Dr. Delman Coates, a Baptist preacher from Maryland, has recently claimed that the Bible doesn’t actually prohibit premarital sex, which contrasts sharply with common Christian beliefs and interpretations of biblical texts.
On May 4th, he delivered a sermon addressing this topic, noting that his congregation at Enon Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland, includes around 9,000 members. He pointed out what he termed “problematic translations” of the Bible, such as the NRSV and the Living Bible, which might imply that engaging in sex before marriage is wrong.
“But the Bible doesn’t say that,” he asserted. “It was the immoral and unjust sexual exploitation of vulnerable groups that condemned practices like prostitution, which many were forced into during the first century.”
Coates further indicated that the Greek term “porn,” typically translated as fornication in the New Testament, actually refers to prostitution.
“It’s not about condemning consensual sexual relationships,” he emphasized. “Many have been taught in church that sex outside of marriage is sinful, a tradition handed down through generations.”
In summary, Coates expressed his belief that there’s no biblical basis for abstaining from sex until marriage and openly supports premarital sexual relationships, provided they are consensual.
“I think some Christians believe that being boring equates to being holy,” he remarked.
He shared a personal anecdote about his family’s dog, Weesie, explaining how the dog was never neutered and, as a result, struggled to socialize with other dogs.
“She died because she was never allowed to be free,” Coates reflected.
In a previous sermon series titled “Entanglement,” Coates expressed that staying in a marriage solely for comfort or out of fear is unhealthy. He outlined three steps for those who feel trapped in unsatisfactory marriages.
“Marriage is a great commitment, but it’s not God’s intention for you to remain confined,” he stated.
Coates is also open about his support for same-sex marriage and equality under Maryland law. In a 2015 article, he detailed how his perspective shifted after interacting with a lesbian couple who attended his church. Initially, they chose to come to church on a day when there’d be less chance of drawing attention.
“I later spoke with them to show my support and learned about the struggles they faced regarding the legal definition of marriage in Maryland,” he recounted.
Coates noted how some individuals in Black churches engage in discussions about personal moral issues but remain silent on broader social issues.
“I felt it necessary to ensure that my silence wasn’t seen as agreement regarding marriage equality,” he explained. “For me, marriage equality is largely about public policy, not a theological matter.”
Watch: Don’t Die Like Weezy: Talk About Sex | Pastor Delman Coates Ph.D.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1fuishb5p0
Photo credit: ©YouTube/Enon Baptist Church Mountain
