Customer Reviews

The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Robert Gagnon provides a more than thorough look at texts referring to homosexuality. Indeed, he is so thorough that even his opponents in the academic community admit and endorse his text as extremely worthwhile and worthy of recognition. Those who are giving this book poor reviews simply because they don't agree with his conclusion are simply being led by their emotions. If Martti Nissinen says, "...In its learnedness, [Gagnon's] book will...be in the vanguard of its position and cannot be ignored...." then that cannot be ignored, as Nissinen is one of the most qualified scholars from the opposing perspective.

The reality is that this book is a systematic look at the issue of homosexuality, and is a significant challenge to the hermeneutical partiality of more liberal scholars. Indeed, Gagnon allows the text to interpret itself, rather than asserting assumptions (i.e. only the exploitative homosexual practices is condemned, the ancient world did not have loving homosexual partners, etc.) that aren't accurate. Gagnon provides specific examples of how the claims made by opposing scholars may be an incomplete or eisegetical understanding. If you want to know more about homosexuality, this book is a phenomenal resource.

Many churches today are discussing the question of whether homosexual sexual behavior is sinful, which requires an understanding of what the Bible says about it. Prof Gagnon has produced the most comprehensive examination of the Biblical evidence regarding homosexual behavior. His treatment is definitely on the conservative side, but he attempts to be fair to all viewpoints. This is easily the best book on the subject, but it is not an easy read. The most interesting aspect of Gagnon's approach is his comprehensive approach. He starts with Genesis and shows that the Jewish viewpoint is anchored in Genesis and the marriage of two complementary human beings -- male and female. Then he interprets the rest of the Bible in the light of Genesis. He does not limit himself to the 5 or 6 well-known passages in the Bible which are often discussed when the topic is homosexual behavior. Those who are conservative will find this book very helpful. Those who are liberal (on this topic) will find it the strongest case that can be made for the "opposing side."

Gagnon appears to have left few stones unturned in his analysis of this issue. He presents the most detailed and thorough exegetical case for the traditional Christian view on homosexuality that I have seen.

Yet what is interesting to me is that Gagnon's methodology is certainly not "conservative," but reflects mainstream, "liberal" historical-critical assumptions in his exegesis of texts. This is why so thoroughly a liberal scholar as James Barr, who wrote the anti-conservative polemic FUNDAMENTALISM, can nonetheless commend the book despite the "conservative" conclusions that the author reaches. Thus this is probably the best book for a theological conservative (such as this reviewer) to recommend to any theological "moderate" who is not yet completely decided on this issue. Gagnon is likely to gain a hearing where conservatives will not.

Theological conservatives too may read this work with profit, though they will have to forgive Gagnon's adoption of critical positions on matters of authorship and the like that we would find unacceptable. Fortunately such matters rarely affect the force of his argumention.

Dr. Gagnon, a professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, has written a mind-numbingly thorough treatment of the Bible's teaching on homosexual practice (not homosexuality per se: he draws a distinction between one's desires and one's actions). In his own words, "The objective of this book is to demonstrate two main points. First, there is clear, strong, and credible evidence that the Bible unequivocally defines same-sex intercourse as sin. Second, there exist no valid hermeneutical arguments, derived from either general principles of biblical interpretation or contemporary scientific knowledge and experience, for overriding the Bible's authority on this matter." (page 37)

Contrary to what you might assume, Dr. Gagnon does not believe that every word in the Bible is absolutely true. On page 345 he states, "On the whole I find Paul's exposition of the gospel to be compelling and an authoritative lens from which to interpret and inform my experience. Nonetheless, even though I generally agree with the ultimate point that Paul wants to make on issues of critical significance for Paul, I sometimes have reservations about the way that Paul gets there. For example, I sometimes find Paul's exegesis of the Old Testament to be less than compelling. Paul is still 'my apostle,' but he does not (and did not in the first century) have to be inerrant in every matter."

Given that he believes the Bible is a fallible book, his arguments have appeal for theological moderates as well as for theological conservatives (such as evangelicals). And even readers who reject his conclusions on non-Biblical grounds will likely be convinced that contemporary attempts to find Biblical permission for homosexual conduct are futile.

I expected this to be a work of detailed Biblical exegesis only, and so I was pleased to discover that Dr. Gagnon includes a very helpful overview of extrabiblical perspectives on homosexual practice in both the Old Testament and New Testament eras. In many ways this is the book's greatest contribution - Gagnon completely dismantles all arguments that the authors of the Bible would have only known of (and therefore were only condemning) exploitative/abusive forms of homosexuality. He also includes an overview of recent genetic, sociological, and psychological research on homosexuality.

It is worth noting that Dr. Gagnon has posted detailed responses to scholars who have criticized his work on his easy-to-find website (just search for his distinctive name). The responses are lengthy enough that you can quickly discern whether or not you will find this volume worthwhile.

All in all an excellent work. Five stars for quality and comprehensiveness, knocked down to four stars because of his writing style (the book is not an easy read).

One reason that attracts me to buy this book is that I find a pro-gay scholar Martti Nissinen's recommendation in the preface, one among 15 praises from contemparory well-known biblical scholars. After reading it, I agree with Nissinen that "his book...cannot be ignored in future debate even by proponents of discordant views."

The major reward to me is his clarification of the attitude of Jesus towards homosexuality. Usually. pro-gay theology protrays Jesus as taking a tolerant and affirming stand towards homosexual acts because of His emphasis of love and embrace of social outcasts, especially His merciful attitude towards adulterous women and the prostitutes. Gagnon has convincingly pointed out that Jesus' attitude on sexual ethics is even far more rigorious than the Jews of his time, in Jesus' comments on divorce and re-interpretation of adultery. This shows that Jesus' sexual ethics is even more rigorous than OT in regard to sexual sin. That's why Jesus' forgiveness is often accompanied with "sin no more" ending! Jesus demonstrates God's love, but he is also the prophet carrying out the temple action and procaliming the seriousness of sexual sin, which demonstrate God's judgment and righteousness . Jesus does not overturn the OT law on sexual sin, in particular homosexual intercourse. On the contrary, Jesus further the Torah on sexual sin and set a higher standard against sexual sin (hardcover, p.196-228)

I hope that pro-gay Christians can be honest in facing the real attitude of Jesus against sexual sin instead of protraying a sexually tolerant Jesus, which actually turns out to be an idol, in justifying homosexual behavior that's hurting God's heart.

I am not a theologian, but this book, despite being very detailed, IS very readable, and certainly the best on the subject. Anyone wanting to know "everything" about this subject should read it!

In mainline denominations, whether to affirm or not affirm homosexuality is the hottest issue right now. With the exception of the United Methodist Church, mainline denominations are moving in the direction of affirmation. It seems to me that one reason for doing so is the claim that opponents of affirmation rely on "a few verses of Scripture," which implies that a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of Scripture would lead to a more affirming stance.

Robert Gagnon, Associate Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, has written a strong rebuttal to that opinion. He exhaustively examines the Bible as a whole, showing expertise in its context and original languages. He also interacts thoroughly with alternative scholarship, including serious scholars who affirm homosexuality. Gagnon demonstrates that the overarching themes of the Bible points to God ordaining monogamous heterosexuality for the human race. He also shows, through careful argument, that common analogies of homosexuality to race and gender (drawn by advocates who affirm homosexuality) are unsupported in the Bible.

Interestingly, Gagnon does not affirm the doctrine of Scriptural inerrancy. He accepts the conclusions of historical-critical scholarship. And yet, even in this framework, he finds no Scriptural support for affirming homosexuality. I believe Dr. Gagnon has performed a real service to the church in writing this book. Whether the church will listen is another matter.

I have read widely on both sides of this debate and I can confidently and unequivocally say that Gagnon's work is the most extensive and thoroughly researched work in print. I believe that it is the definitive work on the subject of homosexuality and the Bible. This book should be on every pastor's bookshelf. Additionally, for anyone looking into the debate of homosexuality and the bible, one cannot ignore Gagnon's work. It's worth its weight in gold!

Robert Gagnon has produced the clearest and most comprehensive rebuttal of pro-gay theology to date. Readers accustomed to less detailed treatments of this subject (including my own "A Strong Delusion") may find some of the chapters ponderous, but anyone wanting to discuss and debate homosexuality from a Biblical perspective needs this resource.
I finished this book with real admiration for the author's attitude, clarity and balance, and I've already made use of several of its points when speaking on the subject. If you're wanting to become better informed and equipped to articulate a solid response to the pro-gay interpetation of scripture, Gagnon's work is state of the art.

Gagnon has produced the type of book this topic deserves. So much is written about this topic that is biased by an a priori positive or negative attitude towards homosexuality, that it is refreshing to see a really thorough study of the topic at hand. Gagnon is clear about his opinions, no doubt about that, but these are well separated from his exposition of the texts. It is the well-balanced nature of his arguments, the thoroughness of the exegesis and the completeness of his discussion that have set the standards of discussing "What does the Bible say about homosexuality?".