Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church (Counterpoints)
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Overview
No issue is more divisive or more pressing for the church today than homosexuality. Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church brings a fresh perspective to a well-worn debate. While Christian debates about homosexuality are most often dominated by biblical exegesis, this book seeks to give much-needed attention to the rich history of received Christian tradition, bringing the Bible into conversation with historical and systematic theology. To that end, both theologians and biblical scholars—well accomplished in their fields and conversant in issues of sexuality and gender—articulate and defend each of the two views. Unique among most debates on homosexuality, this book presents a constructive dialogue between people who disagree on significant ethical and theological matters, and yet maintain a respectful and humanizing posture toward one another. Even as these scholars articulate pointed arguments for their position with academic rigor and depth, they do so cordially, clearly, and compassionately, without demeaning the other. The main essays are followed by exceptionally insightful responses and rejoinders that interact with their fellow essayists with convicted civility. Holding to a high view of Scripture, a commitment to the gospel and the church, and a love for people—especially those most affected by this topic—the contributors wrestle deeply with the Bible and theology, especially the prohibition texts, the role of procreation, gender complementarity, and pastoral accommodation. The book concludes with general editor Preston Sprinkle’s reflections on the future of discussions on faith and sexuality.
Top Highlights
“His argument, however, is not that homosexually directed passions are tolerable as long as they are not excessive, but that homosexually directed passions are sinful because they are wrongly directed, and even more so when acted upon. Something has gone wrong when people are being attracted to those of their own sex, and for Paul this happens because something has gone wrong with their relationship with God.” (Pages 40–41)
“The term ‘affirming’ is used to describe Bill Loader’s and Megan DeFranza’s view that consensual, monogamous, same-sex relations can be blessed by God and fully included in the life of the church.” (Page 15)
“If, then, we need to acknowledge that Paul’s understanding about the nature of human sexuality was limited, we cannot simply apply his judgments to the situations where people are genuinely gay.” (Page 45)
“The question is not whether the Bible is authoritative, but how it is authoritative.” (Page 219)
“Read as explanations of divinely intended order, the creation stories leave no room for notions of people being anything other than heterosexual and so imply that to depart from that order is sin.” (Page 23)
- Title: Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church
- Authors: Megan K. DeFranza, Wesley Hill, Stephen R. Holmes, William R. G. Loader
- Series: Zondervan Counterpoints Series
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Print Publication Date: 2016
- Logos Release Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Homosexuality › Religious aspects--Christianity; Bible and homosexuality
- ISBNs: 9780310528661, 9780310528630, 0310528666, 0310528631
- Resource ID: LLS:CNTRPNTSTWCHRCH
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:53:55Z
Save on Tough Topics Titles