traditionalists, his claims have undoubtedly added a new layer of complexity to the discussion of religion, LGBTQ rights, and the evolving definition of family in modern society.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
