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Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches
Issues surrounding homosexuality threaten to divide the Christian churches and the people within them. This unique resource presents short pieces from some of the nation's most prominent church leaders - Protestant and Catholic, mainline and evangelical - who address the fundamental moral imperatives about homosexuality. Together they invite the reader to open his or her heart to the Spirit, to tolerance, and to Gospel values. Through personal testimony, factual clarification, and moral suasion, they provide much-needed clarity on the biblical witness and biblical authority, the nature or character of homosexuality and sexual orientation, and many related topics. Contributors include Elise Boulding, Ignacio Castuera, John B. Cobb Jr., William Sloane Coffin, Peggy Campolo, Bishop Paul Egertson, James A. Forbes Jr., Maria Harris, Barbara Kelsey, Morton Kelsey, Gabriel Moran, David G. Myers, Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Ken Sehested, Carole Shields, Donald W. Shriver Jr., M. Mahan Siler Jr., Lewis B. Smedes, and Walter Wink.
144 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1999
27 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Walter Wink
55 books70 followersDr. Walter Wink was Professor Emeritus of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City. Previously, he was a parish minister and taught at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. In 1989-1990 he was a Peace Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace.
His newer works include:
The Human Being: Jesus and the Enigma of the Son of the Man
(Fortress Press, 2001.)
Peace Is The Way: Writings on Nonviolence from the Fellowship of Reconciliation. (Edited by Walter Wink. Orbis Books, 2000.)
The Powers That Be:Theology for a New Millennium
(New York: Doubleday, 1999)
Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1999)
He is author of a trilogy, The Powers:
Naming the Powers: The Language of Power in the New Testament (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984)
Unmasking the Powers: The Invisible Forces That Determine Human Existence (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1986)
Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of
Domination (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992)
His other works include:
When the Powers Fall: Reconciliation in the Healing of Nations
(Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1998). Swedish edition: Healing a Nation's Wounds: Reconciliation on the Road to Democracy (Uppsala, Sweden: Life and Peace Institute, 1997)
Cracking the Gnostic Code: The Powers in Gnosticism (Society of Biblical Literature Monograph Series; Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1993)
Violence and Nonviolence in South Africa (Philadelphia: New Society Publishers, 1987). (Out of print)
Transforming Bible Study, second edition (Nashville: Abingdon, 1990) (Out of print)
The Bible in Human Transformation (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1973). (Out of print)
John the Baptist in the Gospel Tradition (Cambridge Univ. Press, 1968). (Out of print)
Proclamation 5: Holy Week, Year B (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993). (Out of print)
His newer works include:
The Human Being: Jesus and the Enigma of the Son of the Man
(Fortress Press, 2001.)
Peace Is The Way: Writings on Nonviolence from the Fellowship of Reconciliation. (Edited by Walter Wink. Orbis Books, 2000.)
The Powers That Be:Theology for a New Millennium
(New York: Doubleday, 1999)
Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1999)
He is author of a trilogy, The Powers:
Naming the Powers: The Language of Power in the New Testament (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984)
Unmasking the Powers: The Invisible Forces That Determine Human Existence (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1986)
Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of
Domination (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992)
His other works include:
When the Powers Fall: Reconciliation in the Healing of Nations
(Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1998). Swedish edition: Healing a Nation's Wounds: Reconciliation on the Road to Democracy (Uppsala, Sweden: Life and Peace Institute, 1997)
Cracking the Gnostic Code: The Powers in Gnosticism (Society of Biblical Literature Monograph Series; Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1993)
Violence and Nonviolence in South Africa (Philadelphia: New Society Publishers, 1987). (Out of print)
Transforming Bible Study, second edition (Nashville: Abingdon, 1990) (Out of print)
The Bible in Human Transformation (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1973). (Out of print)
John the Baptist in the Gospel Tradition (Cambridge Univ. Press, 1968). (Out of print)
Proclamation 5: Holy Week, Year B (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993). (Out of print)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 18, 2024
Two stars seems harsh, but I think that's right. The tone of the 16 chapters come across as, "The scriptures are either silent, unclear, or unhelpful on matters relating to homosexuality," and I just think we can hold our pastors, theologians, and the church to a higher standard of analysis. Almost every argument is made in the negative, which hardly communicates the joy and blessing of sexual desire and union -- homosexual or otherwise. (These vignettes really show how novel and admirable Rowan Williams' "The Body's Grace" is, and he writes it ten years prior to this collection!)
I basically think that standing above the scriptures in judgement -- putting yourself above Paul or the authors of the Old Testament -- is the exact wrong posture. We need more serious and spirited readings of the scriptures. We have been promised a blessing through wrestling, not dismissal or superiority.
Ad fontes, I say.
I basically think that standing above the scriptures in judgement -- putting yourself above Paul or the authors of the Old Testament -- is the exact wrong posture. We need more serious and spirited readings of the scriptures. We have been promised a blessing through wrestling, not dismissal or superiority.
Ad fontes, I say.
December 27, 2015
This book doesn't just excel on content, it excels at being Christian in presenting that content. That is, it addresses an important topic (a matter of life and death as it is alluded to in the book) and does so lovingly. As Wink points out in the preface, "despite the amount of heat the debate over homosexuality has produced in the churches, the discussion has been woefully slack as far as rigorous theological thinking is concerned. The sheer passion of the discussion betrays emotionalism on both sides, and the necessary exegetical and theological grounding is ignored". This book is moving, compelling, thought-provoking, challenging, and extremely easy to read and understand. There is no excuse for not reading it.
July 3, 2021
Quarantine-Book #47:
I just finished "Homosexuality and the Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches," edited by Walter Wink.
Intro--
James A. Forbes Jr.:
This argument--that the state should not interfere with the union of two persons--will get no heat from me. If your Christocentric point of contemplation is government rather than Christ you have bigger Conceptual issues than Homosexuality in the church.
But more generally, working from Jn. 16:12-15, what is suggested is that no, Jesus didn't and couldn't have answered every question we would have and because of the He sent the Spirit so we could hack through this jungle.
Personal encounters--
Donald W. Shiver Jr.:
Shiver basically told a story of his closeted friend killing himself.
Carole Shields:
Good Lord. This was written by someone involved in the construction of a 10k name quilt for A. I. D. S. victims.
Bishop Paul Wennes Egertson:
His son is gay. He celebrates it.
The above three have no place in an academic context. That is not being heartless that is abstaining from emotionalism. This was 33 pp spent in a 133 pp book.
Biblical witness--
Walter Wink:
Wink says that Homosexuality isn't the question as much as how scripture informs our lives today. I agree. He believes that the Sodom event was an attempted gang rape for the purpose of demasculating the men, similar to how the vanquished in battle would have been treated. 1 Cor. 6:9 and 1 Tim. 1:10 are, says Wink, ambiguous: does it refer to passive or active Homosexual partners, or Homosexual and heterosexual male prostitutes? Lev. 18:22 and Lev. 20:13 can be explained by viewing ancient Hebrew concepts of procreation. It was assumed that the male had all that was needed for procreation--no knowledge of the egg--and any spilling of semen (Gn. 38:1-11) was a waste. This mindset would have placed male Homosexuality in a similar light as masturbation and equate the both to murder. Rm. 1:26-27, Paul here is condemning--says Wink--straight people who act unnaturally by way of homosexual actions. This is said because Paul thought all were straight. Were we to look at this again: whatever your natural disposition is, act accordingly. Condemned also is the one night stand nature that is being described here. Finally it is argued that what constitutes "nature"or" natural", from which Paul is arguing", has been seen by modern science to be not what Paul thought was natural.
With all that followed I have to admit that Wink just presented the best affirming case I've read to date. Not with just his scriptural analysis but also with his other thoughts about what we allow and disallow and what scripture says. Kudos to a very good shot. Would have liked more in depth exegesis.
Ken Sehested:
He deals with OT texts saying that a man shall not lie with a man as a woman or it is an abomination. The word abomination doesn't have the ethical connotation to it but an purity connotation in the same vein as eating pork and wearing a fabric of two materials. The remaining three references to Homosexuality are Pauline and, says the writer, deal with pederasty (hustling boys for pleasure). And in keeping with something one could stop but doesn't: 60% of Americans are obese thus living in a gluttonous lifestyle and yet these may in some cases be our leaders.
What are the issues--
Morton Kelsey and Barbara Kelsey:
This was brief and was psychological and sociological. As with the first section, I don't believe deviating from scripture, reason, tradition and experience will help too much.
David G. Myers:
Homosexuality isn't caused by overprotective mothering and there is no way to influence one's sexual preference, is the main take away I got here.
Maria Harris and Gabriel Moran:
Here the writers say that how can a rule against something be made against something which no word exists to describe. I. E. "Homosexuality" isn't in scripture.
Lewis B. Smedes:
He is trying to figure out in a humorous way why Christians get so worked up about Homosexuality: "are we scared they are going to... rape our daughters?" Then he moves into what does Christian Homosexuality present itself?--like heterosexuallity one expects longterm, monogamous, committed, relationships. Moralists would traditionally say that the telos of natural (Paul) marriage is procreation. The modern would say it is to express and enjoy each other. The modern pulls the rug out from the Moralists. Smedes also says that his adoption of three children is not natural (Paul) but it's not bad.
Assessing Christian Traditiin--
Richard Rohr:
Rohr says the Roman position contradicts itself: Ratzinger (later the Pope, later Anthony Hopkins) said Homosexuality isn't a sin, only the practice. The Roman theology of natural law (guessing Aquinas... Played by himself) states that things must act according to their nature. To further mandate celebacy is to mandate a charismatic gift which is always free. Lastly he points out that while Jesus didn't address same sex relationships he did say to love enemies and many Christian leaders are not practicing this in their vitriol against this community.
John Cobb Jr.:
Cobb points out what hit me a few years ago: many of us reject because we are revolted; aesthetics plays a huge role in rejection of a people; via projection we don't get it. I wonder how much aesthetics was an issue for social acceptance of people from every walk of life?
Prophetic Voices--
Peggy Compolo:
Had a gay friend in the 60s that was made fun of. Vacations in gay village. Tony is her husband.
William Sloane Coffin:
While much of this presentation is similar to--though less emotive--Mrs. Compolo's, there is one line that I found profound:
"'Perfect love casts out fear.' Nothing scares me like scared people, for while love seeks the truth, fear seeks safety, the safety so frequently found in dogmatic certainty, in pitiless intolerance," p 107.
That's good.
Elise Boulding:
Something about gay Quakers. I got nothing.
I don't mean to poke fun at the above three but it's like the first section. It's like having a character witness at a trial; that's nice but not evidential.
Acceptance and Blessing--
Ignacio Castuera:
A Latino from Mexico who grew up poor and befriended a gay kid and ended up moving to LA to again be in the minority. Knows exclusion.
M. Mahan Siler Jr.:
Minister who affirms strongly but didn't offer much.
No hate on the emotive presentations I just think they were publishing fluff... Page count makers. But there were a good 30 pages therein.
I just finished "Homosexuality and the Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches," edited by Walter Wink.
Intro--
James A. Forbes Jr.:
This argument--that the state should not interfere with the union of two persons--will get no heat from me. If your Christocentric point of contemplation is government rather than Christ you have bigger Conceptual issues than Homosexuality in the church.
But more generally, working from Jn. 16:12-15, what is suggested is that no, Jesus didn't and couldn't have answered every question we would have and because of the He sent the Spirit so we could hack through this jungle.
Personal encounters--
Donald W. Shiver Jr.:
Shiver basically told a story of his closeted friend killing himself.
Carole Shields:
Good Lord. This was written by someone involved in the construction of a 10k name quilt for A. I. D. S. victims.
Bishop Paul Wennes Egertson:
His son is gay. He celebrates it.
The above three have no place in an academic context. That is not being heartless that is abstaining from emotionalism. This was 33 pp spent in a 133 pp book.
Biblical witness--
Walter Wink:
Wink says that Homosexuality isn't the question as much as how scripture informs our lives today. I agree. He believes that the Sodom event was an attempted gang rape for the purpose of demasculating the men, similar to how the vanquished in battle would have been treated. 1 Cor. 6:9 and 1 Tim. 1:10 are, says Wink, ambiguous: does it refer to passive or active Homosexual partners, or Homosexual and heterosexual male prostitutes? Lev. 18:22 and Lev. 20:13 can be explained by viewing ancient Hebrew concepts of procreation. It was assumed that the male had all that was needed for procreation--no knowledge of the egg--and any spilling of semen (Gn. 38:1-11) was a waste. This mindset would have placed male Homosexuality in a similar light as masturbation and equate the both to murder. Rm. 1:26-27, Paul here is condemning--says Wink--straight people who act unnaturally by way of homosexual actions. This is said because Paul thought all were straight. Were we to look at this again: whatever your natural disposition is, act accordingly. Condemned also is the one night stand nature that is being described here. Finally it is argued that what constitutes "nature"or" natural", from which Paul is arguing", has been seen by modern science to be not what Paul thought was natural.
With all that followed I have to admit that Wink just presented the best affirming case I've read to date. Not with just his scriptural analysis but also with his other thoughts about what we allow and disallow and what scripture says. Kudos to a very good shot. Would have liked more in depth exegesis.
Ken Sehested:
He deals with OT texts saying that a man shall not lie with a man as a woman or it is an abomination. The word abomination doesn't have the ethical connotation to it but an purity connotation in the same vein as eating pork and wearing a fabric of two materials. The remaining three references to Homosexuality are Pauline and, says the writer, deal with pederasty (hustling boys for pleasure). And in keeping with something one could stop but doesn't: 60% of Americans are obese thus living in a gluttonous lifestyle and yet these may in some cases be our leaders.
What are the issues--
Morton Kelsey and Barbara Kelsey:
This was brief and was psychological and sociological. As with the first section, I don't believe deviating from scripture, reason, tradition and experience will help too much.
David G. Myers:
Homosexuality isn't caused by overprotective mothering and there is no way to influence one's sexual preference, is the main take away I got here.
Maria Harris and Gabriel Moran:
Here the writers say that how can a rule against something be made against something which no word exists to describe. I. E. "Homosexuality" isn't in scripture.
Lewis B. Smedes:
He is trying to figure out in a humorous way why Christians get so worked up about Homosexuality: "are we scared they are going to... rape our daughters?" Then he moves into what does Christian Homosexuality present itself?--like heterosexuallity one expects longterm, monogamous, committed, relationships. Moralists would traditionally say that the telos of natural (Paul) marriage is procreation. The modern would say it is to express and enjoy each other. The modern pulls the rug out from the Moralists. Smedes also says that his adoption of three children is not natural (Paul) but it's not bad.
Assessing Christian Traditiin--
Richard Rohr:
Rohr says the Roman position contradicts itself: Ratzinger (later the Pope, later Anthony Hopkins) said Homosexuality isn't a sin, only the practice. The Roman theology of natural law (guessing Aquinas... Played by himself) states that things must act according to their nature. To further mandate celebacy is to mandate a charismatic gift which is always free. Lastly he points out that while Jesus didn't address same sex relationships he did say to love enemies and many Christian leaders are not practicing this in their vitriol against this community.
John Cobb Jr.:
Cobb points out what hit me a few years ago: many of us reject because we are revolted; aesthetics plays a huge role in rejection of a people; via projection we don't get it. I wonder how much aesthetics was an issue for social acceptance of people from every walk of life?
Prophetic Voices--
Peggy Compolo:
Had a gay friend in the 60s that was made fun of. Vacations in gay village. Tony is her husband.
William Sloane Coffin:
While much of this presentation is similar to--though less emotive--Mrs. Compolo's, there is one line that I found profound:
"'Perfect love casts out fear.' Nothing scares me like scared people, for while love seeks the truth, fear seeks safety, the safety so frequently found in dogmatic certainty, in pitiless intolerance," p 107.
That's good.
Elise Boulding:
Something about gay Quakers. I got nothing.
I don't mean to poke fun at the above three but it's like the first section. It's like having a character witness at a trial; that's nice but not evidential.
Acceptance and Blessing--
Ignacio Castuera:
A Latino from Mexico who grew up poor and befriended a gay kid and ended up moving to LA to again be in the minority. Knows exclusion.
M. Mahan Siler Jr.:
Minister who affirms strongly but didn't offer much.
No hate on the emotive presentations I just think they were publishing fluff... Page count makers. But there were a good 30 pages therein.
August 11, 2018
The word homosexual is offensive to many gay and lesbian people because of the judgment the church has used that word over and over again. But don't let that word stop someone from knowing the power from this book.
The copyright is 1999, but it is unfortunately still very relevant. It is compiled with provoking thoughts and discussions with Christians for Christians.
I originally wanted to read this book because I don't know how to speak to Christians a lot of times about this. I found the essays very insightful. Aspects I never thought about. I would recommend it to Christians struggling to understand what they believe about same-sex relationships and God and the Bible. & for people like me trying to find a way to communicate to other Christians about gays and lesbians and all the social and spiritual aspects with them.
The copyright is 1999, but it is unfortunately still very relevant. It is compiled with provoking thoughts and discussions with Christians for Christians.
I originally wanted to read this book because I don't know how to speak to Christians a lot of times about this. I found the essays very insightful. Aspects I never thought about. I would recommend it to Christians struggling to understand what they believe about same-sex relationships and God and the Bible. & for people like me trying to find a way to communicate to other Christians about gays and lesbians and all the social and spiritual aspects with them.
October 25, 2022
An interesting series of essays from a more affirming, or at least tolerant church perspective. The essays are from Catholics and protestants, alike, from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. It gives hope for the interactions of Christian groups and the LGBTQ+ community (although it is outdated, so several terms might be provincial and/or disapproved of in today's cultural language around the issue.
August 20, 2017
What an incredible collection of compelling essays -- published almost 20 years ago.
Read
April 27, 2022we love Walter Wink
July 26, 2024
What an outstanding book, especially for its time (1999). Very informative and respectfully written regarding the LGBT community. 👏🏽
September 9, 2013
This collection of essays shares stories of personal encounters and experiences, identification the issues, reflections of Biblical witness and traditions, and discussions of what the churches must face in dealing with gay/lesbian ecclesial rights, civil rights, and covenants. This book is not a Bible study but rather personal insights, observations, and hope. Quoting from the book's Afterword:
"There is no room for lovelessness, hatred, or intolerance, God is confronting both sides of this controversy with an opportunity to transcend our verbal violence and put-downs, and to learn how to love, cherish and value those whose positions are different from our own. We can treat this controversy, not as a sign of the church's decadence or its disobedience, but as a marvelous opportunity to learn to love as Jesus commanded us to love.
"There is no room for lovelessness, hatred, or intolerance, God is confronting both sides of this controversy with an opportunity to transcend our verbal violence and put-downs, and to learn how to love, cherish and value those whose positions are different from our own. We can treat this controversy, not as a sign of the church's decadence or its disobedience, but as a marvelous opportunity to learn to love as Jesus commanded us to love.
May 30, 2011
I originally read the central essay in the "Biblical Witness" section (Walter Wink's "Homosexuality and the Bible") as a senior in college in Randall Styers' class on Gender Theory and Religion. I was led back around to the full collection of essays edited by Wink after I read Myers and Scanzoni's book on a Christian case for gay marriage.
The most interesting essays in this collection were Wink's "Homosexuality and the Bible," Richard Rohr's "Where the Gospel Leads Us," Elise Boulding's "The Challenge of Nonconformity," and Ignacio Castuera's "Baptism, Bread, and Bonds."
The most interesting essays in this collection were Wink's "Homosexuality and the Bible," Richard Rohr's "Where the Gospel Leads Us," Elise Boulding's "The Challenge of Nonconformity," and Ignacio Castuera's "Baptism, Bread, and Bonds."
July 10, 2009
I found this book to a refreshing alternative to those religious authors and zealots who seek to pull out the same 'clobber' verses of the Old Testament to reinforce their misgivings about gay people... But that's not the thesis this book tries to rebutt--very wise and compassionate authors contribute their personal and heartfelt stories of why they came to the conclusions that they hold. From Peggy Campolo's "In God's House There Are Many Closets" to a more scholary treatsie by Walter Wink, you will be glad you read this book.
August 25, 2014
The first few essays I found somewhat strident and only worth skimming. High points included the pieces by Walter Wink, Richard Rohr, and William Sloane Coffin. Wink is particularly persuasive because he compares biblical passages about homosexual acts to other passages about sexual ethics, inviting readers to take a hard look at the selective proof-texting many Christians engage in when discussing human sexuality. Still, I suspect this collection as a whole preaches better to the choir than to anyone else.
March 3, 2014
An excellent collection of short essays from various Christian writers, addressing the issue of homosexuality for modern Christians. Each writer looks through a slightly different lens, but each contributes to the conclusion that love should prevail. A very readable little book. Very positive, thoughtful and heartfully Christian.
This book would be good reading for ANY Christian. Particularly helpful for soul-searching clergy, LGBT people and their families.
This book would be good reading for ANY Christian. Particularly helpful for soul-searching clergy, LGBT people and their families.
September 8, 2015
I wanted to cry reading this book, I was so relieved to find other people in the world who feel the way I do. I have sometimes said that I don't believe the Bible addresses the kinds of long-term, loving same-sex partnerships that we see in our culture today -- but I've seldom said it for fear of rebuke. Now that I know so many respectable and educated Christians share this point of view, I will certainly be more forthright with my opinion.
October 4, 2013
This is an inspiring set of articles and valuable for all who seek and promote justice and inclusiveness in our churches. If we do nots fully extend our Christian love and acceptance to our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, then I believe that we cannot truly claim to be followers of Jesus. I recommend this book.
March 23, 2007
I think that this book takes a very interesting look on the way the bible looks at homosexuality. It does not condemn homosexuality. It quotes texts from the bible and discusses why homosexuality may not be a sin. It was recommended by a pastor at an episcopal church that I worked at.
July 6, 2007
This book is a great primer on sexual orientation and how it relates to a person of the Christian faith. Wink's article, which is basically an exegesis of the passages typically cited in the Bible when referring to homosexuality, is especially good.
January 31, 2009
Profoundly thought-provoking. Covers a select array of vantage points from which to approach what has been a divisive debate. Alas, like any properly edited collection of essays, there are clear leanings and yet no clear answers to the question in focus.
There will be rereads.
There will be rereads.
January 17, 2012
This book is full of ethical and theological arguments why Christian churches should embrace homosexual people. The arguments are sound and include a wide range of religious, philosophical, and personal stories. This is a good read on the topic.
April 3, 2012
Preaching to the choir: This compilation of essays, sermons, and testimonies from different authors serves a role of advocacy. Countryman and Boswell are much better reads for serious learners. Most of the authors consistently mischaracterize the arguments of those whom they oppose.
Want to read
October 5, 2007started it a few years ago, and need to finish it. This book gives a wide variety of perspectives from different pastors, scholars, and regular people.
September 17, 2009
This is a great collection of essays written on the topic of being gay and Christian. Each essay comes from a different perspective. Some gave me some insight that I had not thought of before.
Read
July 27, 2011Very, very, very thought-provoking. And sadly, not out of date.
April 17, 2009
Really bad.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews