Asexuality in Biblical Studies

[Miss P]

Queer approaches are increasing within the field of biblical studies. There are a growing number of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or general queer readings of biblical texts. Asexuality has, thus far, remained absent and invisible. Theologian Jessica Coblentz has proposed an "ace hermeneutic" to address the gap. Her proposal aims to challenge compulsory sexuality within biblical interpretation, and to increase asexual visibility. 

 

Jessica Coblentz, ‘Making Visible the “Invisible Orientation”: Strategies for Seeing Asexuality in the Bible and Its Reception’, in T&T Clark Handbook of Sexualities in the Bible and Its Reception, ed. Caroline Blyth and Chris Greenough (T&T Clark, 2026), EBSCOhost.

 

My own work aligns with Coblentz's aims. I have just had a paper published that interrogates the compulsory sexuality within contemporary interpretation of the Song of Songs and seeks to provide an alternative reading of Song 5:2-6, one of the most allegedly sexually charged passages within the book. The link below connects to a read-only version of the article and will remain active for 60 days.

 

Gardiner, Kate. "An Asexual Aromantic Reading of Song of Songs 5.2–6: Queering the Tradition". Journal for the Study of the Old Testament OnlineFirst (2026). https://doi.org/10.1177/03090892251412424.

https://journals.sagepub.com/share/VQI8DSFTFK9M4HNBVQJ7?target=10.1177/03090892251412424

 

I begin my honours thesis next semester, looking at Song 4:1-7 and exploring different kinds of attraction beyond the sexual. Hopefully I can turn that into a published article too.

 

 

 

 

[Sean475]

That's awesome! I'm currently working on a project that I've been calling "Unbelievable: An Atheist's Interpretation of The Bible," where I summarize what actually happens in The Bible and then draw out the themes in it, which are often contrary to what people think they are. I'm really looking forward to reading about The Bible through an asexual lens too!

[KleinVisuals]

On 6/30/2026 at 6:17 PM, Miss P said:

Queer approaches are increasing within the field of biblical studies. There are a growing number of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or general queer readings of biblical texts. Asexuality has, thus far, remained absent and invisible. Theologian Jessica Coblentz has proposed an "ace hermeneutic" to address the gap. Her proposal aims to challenge compulsory sexuality within biblical interpretation, and to increase asexual visibility. 

Check out Matthew 19:12 as a reference to Jesus talking about eunuchs: (people who cannot or do not wish to reproduce or marry), especially one of the three types of eunuchs where they are born that way. Or check out 1 Corinthians 7:7-8 where Paul talks about not being driven by sexual desire as a gift from God. These two verses are a strong point among asexual Christians as proof that a lack of sexual attraction has always been an accepted part of human diversity and orientation, especially in the service of God. 

[ArkanisGirl]

So exciting to find other people interested in the intersection between theology and asexuality! I'm a theology student as well, and I'm hoping to get some opportunity to delve more into the topic for my courses — thanks for sharing!