Is “God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” a good argument against homosexuality?
The phrase “God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” is often employed in discussions opposing homosexuality, especially among Christians who aim to highlight God’s original design for humanity as presented in the Bible. While the statement is accurate in a literal sense (see Genesis 1–2), the question remains whether it is a sufficiently robust argument for addressing the moral and theological concerns surrounding homosexuality.
Biblical Foundations of the Argument
The phrase draws upon the creation narrative in Genesis 2:7, 18–25, where God creates Adam from the dust of the earth and subsequently creates Eve from Adam’s rib. This act establishes the institution of marriage and sets the framework for human relationships. The foundational verse for this design is found in Genesis 2:24, which states:
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
This original design underscores several key principles:
Heterosexual Complementarity: The creation of male and female demonstrates the complementary nature of the sexes, both biologically and relationally.
Procreation: God’s first recorded command to humanity is to “be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). This command necessitates a male-female relationship.
Monogamous Union: The singular creation of Adam and Eve establishes a pattern of monogamy, rather than polygamy or other relational forms.
By referencing Adam and Eve, the argument appeals to God’s intentional design for human relationships as heterosexual and procreative. However, while this forms a foundational argument, it requires deeper exploration to address criticisms and alternative perspectives.
Strengths of the Argument
1. Appeal to Original Design
The creation narrative serves as a theological framework for understanding God’s intentions for humanity. Jesus Himself appeals to this design in Matthew 19:4–6 when discussing marriage:
"Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?”
This appeal to creation provides a biblical precedent for defining human relationships according to God’s original design.
2. Logical Foundation
The phrase “God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” underscores the biological and relational realities required for procreation and the perpetuation of humanity. Without male-female complementarity, reproduction is impossible. This biological necessity reinforces the divine pattern for relationships.
3. Simplicity and Memorability
As a succinct and memorable phrase, it effectively captures the essence of the biblical stance against homosexuality in a way that is accessible to a wide audience.
Limitations of the Argument
While the argument has strengths, it is not without limitations:
1. Incomplete Theological Defense
The argument primarily focuses on the creation narrative and may be dismissed by those who argue that the biblical account of Adam and Eve reflects a cultural or symbolic narrative rather than a binding theological norm. It does not engage directly with other biblical passages that explicitly address homosexuality as sinful, such as:
Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.”
Romans 1:26–27: “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”
1 Corinthians 6:9–10: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”
These passages provide a direct theological basis for addressing homosexuality as a violation of God’s moral law.
2. Biological Reductionism
Critics of the argument may claim it reduces human relationships to biological functions like procreation, neglecting other dimensions of relationships such as companionship, emotional intimacy, and mutual support. While the procreative aspect is central to the biblical understanding of marriage, it is not the sole purpose, as demonstrated by God’s statement: “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
3. Potential for Oversimplification
The phrase’s simplicity may be seen as dismissive or superficial, especially in contexts requiring deeper theological or philosophical engagement. It risks alienating those who may genuinely struggle with questions of sexual orientation or same-sex attraction by not addressing their experiences or the redemptive aspects of the gospel.
A More Robust Biblical Response
A stronger biblical case against homosexuality integrates the creation narrative with explicit teachings from Scripture and the broader theological context of redemption and grace. Consider the following approach:
1. Appealing to Creation
The creation of Adam and Eve establishes a normative pattern for human relationships. Their union is heterosexual, monogamous, and procreative, reflecting God’s design.
2. Citing Biblical Prohibitions
Explicit prohibitions in both the Old and New Testaments clarify that homosexuality is a distortion of God’s design. These passages describe same-sex relationships as contrary to nature and God’s moral law (Romans 1:26–27; Leviticus 18:22; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10).
3. Acknowledging Sin’s Impact
Sin has corrupted human nature, leading to distortions in God’s design, including sexual sin. This corruption affects all people and all aspects of human life (Romans 3:23; Jeremiah 17:9). Homosexuality is one expression of humanity’s fallen nature.
4. Presenting the Gospel
The ultimate response to homosexuality, or any sin, is the gospel. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, sinners can be reconciled to God and transformed by His grace. 1 Corinthians 6:11 offers hope:
"And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
This verse reminds us that no sin, including homosexuality, is beyond the redemptive power of Christ.
Conclusion
The phrase “God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” serves as a shorthand argument appealing to God’s original design for human relationships. While it has rhetorical value and theological merit, it falls short as a comprehensive argument against homosexuality. A robust biblical response must engage with explicit scriptural teachings, address the effects of sin, and emphasize the redemptive power of the gospel. True Christian apologetics always seeks to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to present the hope of salvation through Christ (John 3:16–17).
