Customer Reviews

What Christians Think about Homosexuality

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

L.R. Holben has written an elegant and readable book about oneof the most difficult and contentious issues facing the ChristianChurch today. His work makes a substantial contribution in the service of an accurate understanding of widely differing positions and honest, informed dialogue between those who hold these positions.

Holben's book sets out to provide a straightforward, objective presentation of current scholarship and theological opinion on the issue of homosexuality that is both thorough and accessible, and in this it succeeds admirably. The most striking feature of the book is its structure: Holben explores six points along what he terms "a spectrum of conviction" about homosexuality, using a comparative grid of twelve questions which are asked of each of the positions. The points along the spectrum that he explores range from Condemnation to Liberation, and the comparative grid he uses in the course of his exploration leads us from questions about the sources of moral authority, through the psychological, moral and spiritual significance of homosexuality, to the moral opinion of each position and its consequences for the lives of individuals, the Church and society. A cross-perspective critique of each position is also presented, to which each position then responds. The clarity and objectivity of this structure allows each position to be presented in a way that is true to its own internal logic, and also makes it easy for comparisons to be made between positions when they address particularly contentious issues.

This book will be invaluable for individuals and groups who seek to be fully informed about the nuances and theological foundations of all positions on the issue of homosexuality and the Christian faith. One of its great strengths is that the author maintains a commendable objectivity and sense of perspective throughout. He resists the temptation to state his own position, preferring to present a work designed to assist those "who, for pastoral or personal reasons, seek to move beyond polemics and absolutist pronouncements to a thoughtful consideration of the scope of Christian thinking on this issue." And he does not lose sight of the fact that our thinking about homosexuality (or any other moral issue) is not an end in itself, but must always be done in the context of the fullness of God's loving purposes for us.

The graceful clarity of Holben's writing makes the book a pleasure to read, and the Appendices contain a fully annotated Bibliography and a useful summary of most of the relevant Scriptural texts. It is a pity that the extensive notes are printed at the end of the book rather than as footnotes, since they so often advance or extend the argument of the main text. This is a book to be read with one finger marking the end-notes and with pencil in hand. Above all, it is a book to be used to enter into the dialogue and exchange of opinions that it aims to foster.

Holben has made a unique contribution to understanding this issue -- one of the thorniest confronting the Christian church today. In a remarkably even-handed way (the author takes no position) he has drawn from the seminal thinkers representing six distinct perspectives (the fact alone that there are that many will surprise some), spanning the most conservative to the most liberal, and significant points in between. An interesting feature of the book is that positions "speak" to each other, countering and clarifying arguments. Although it is not a theology book per se, all of the key theological and Biblical issues are well covered. This would be an excellent book both for individuals wanting to be better informed, and for groups of people who want to begin the conversation about an issue that threatens to be one of the most (if not the most) divisive issues the Christian church must deal with.

I have never seen a book of this kind. In six chapters it covers a continuum of viewpoints on homosexuality, from far right to far left--while endorsing none. It will be extremely valuable to anyone who wants to understand the theological perspectives of those who agree OR disagree with them on this issue. It can be useful in argument, and may even open doors to dialogue. The book is thorough, well-researched, and beautifully written. It's a real find for serious, committed Christians of all stripes who want to think about this issue.

I have read the first five reviews of Holben's book, all of them glowing. I agree completely with all of them. I add my own comments only because I am a professional theologian in a major Christian denomination, with both biblical and moral theological training and credentials. Holben's treatment of my denomination's position(s) is articulate, precise, and spot-on accurate, even to technical vocabulary and fairly abstruse theological concepts. I surmise his treatment of other perspectives is equally accurate and insightful. On this score alone, he is far and away superior to anything else I've read on the topic.

I read this book cover to cover, because I will be leading a discussion group at our church called "Understanding Homosexuality". We plan to cover the 6 viewpoints presented in this book. I am probably not going to have discussion participants each purchase their own copy of Holben's book, however, as this book is a little more academic and intellectually "dense" than the usual books our church uses for discussion groups. In other words, it is not a "quick read" by any means. Readers probably need a college-level reading ability in order to appreciate this book.

I highly recommend What Christians Think About Homosexuality to anyone who wants to thoroughly understand the various viewpoints held by various churches and parachurch groups today. I think that both conservative and liberal readers will find it of value.

This book helped me really understand what the issues are and what the Bible says or doesn't say about homosexuality. No matter what your position is on homosexuality and Christianity, you absolutely owe it to yourself to learn what the other positions are related to the subject. This is a great book!

This book provides a comprehensive look at an important subject. The author enables the reader to see more clearly the rationale behind the 6 viewpoints. Very helpful.