Indie icon Sufjan Stevens calls the Bible “very gay” in candid interview, internet reacts: “Has he already read [it] to say such nonsense?”

Sufjan Stevens has long been introspective, but his latest take on faith and s*xuality might be his most striking yet.

In his candid interview with Vulture, the indie icon revealed how his reflections on scripture have become more openly queer — and not just in a symbolic way.

“The Bible’s very gay. Just all men. 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…”

The Michigan-born artist has long explored religious themes through a personal and sometimes provocative lens. For years, he has delved into the intimate — even erotic — imagery found in religious art and symbolism. He describes much of it as “very s*xual,” explaining:

“Look at Catholic art through the ages, Baroque art. It’s all very fleshy and sensual and full of naked bodies.”

For Stevens, that connection between sensuality and spirituality isn’t just academic, but also deeply personal.

“I’ve always embraced that. I’ve always felt that my relationship to God is a very intimate and sensual one. 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. If you’re a vampire, that’s the ultimate erotic experience.”

Fans divided over Sufjan Stevens’ “uncalled-for” Bible comments

Following Sufjan Stevens’ candid comments on faith and sxuality, online reactions from fans ranged from critical to supportive.

“He’s so weird,” noted @bloodlinebry.

“Always disrespectful, they equate Jesus with us who are imperfect beings!!” @DoceViida commented.

“Uncalled for,” wrote @JossWizardX.

“Has he already read to say such nonsense?” @corneil_ri questioned.

But not everyone was critical. Others leaned in with support or curiosity:

“oh yes sufjan clock that tea,” @whoreforswifts said.

“Sufjan always bringing that unique perspective. definitely sparks some interesting conversations about faith and history,” @cryptodrugs101 stated.

“And like, how much time did he spend talking about/touching their feet??” @eyeamwema added.

Sufjan Stevens releases Carrie & Lowell 10th anniversary reissue this May

The timing of Sufjan Stevens’ spiritual reflections is no coincidence.

The indie artist is gearing up for the 10th anniversary reissue of Carrie & Lowell, his 2015 album that cemented his place as an icon in indie folk.

The deluxe edition is scheduled for release on May 30 through Asthmatic Kitty Records, and will include never-before-heard tracks. It’s also available for pre-order.

As a little gift to fans, Stevens unveiled the demo version of “Mystery of Love” — a song born during the Carrie & Lowell era but immortalized on the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack (cue: Timothée Chalamet’s silent cry by the fireplace). The track helped tell a powerful gay coming-of-age story, which adds relevance to the timing of the release.

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When Carrie & Lowell came out, NME praised it as one of Stevens’ best albums: simple yet deeply emotional without any extra flair.

His 2023 album Javelin showed he’s still growing as an artist, but his recent comments are a reminder that Stevens has long blurred the line between spirituality and sensuality — often challenging conventional boundaries in his work.

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