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Almost three decades ago, Richard Hays, a United Methodist minister and dean of Duke Divinity School, wrote what became a leading traditionalist Christian argument against same-sex marriage.

 His 1996 book, “The Moral Vision of the New Testament, “served as a cornerstone in evangelical seminaries and conservative Christian circles.

 Hays has now undergone a profound transformation in his views on the subject.

Widening View of Same-Sex Marriage

In his new book, “The Widening of God’s Mercy,” Hays openly reflects on how his understanding of scripture has dramatically shifted. Expressing remorse for his earlier stance, he claims to be "deeply sorry" for the harm his previous teachings caused LGBTQ individuals who were excluded from Christian churches.

Hays has had a scholarly change-of-mind, along with different interpretations of what the Bible says. And the shift is from the head to the heart.

“I want to repent of what I wrote before,” Hays revealed in an interview alongside his son and co-author, Christopher Hays.

“Where I now stand on the question is that Scripture, read as narrative, offers a vision of a God who is dynamic and personal, and can constantly surprise us by reshaping what we thought we knew as settled matters.”

Hays’ earlier work was frequently referenced in evangelical settings, but he now seeks to address the damage done. “I hope that people who are dismayed about this book will actually read it,” he added.

Gay Christian Perspective

Hays’ 1996 teachings have been used as a tool to challenge LGBTQ people within religious communities. “That position has been weaponized,” Hays admits, noting how his earlier arguments were used by conservative evangelicals to oppress gay and lesbian people.

Unlike other progressive theological approaches, Hays focuses, not on untangling scripture’s condemnation of same-sex intimacy, but on emphasizing a broader, more inclusive vision of God’s grace.

Christopher Hays concurs, arguing that the Bible’s authors likely did not foresee the committed same-sex relationships of today when writing scripture.