Exposes the inadequate treatment by Venter of the entire masculinity issue. His condemnation of gays is central to his support for patriarchy. Examines important theoretical issues concerning human sexuality: underlying the Venter article is the fear of androgyny (gender confusion). Shows the problematic consequences of this and offers alternative views. Naive essentialism does not distinguish clearly between sex and gender. Biological determinism grounds gender in physiological sex. Careful exegetical study of Romans 1 shows Venter’s failure to take the historical context of biblical texts seriously and highlights his damaging lack of sympathy for countless lives ruined by homophobia. We must take exegetical and hermeneutical problems seriously. Human sexuality is not a trivial matter for the church in post-apartheid South Africa.