GOD AND THE GAY CHRISTIAN
Matthew Vines
Matthew Vine grew up in a devoutly Biblical evangelical family in Kansas. In his late teens he went home and came out. He remained deeply committed to his faith and to the inspired truth of the Bible. His easy to read book is about interpretation, looking at Sodom and Leviticus and Romans in their historical socio-cultural context and also the way these passages have been understood in church history.
He makes a strong point that homosexuality as an orientation is a recent understanding - the ancient Mediterranean patriarchal world was troubled by sexual excess and men shaming themselves by acting as submissive women. He takes issue with Gagnon’s theme of complementary biology arguing that the core Christian emphasis is on faithfulness and relationships - “It is not good to be alone” and sees enforced celibacy as a contradiction for Christians.
This is well researched and written and easily read. This would be a good book to give to sincere Christians who want to be compassionate and understanding but can’t see how they can do this and still accept the inspiration and authority of the Bible.
Matthew Vines
Matthew Vine grew up in a devoutly Biblical evangelical family in Kansas. In his late teens he went home and came out. He remained deeply committed to his faith and to the inspired truth of the Bible. His easy to read book is about interpretation, looking at Sodom and Leviticus and Romans in their historical socio-cultural context and also the way these passages have been understood in church history.
He makes a strong point that homosexuality as an orientation is a recent understanding - the ancient Mediterranean patriarchal world was troubled by sexual excess and men shaming themselves by acting as submissive women. He takes issue with Gagnon’s theme of complementary biology arguing that the core Christian emphasis is on faithfulness and relationships - “It is not good to be alone” and sees enforced celibacy as a contradiction for Christians.
This is well researched and written and easily read. This would be a good book to give to sincere Christians who want to be compassionate and understanding but can’t see how they can do this and still accept the inspiration and authority of the Bible.
JUST LOVE - A FRAMEWORK FOR CHRISTIAN ETHICS
Margaret Farley
Margaret Farley is a former Catholic nun who lectures in Christian ethics . She writes as a historian, ethicist and Christian theologian. The former pope had difficulties with some aspects of her approach. Her book is an academic treatment of all aspects of sexuality for Christians - celibacy courtship, marriage, divorce, LGBT practice and relationships.
She begins with a historical survey of sexual morality in various cultures and then in various traditions - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Protestantism, Hindu. There is a section discussing sources of Christian ethics - Bible, tradition, science, experience.
I liked her final section detailing Christian norms for just (righteous, sanctified) sexual
expression - do no unjust harm, free consent, mutuality, equality, commitment, fruitfulness and social justice. She concludes by applying these norms to heterosexual marriage, family life, same sex relationships, and divorce and remarriage.
The book is profound and thought provoking and not formidably academic. Sections scan be read in isolation.
THE BIBLE’S YES TO SAME SEX MARRIAGE - AN EVANGELICAL’S
CHANGE OF HEART
Mark Achtemeier
Mark Achtemeier is a Presbyterian pastor who taught ethics and theology at Dubuque Seminary. He is married to Katherine and the book describes his journey. He began as a conservative church activist defending the traditional church understanding . “The passage of 14 years found me working to repeal the ban on gay ordination I had once helped top put in place.”
Like Mathew Vines, the authority of the Bible is critical in Mark’s faith. He looks at Jesus and the Law, principles of interpretation and how to read the Bible. The middle chapters give a strong argument that sexuality in relationship is a good gift of God. He makes the point that the Biblical witness expresses God’s willingness to provide blessing in exceptional relationships. He examines the often quoted Biblical passages in their context in chapters he calls “Reclaiming the Witnesses - making sense of Old and New Testament fragments.”
He writes as a theologian so there is academic depth. He makes the journey easy to follow with his summaries at various points . The concluding chapter gives a good overview.
A good book for someone not prepared to compromise Biblical truth.
CHANGE OF HEART
Mark Achtemeier
Mark Achtemeier is a Presbyterian pastor who taught ethics and theology at Dubuque Seminary. He is married to Katherine and the book describes his journey. He began as a conservative church activist defending the traditional church understanding . “The passage of 14 years found me working to repeal the ban on gay ordination I had once helped top put in place.”
Like Mathew Vines, the authority of the Bible is critical in Mark’s faith. He looks at Jesus and the Law, principles of interpretation and how to read the Bible. The middle chapters give a strong argument that sexuality in relationship is a good gift of God. He makes the point that the Biblical witness expresses God’s willingness to provide blessing in exceptional relationships. He examines the often quoted Biblical passages in their context in chapters he calls “Reclaiming the Witnesses - making sense of Old and New Testament fragments.”
He writes as a theologian so there is academic depth. He makes the journey easy to follow with his summaries at various points . The concluding chapter gives a good overview.
A good book for someone not prepared to compromise Biblical truth.
“GOD AND SEX : WHAT THE BIBLE REALLY SAYS“
Michael Coogan
A common presupposition when we think about sexuality is that my attitudes and values and the attitudes and values of my culture-society are normal/right and people everywhere and at all times have been and should be the same as me, It’s very simple:
“Birds do it, bees do it
Even educated fleas do it.
Let's do it.”
Coogan has a tertiary academic background in Hebrew, Old Testament and Middle Eastern archeology. His book is based on the premise that before the Bible can be applied to contemporary issues, it is vitally important that we take a careful look at what the Bible itself says-- placing it
in the contexts of the social worlds in which it was written. To know what the Bible really means, we must first actually determine what it meant when it was written, and apply this to the lives we lead, here and now.
So he examines the status of women at various points in the Bible’s 1000 year period of writing, marriage and divorce, rape and prostitution, sexual taboos and euphemisms (feet and hands are not always what they seem). His final chapter is titled provocatively “Fire in the divine loins - God’s wives in myth and metaphor”.
A very accessible, enjoyable scholarly book exploding many misconceptions and a very helpful introduction to exegesis and sensible use of the Bible. Strongly recommended.
Michael Coogan
A common presupposition when we think about sexuality is that my attitudes and values and the attitudes and values of my culture-society are normal/right and people everywhere and at all times have been and should be the same as me, It’s very simple:
“Birds do it, bees do it
Even educated fleas do it.
Let's do it.”
Coogan has a tertiary academic background in Hebrew, Old Testament and Middle Eastern archeology. His book is based on the premise that before the Bible can be applied to contemporary issues, it is vitally important that we take a careful look at what the Bible itself says-- placing it
in the contexts of the social worlds in which it was written. To know what the Bible really means, we must first actually determine what it meant when it was written, and apply this to the lives we lead, here and now.
So he examines the status of women at various points in the Bible’s 1000 year period of writing, marriage and divorce, rape and prostitution, sexual taboos and euphemisms (feet and hands are not always what they seem). His final chapter is titled provocatively “Fire in the divine loins - God’s wives in myth and metaphor”.
A very accessible, enjoyable scholarly book exploding many misconceptions and a very helpful introduction to exegesis and sensible use of the Bible. Strongly recommended.
BIBLE, GENDER, SEXUALITY : REFRAMING THE CHURCH'S DEBATE ON SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS
James V. Brownson
Brownson is a Seminary lecturer in the Reformed tradition - NT exegesis, hermeneutics, Greek, theological method.
Discussion on the topic of LGBT sexuality and relationships in the church is often polarised. Brownson's intention is to present both sides which he labels "traditional" and "revisionist". He analyses the biblical texts and usually quotes and identifies the points of disputation. He explores the key concepts which define and underlie our understanding -- particularly patriarchy, complementarity, purity and impurity, honour and shame. One very valuable section is his analysis of Romans 1 : 24 ff under the sub topics of Lust and Desire, Purity and Impurity, Honour and Shame, and Nature. His intention is to uncover what he calls”the moral logic” behind the texts.
The book is a bit repetitive at times. The good summaries at the end of each chapter are very helpful.
James V. Brownson
Brownson is a Seminary lecturer in the Reformed tradition - NT exegesis, hermeneutics, Greek, theological method.
Discussion on the topic of LGBT sexuality and relationships in the church is often polarised. Brownson's intention is to present both sides which he labels "traditional" and "revisionist". He analyses the biblical texts and usually quotes and identifies the points of disputation. He explores the key concepts which define and underlie our understanding -- particularly patriarchy, complementarity, purity and impurity, honour and shame. One very valuable section is his analysis of Romans 1 : 24 ff under the sub topics of Lust and Desire, Purity and Impurity, Honour and Shame, and Nature. His intention is to uncover what he calls”the moral logic” behind the texts.
The book is a bit repetitive at times. The good summaries at the end of each chapter are very helpful.
WALKING THE BRIDGELESS CANYON : REPAIRING THE BREACH BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THE LGBT COMMUNITY
Kathy Baldock
Kathy Baldock describes herself as a “straight conservative evangelical Christian”. Her book is written out of and reflects her Christian faith and commitment. A friendship led her to explore the issues around LGBTI people and the church and wider community.
Her well written 400 page book gives the most complete coverage of the topic I have come across . I recommend it as the best starting point for a serious students.
She says her aim is to “repair the breach between the Church and the LGBTI community.” A substantial part of the book is a detailed analysis of biblical passages on same-sex behaviour in their historical context . She researches the social history of marriage and makes a biblical case for LGBT relationships.
She also explores the cultural history of human sexuality including homosexuality, the way homosexuality has been seen as a mental illness, and the evolution, impact, and decline of reparative therapy. She looks at research findings on sex, gender, and sexual orientation.
She gives a detailed account of the origin of same sex Christian movements in the USA with significant support coming from Lutheran clergy in California. There is particular focus on the intersection of the conservative political and religious right beginning in the late 1970s. She tells powerful stories of LGBTI Christian youth and their parents, and finally, suggests ways in which the church might engage in productive dialogue for inclusion.
Kathy Baldock makes no secret of her agenda - it is to "challenge readers to recognise and assess the lenses through which they view the LGBT community.“
Kathy Baldock
Kathy Baldock describes herself as a “straight conservative evangelical Christian”. Her book is written out of and reflects her Christian faith and commitment. A friendship led her to explore the issues around LGBTI people and the church and wider community.
Her well written 400 page book gives the most complete coverage of the topic I have come across . I recommend it as the best starting point for a serious students.
She says her aim is to “repair the breach between the Church and the LGBTI community.” A substantial part of the book is a detailed analysis of biblical passages on same-sex behaviour in their historical context . She researches the social history of marriage and makes a biblical case for LGBT relationships.
She also explores the cultural history of human sexuality including homosexuality, the way homosexuality has been seen as a mental illness, and the evolution, impact, and decline of reparative therapy. She looks at research findings on sex, gender, and sexual orientation.
She gives a detailed account of the origin of same sex Christian movements in the USA with significant support coming from Lutheran clergy in California. There is particular focus on the intersection of the conservative political and religious right beginning in the late 1970s. She tells powerful stories of LGBTI Christian youth and their parents, and finally, suggests ways in which the church might engage in productive dialogue for inclusion.
Kathy Baldock makes no secret of her agenda - it is to "challenge readers to recognise and assess the lenses through which they view the LGBT community.“
UNDERSTANDING GENDER DYSPHORIA
Mark A. Yarhouse
The sub title is “Navigating transgender issues in a changing culture.”
Yarhouse has a background in evangelical theology, clinical psychology and mental health.
This is an academic attempt to help the church to understand the experience and self understanding of transgender Christians. He tells stories to help understood the experience of LGBTI people. His section on “What causes gender dysphoria” summaries the state of research - basically not simple causes - nature and nurture, epigenetic, genes and nurturing. His intention is not to provide neat answers telling Christians how to think but
how to understand what it feels like to be transgender to enable a compassionate ministry to take place. He says it has to be a case by case matter, personal ministry and compassion.
Mark A. Yarhouse
The sub title is “Navigating transgender issues in a changing culture.”
Yarhouse has a background in evangelical theology, clinical psychology and mental health.
This is an academic attempt to help the church to understand the experience and self understanding of transgender Christians. He tells stories to help understood the experience of LGBTI people. His section on “What causes gender dysphoria” summaries the state of research - basically not simple causes - nature and nurture, epigenetic, genes and nurturing. His intention is not to provide neat answers telling Christians how to think but
how to understand what it feels like to be transgender to enable a compassionate ministry to take place. He says it has to be a case by case matter, personal ministry and compassion.
MANY MEMBERS YET ONE BODY: COMMITTED SAME-GENDER RELATIONSHIPS AND THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
Craig Nessan (Minneapolis, MN:Augsburg Fortress, 2004)
Craig Nessan is a Lutheran seminary professor of contextual theology whose duties include oversight of the internship program, coordination of Clinical Pastoral Education, and teaching in the areas of theology, ministry and ethics.
The purpose of this book is quite different to that of the others on this page. Like the others, Many Members, Yet One Body engages biblical texts as well as theological and ecclesiological issues. Nessan's goal is to enable discussion in ways that avoid dividing the community--so that, as he says, "we will find a way to be church together in spite of our disagreements." Each chapter is accompanied by questions for reflection. The book is a helpful guide to respectful discussion, particularly within a congregational context.