Rewriting History: How David Fearon Corrected a Biblical Translation Blunder on Homosexuality

In the quiet corridors of theological history, a profound yet largely untold story has recently come to light, reshaping our understanding of both biblical translation and LGBTQ+ history. At the heart of this narrative is Rev. David Sheldon Fearon, whose courageous act of intellectual and moral bravery in 1959 challenged a significant translation error in the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible. His story not only offers a compelling reflection on the intersection of faith and sexuality but also underscores the impact one person's actions can have on historical and religious discourse.

In 1959, David Fearon, a 21-year-old seminarian at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, encountered a troubling translation in the RSV of the Bible. The passage in question was 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 which read:

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals (j), nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God."

The term "homosexuals" was unprecedented in biblical translations, and David, who had been aware of his own sexuality since adolescence, felt that this translation was both inaccurate and harmful. Armed with his knowledge of Greek and his deep commitment to justice and faith, David embarked on a quest to correct what he believed was a grave error.

The Letter That Changed History

David’s research led him to conclude that the RSV’s use of "homosexuals" was an overreach, an error that combined two Greek words—malakos and arsenokoites—into a term that did not accurately reflect their original meanings. He meticulously crafted a letter to Dr. Luther Weigle, head of the RSV translation team, presenting his arguments and suggesting alternatives. In his correspondence, David expressed profound concern that the translation would be used to justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals within the church.

Dr. Weigle’s response was measured. He acknowledged David's concerns and indicated that the translation team would consider a revision. By the time the RSV was updated in 1971, the term "homosexuals" had been replaced with "sexual perverts," a term less specific but still problematic.

David's correspondence remained buried in Yale’s archives for decades. It wasn’t until researchers Kathy Baldock and Ed Oxford uncovered the letters in 2017 that the full extent of David’s impact became known. They discovered that David’s was the only letter challenging the translation decision, underscoring the isolation and bravery of his position.

Despite his pivotal role in this historical correction, David’s personal life remained largely hidden. He continued his ministry within the United Church of Canada, serving with dedication for over thirty-seven years. Throughout his career, he remained closeted, sharing his life with his partner Joe under the guise of a familial relationship due to the social constraints of the time.

In January 2018, David came out publicly, driven by a desire to ensure that his historical contribution was recognized and documented. His decision to disclose his identity was not only an act of personal liberation but also a significant moment of historical clarity. David’s story was later featured in the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture, which explores the broader implications of this translation error.

David’s life and work illustrate a remarkable blend of faith, courage, and intellectual rigor. His efforts to correct a significant error in biblical translation were motivated by a deep commitment to truth and justice, reflecting his broader understanding of God’s love and acceptance.

Rev. David Sheldon Fearon passed away in January 2023, leaving behind a legacy that reshapes our understanding of biblical translation and LGBTQ+ issues within the church. His life’s work and the revelation of his letters serve as a testament to the impact of individual actions on historical narratives.

In the words of David himself, “I used to think God called me to pastoral ministry despite my being gay. I’ve decided He called me to ministry because I am gay.” This profound reflection encapsulates the essence of David’s journey—a journey marked by faith, perseverance, and a relentless quest for truth.

David’s story reminds us that history is often shaped by those who challenge the status quo and that even the smallest acts of courage can reverberate through time, transforming both individual lives and broader societal norms.

In the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible, a footnote marked "(j)" accompanies the term "homosexuals" in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, indicating that this translation is derived from two Greek words. Specifically, the RSV translation team combined the Greek terms malakos and arsenokoites into a single English term. For detailed discussion on this translation choice and its implications, refer to the footnote in the RSV text as indicated by the (j) notation.

For further reference and in-depth analysis, consult the following sources:

Revised Standard Version (RSV) Bible with the footnote for 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

"1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture", a documentary exploring the impact of the RSV translation decision and its repercussions on LGBTQ+ communities.