book data
57 ratings,
3.98
average rating, 15 reviews
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published
April 2000
(first published 1994)
by Alamo Square Distributors
binding
Paperback, 152 pages
isbn
188636009X
(isbn13: 9781886360099)
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 97)
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avg 3.98
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in January, 1995
recommends it for:
christians and faith-based queers :)
granted this is a 13-year old review BUT...this book was pivotal for me. i was deeply faithful, attending a baptist college, and coming to terms with my orientation. thank goodness for the library staff's foresight in adding this to their collection. the critical, reflective analysis here made a difficult transition much easier. highly recommended to anyone struggling with this particular issue.
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I thumbed through this book a couple of times and have been disappointed every time. The book isn't scholarly at all. It really doesn't dive into the issues in depth. Being an older book it uses some arguments that have been thoroughly debunked. I would recommend you leave this one on the self.
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04/10/09
Alisha
added it
I tried to read this book, because I wanted so badly to have justification of my life and to be able to support an argument for homosexuality to my mother, among others. However, I couldn't really get past the first couple of chapters. I didn't buy into any of it, though I so wanted to. It felt very contrived, almost as if the author were straining to force the words of Scripture into his own agenda. It didn't add up. However, I put the book down and went on with my life choices, just dismi...more
Read in July, 2007
I know this book has been around awhile now, but I've only just discovered it...and now that I have, my thought is, "Finally!" An intelligent response to the fundamentalists who believe that their "The Bible says it's wrong" argument is the final word on sexual morality. The book offers a summary of biblical scholarly study that argues that the meaning of oft-quoted passages is not as clear as the Falwells of the world would have you think. First of all pointing out that t...more
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Read in January, 2008
A very interesting read; it challenges the "traditional" views dominating the current ideas and beliefs of conservative Christianity. Although I am no scholar, the argument presented is persuasive. Hopefully this book will supply understanding and give a new perspective to individuals who find it difficult or impossible to accept one’s sexual preference.
Excerpts:
“Custom was turned into the law of God. A matter of mere social inconvenience was turned into a m...more
Excerpts:
“Custom was turned into the law of God. A matter of mere social inconvenience was turned into a m...more
with a forward written by Jon Spong, this book offers an incredible insight to the variance of a literal and interpretive understanding of the Bible. Offers the perspective of a large movement of ivy league scholars digging into every aspect of the Bible....primarily into the context of when the Bible was written and how the message translated then opposed to how it translates in our current society. Wait for it...polar opposites. Surprised? You shouldn't be.
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One of the most honest examinations of the Bible and homosexuality I've read yet.
The book doesn't try to define exactly what the Bible does say on homosexuality, but rather what it doesn't. Sometimes Helminiak will come right out with his criticism of bad exegesis, i.e., in helping put to rest that useless myth about Sodom being destroyed for it's homosexual populace. It wasn't; only the more virulent anti-gay lynch mobs out there still insist it was. Other times, the author recogniz...more
The book doesn't try to define exactly what the Bible does say on homosexuality, but rather what it doesn't. Sometimes Helminiak will come right out with his criticism of bad exegesis, i.e., in helping put to rest that useless myth about Sodom being destroyed for it's homosexual populace. It wasn't; only the more virulent anti-gay lynch mobs out there still insist it was. Other times, the author recogniz...more
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Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
Christians
The author does a good job of picking apart the few phrases throughout the bible that seemingly condemn homosexuality. In many of the cases, the writer (of the particular book within the bible) seems to be making a point of something not being socially acceptable, rather than sinful. In some interpretations, phrases such as "unnatural relations" have been later edited to mean homosexuality, when the actual word could be more directly translated to "not in the usual way." S...more
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05/09/09
Sarah
is currently reading it
Adam and I are reading this book together. I'll let you know what we think when we finish.
This book is written from an historical academic perspective by a former Catholic priest. Brief & to the point, Helmeniak delves into the most ancient biblical translations that are closest to the original Aramaic. I got to see him speak, and I actually enjoyed his speaking style better than the book, but still a good read and a good recommendation for Christians, especially Catholics, who would like to know more about what the Bible REALLY says about homosexuality.
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So far, I feel the writer is very informed. He has obviously done his research by studying the etymology of the old Hebrew and Greek words in an attempt to extrapolate the original meaning of biblical texts that have often been utilized to condemn homosexuality.
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Read in May, 2007
This is a really great look into the passages of the Bible that pertain to the current debate on homosexuality. A must read for anyone who wants to know more about this current hot button issue.
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Very clear interpretations that run counter to the traditional clobber passages. One of the things that helped reconcile my sexuality and faith.
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Read in January, 2006
Pretty much the best introductory book on the subject that I've read.
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