Married in the Sight of God: Theology, Ethics, and Church Debates Over Homosexuality [Paperback]

Christian Batalden Scharen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0761817697 | ISBN-13: 978-0761817697 | Publication Date: August 23, 2000

Married in the Sight of God is a case study into the contemporary sexual ethics debates in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Christian B. Scharen analyzes the origin, rhetorical use, and institutionalization of the Lutheran 'orders of creation' theology used to exclude gays and lesbians. In addition, this study shows that the Lutheran tradition holds neglected possibilities for an affirming theological and ethical position that blesses the lives and leadership of people — homosexual or heterosexual — who make life-long promises of love and fidelity one to another.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Hopefully this work will provide guidance for those in leadership of the various churches as they seek to reevaluate their understandings of humanity, ministry, and God's creation. (Rev. Wilton S. Haffey, Jr. Reading In The Light Of Congregations )

This book provides helpful background for pastors, seminary students, and theologians. (Religious Studies Review )

This book provides helpful background for pastors, seminary students, and theologians. (Religious Studies Review )

Hopefully this work will provide guidance for those in leadership of the various churches as they seek to reevaluate their understandings of humanity, ministry, and God's creation. (Rev. Wilton S. Haffey, Jr. Reading In The Light Of Congregations )

About the Author

Christian Batalden Scharen teaches at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: University Press Of America (August 23, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761817697
• ISBN-13: 978-0761817697
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,670,833 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christian Scharen teaches worship and practical theology at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN, having previously taught at Yale University Divinity School in New Haven. Originally trained in theological ethics, ethnography, and social theory, Scharen's work brings a lively Christian imagination to critical engagement with culture. His writings have appeared in The Cresset, Books & Culture, The Christian Century, Dialog, Generate and others. He is married to Sonja, a nurse-midwife and has two children, Isaiah and Grace. He loves old churches, A Prairie Home Companion (a must from Lutherans in diaspora), and dark beer. On that last one, he'd especially like to recommend the New Glarus (WI) Unplugged series Smoked Rye Ale.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Expensive book, July 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Married in the Sight of God: Theology, Ethics, and Church Debates Over Homosexuality (Paperback)

I have not read this book. However, from what the editorial reviews say about this book, I would like to order it for our Lutheran church library. However, it is so expensive that I must pass on it. ... seems incredibly steep for 200 pages of information. Why does it not have a more reasonable price? This is a very important issue for gay and lesbian Lutherans and their families and friends. I wish it were less expensive so we could get the word out about this issue and start opening some minds.