Homosexuality, Science, and the "Plain Sense" of Scripture (Paperback)

by Mr. David L. Balch (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Most every Christian denomination in North America is actively wrestling with the challenges that homosexuality poses to traditional Christian teaching. This book reflects one denomination's (Disciples of Christ) study process but offers much more than warmed-over ecclesiastical wrangling. Scholars from a wide range of Christian traditions and both "sides" of the issue contribute carefully argued essays in the areas of biblical interpretation, theology and psychological and sociological evidence. Belying the rancor that accompanies much talk about sexuality inside and outside the church, the authors are remarkably respectful toward colleagues who disagree with them. Because the various chapters were originally presented as conference papers, the volume's contributors demonstrate an unusual level of interaction. The essays on biblical interpretation are most technical and will challenge readers unfamiliar with the scholarly terrain; the essays on how churches should respond to scientific research are more accessible, but also less definitive, because they are written by theologians and pastors, not practicing researchers. Readers looking for "solutions" to the many theological, interpretive and ethical problems raised by homosexuality will undoubtedly be disappointed with this book, as will activists on the traditional side (and possibly the progressive side as well). But the volume does point mainline readers, whom one contributor characterizes as inhabiting a "muddled middle," toward forms of moderate approval or disapproval of homosexual expression that are clear, gracious and distinctly Christian. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Homosexuality is one of the most hotly debated issues in the church today. This book arises directly out of the current discussion of what the Bible says about the morality of homosexual acts and relationships. Taking up the question from both sides of the debate, twelve biblical scholars, psychologists, and theologians debate the meaning of the scriptural passages on homosexuality--from Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, and 1 Corinthians--in light of contemporary scientific and exegetical evidence. Balanced and well reasoned, this volume will help readers constructively engage this pressing, highly sensitive subject.

Contributors: David L. Balch, Phyllis A. Bird, Nancy J. Duff, David E. Fredrickson, Kathryn Greene-McCreight, Christine E. Gudorf, Robert Jewett, Stanton L. Jones, William R. Schoedel, Christopher Seitz, Mark G. Toulouse, and Mark A. Yarhouse.

Product Details

• Paperback: 330 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (April 24, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080284698X
• ISBN-13: 978-0802846983
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,171,969 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource on Scripture and Homosexuality, July 9, 2000

By A Customer

This book squares up and faces the issue of homosexuality and the Bible in a frank and even handed way. Some of the top scholars in the country contributed to it. As in most collections, the articles are uneven in quality. However, the work of Phyllis Bird, Christine Gudorf, Thomas Shoedel, and Nancy Duff are first rate. Topping them all is the provocative work of the Lutheran, David Frederickson, on Romans and I Corinthians. I suspect that Frederickson's excellent interpretational proposal will change the way Romans 1:26-27 is read. It's that powerful. Balch's conclusion is well worth reading, too, drawing insights from the way Jewish exegetes are addressing the matter of homosexuality. On the other hand, Chris Seitz of Yale has made little or no contribution to the field. His work is the most disappointing in the collection. While I do not believe that this book will change a prejudiced mind, it is important for a seeker to have scholarship this good at one's finger tips.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for those Interested in Varying Perspectives, January 12, 2004

By	Elizabeth (United States) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent resource for those who are interested in what the Bible might have to say about same-sex relationships. The authors of the essays vary -- some support same-sex relationships, others don't. Some use historical-critical analysis, others reflect more generally about how we might understand what scripture is saying. The editor does a great job of introducing the essays and concluding the collection with reflections on where we might go from here and what we can draw from the varying perspectives. I found Bird's essay "The Bible in Christian Ethical Deliberation concerning Homosexuality: Old Testament Contributions," to be particularly helpful in dealing with the issues that the Hebrew Bible can raise about sexuality. Although I think that the essays have something for everyone, some can be quite academic and presume at least a basic knowledge of biblical studies. If you are looking for an "answer" to issues of sexuality that are currently facing Christians and the church, you won't find it here. You can however find some very helpful ideas about how we might think about the issue. This book is a model of reasonable and thoughtful dialogue around a divisive issue.