Out of Order: Homosexuality in the Bible and the Ancient Near East [Paperback]

Donald J. Wold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 1998

Homosexuality is one of the most vexing moral issues facing the contemporary church. For individual Christians and denominations wrestling with the issue, Donald Wold provides a serious analysis of the biblical passages referring to homosexuality while at the same time explaining the nature of same-sex relations in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Wold explores passages such as Genesis 9, Leviticus 1820, Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6, and 1 Timothy 1. The author enhances his study by also examining ancient Near Eastern sources related to homosexuality. The result is an illuminating contribution to the current debate.

Besides its comprehensive analysis of the biblical text in light of its Near Eastern context, this work also adeptly challenges revisionist interpretations such as John Boswells influential Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality.

Throughout Wold strives to be even-handed, fair, and compassionate. "What is needed in the current debate regarding the Bible and homosexuality," writes Wold, "is a spirit of reconciliation rather than condemnation or confrontation on the part of all who address this issue."

Editorial Reviews

Review

A marvelous resource for scholars and lay researchers who seek to defend the traditional biblical viewpoint on homosexuality. This helpful book explains the context for the scriptural perspective by explaining how this subject was viewed in ancient cultures. Very helpful. -- Bob Davies, Executive Director, Exodus International North America

This book takes us on a fascinating journey through little-known aspects of the ancient Near East and provides us with relevant insights into the values and perspectives of biblical authors. It is essential reading for those wrestling with the rationale for the Bibles directives on homosexuality. -- Catherine Clark Kroeger

About the Author

Donald J. Wold (Ph.D., University of California at Berkeley) has served as pastor, counselor, and professor of Near Eastern studies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Baker Pub Group (October 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801021146
• ISBN-13: 978-0801021145
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,685,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good on ancient languages, February 7, 2010

By 

rossuk (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Out of Order: Homosexuality in the Bible and the Ancient Near East (Paperback)

This is the second 2009 edition, the first came out in 1998. He is good on the Semitic languages (inc Akkadian) and the Greek (which are transliterated). He discusses homosexuality in the ancient near east before discussing the possible rape of Noah by his son Ham. He then discusses Sodom and refutes the inhospitality argument of Boswell. Then he discusses the Levitical prohibitions, in detail especially the Hebrew words used (zakar, miskebe and to'eba). He also discusses the Septuagint version which both Boswell and Helminiak also discuss. He also goes on to discuss reconciliation for the homosexual in the Old Testament. In the New Testament he discusses Christ and the homosexual and the sayings of Paul. He discusses the Greek words in detail (e.g. malakos and arsenokoites), and refutes some of Boswell's interpretations. In particular he relates the NT prohibitions to the OT, for example Paul expelling the wicked incestuous man from the church of Corinth. He also talks about Paul's language of reconciliation. This is an important source book on the original languages. I would have liked him to discuss more about the porneia word group. For those who need to study the meaning of the original languages this is a must have for your library.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and In-Depth Approach, May 3, 2011

By 

V Hanan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Out of Order: Homosexuality in the Bible and the Ancient Near East (Paperback)

Berkeley-trained scholar Dr. Don Wold presents an exhaustive and exciting exegesis of the hottest topic in Christendom today: whether or not homosexuality has a place in the contemporary Church and what the Bible has to say about it. Gently refuting the conclusions of gay apologist Mel White (Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America) and the scholarship of John Boswell (Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality), Wold offers an in-depth and contextual approach to passages dealing with homosexuality in both the Old and New Testaments.

Part anthropological tome, part a learned treatise on Hebrew linguistics, Out of Order further explores
fascinating topics including the Levitical rationale for what appears to the modern mind a dizzying and rather arbitrary legal approach found in the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus, the Sumerian roots of Hebrew thought and practice, and a truly disturbing take on the incident between Noah and his son Ham that resulted in the notorious curse of Canaan.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in the ancient mind, linguistics and/or a balanced and conciliatory approach to this problematic subject of homosexuality in modern Christianity.