Sufjan Stevens Calls The Bible “Very Gay” And “Just All Men”
Sufjan Stevens, the voice many of us know from that unforgettable Call Me By Your Name track Mystery Of Love, has made some rather interesting statements. In a new chat, he shared his thoughts on the Bible, and let’s just say, it’s not your typical Sunday school take.
Sufjan Stevens photographed by Denny Renshaw at the age of 29 in 2005. pic.twitter.com/qP2ReBu02y
— gabby (@alldelightedppl) April 27, 2025
God Sex And Sacred Texts
Speaking with Vulture this week, Stevens did not hold back on how he sees sex and spirit mixing. “The religious is very sexual,” the 49-year-old musician explained. “It’s erotic. Look at Catholic art through the ages, Baroque art. It’s all very fleshy and sensual and full of naked bodies.”
He stated this understanding has always shaped his music. “I’ve always felt that my relationship to God is a very intimate and sensual one,” Stevens shared. “Sacraments are. It’s engaging with God in a physical way. You’re literally eating the flesh and drinking the blood of God during the Eucharist. It doesn’t get much more erotic than that.”
Then came the main point. Stevens stated plainly, “The Bible’s very gay. Just all men.” He continued, “That’s what you get when there’s a patriarchy that’s endured for so long. Jesus was single, never married; Disciples were all dudes….” Interesting point, right?
Sufjan Stevens on the Bible: https://t.co/C7eylaUjHu pic.twitter.com/xgIzPozkzN
— Vulture (@vulture) May 14, 2025
A Love That Lit His Life
The conversation also touched on more personal ground. Stevens opened up about losing his partner, Evans Richardson, who passed away in April 2023 at 43. This profound loss clearly reshaped his outlook. “I felt like I had fewer fucks to give about anything or anyone after that,” Stevens admitted. “Life is short. You got to just be true and honest and real. That’s what death does to you.”
Many will remember his October 2023 album, Javelin. He dedicated it to Evans, calling him his “beloved partner and best friend.” For many, this dedication was seen as Stevens acknowledging his place within the LGBTQIA+ community. On Instagram, alongside a smiling photo of Richardson, Sufjan wrote, “This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April. He was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy. He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime – precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way.”
Adding to the challenges of that year, Stevens also shared on Tumblr in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. He described it as a quick-working autoimmune disorder with a vast symptom set, including persistent pain and muscle weakness, which he was working through.
In 2023, Sufjan Stevens shared on Tumblr that he’d been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a quick-working autoimmune disorder with a vast symptom set that includes persistent pain and muscle weakness. Then, that October, in a shattering dedication note for his tenth album,… pic.twitter.com/LK2jKI92MR
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) May 14, 2025
From Indie Darling To Our Hearts
While Mystery Of Love brought Sufjan Stevens into many of our lives in a big way, the Chicago and Fourth Of July artist has been crafting distinct music for years. With albums like Illinois and the deeply personal Carrie And Lowell, and earning a couple of Grammy nominations, his sound is certainly his own. His willingness to explore complex themes now extends to these open reflections on faith and life.
What Is Next For Sufjan?
Fans have more to look forward to. Stevens is set to release the 10th anniversary edition of his acclaimed 2015 album Carrie And Lowell on May 30th this year.
Sufjan Stevens continues to share his art and, increasingly, his personal truth. His latest words offer plenty to think about, reminding us that connections to faith, love, and art are deeply personal.
