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Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition
The Body of Christ is going through a time of severe fracture. Schism is taking place on a scale not seen since the 16th century, and the reasons for this come into clear focus on the issue of homosexuality. The gay Christian movement and revisionist theologians and exegetes have set up an array of arguments, often mutually exclusive, in favor of homosexual practice. This book addresses these arguments on a single point: can they withstand the evidence of the primary sources?
The authors intend to articulate the orthodox view—Biblical teaching held everywhere, always, and by all—by presenting primary sources throughout Christian history and by interpreting the Biblical texts in their cultural context. The first part of the book makes available the key primary sources for understanding the Christian Church’s view on homosexuality through the centuries. It opens with a chapter on the gay Christian movement and then works chapter by chapter through church history: the patristic period, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance and Reformation periods. It then explores teaching within different Christian traditions: the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, the Evangelical movement, and mainline Protestant Churches, including the recent revisionist readings of the last few decades. The first part of the book concludes with an excursus on the Church’s various views on slavery and women, in contrast to the consensus view of the Church on homosexual practice.
The second part of the book engages the more familiar Biblical material in the debate facing Christians today. Like the first part of the book, it focuses on primary sources while also engaging the revisionist interpretations of these texts. The relevant primary sources from the Ancient Near East, Jewish, Greek, and Roman literature are quoted and discussed alongside the Biblical passages. A fresh interpretation of the Biblical material involves, among other things, the story of Sodom, Israel’s unique law against any homosexual acts, the meaning of “soft men” in Greek literature, the variety of homosexual practices in antiquity (not just pederasty), the various understandings of homosexual orientation in antiquity (including Paul), and the “nature versus nurture” argument in philosophy and Paul’s letter to the Romans.
The book examines the conflicting and changing arguments of revisionist readings and argues that, in light of the overwhelming evidence of the relevant texts, the real issue is not one of interpretation but of Biblical authority and Christian orthodoxy.
The authors intend to articulate the orthodox view—Biblical teaching held everywhere, always, and by all—by presenting primary sources throughout Christian history and by interpreting the Biblical texts in their cultural context. The first part of the book makes available the key primary sources for understanding the Christian Church’s view on homosexuality through the centuries. It opens with a chapter on the gay Christian movement and then works chapter by chapter through church history: the patristic period, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance and Reformation periods. It then explores teaching within different Christian traditions: the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches, the Evangelical movement, and mainline Protestant Churches, including the recent revisionist readings of the last few decades. The first part of the book concludes with an excursus on the Church’s various views on slavery and women, in contrast to the consensus view of the Church on homosexual practice.
The second part of the book engages the more familiar Biblical material in the debate facing Christians today. Like the first part of the book, it focuses on primary sources while also engaging the revisionist interpretations of these texts. The relevant primary sources from the Ancient Near East, Jewish, Greek, and Roman literature are quoted and discussed alongside the Biblical passages. A fresh interpretation of the Biblical material involves, among other things, the story of Sodom, Israel’s unique law against any homosexual acts, the meaning of “soft men” in Greek literature, the variety of homosexual practices in antiquity (not just pederasty), the various understandings of homosexual orientation in antiquity (including Paul), and the “nature versus nurture” argument in philosophy and Paul’s letter to the Romans.
The book examines the conflicting and changing arguments of revisionist readings and argues that, in light of the overwhelming evidence of the relevant texts, the real issue is not one of interpretation but of Biblical authority and Christian orthodoxy.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
31 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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March 24, 2016
I am surprised this book has not gotten more publicity. It is a tour de force and exactly the type of academic work needed to help Christians stem the tide of sodomy in our churches. It is the best book I have read on what the church has taught about homosexuality down through the centuries.
Why did this book need to be written? The answer is the gay-Christian movement, which has leaned heavily on twisting Scripture and church history to fit their agenda. The goal of the gay-Christian movement is to get the church to accept practicing homosexuals as full members of Christ’s body. The authors make clear that goal is totally at odds with the teaching of the church since the beginning. At no point in time has the church taught that homosexuality was an acceptable practice for a Christian. This book proves that.
The book is divided into two main sections.
First the authors discuss the historic church’s position on sodomy from the church fathers until the present day. They deal extensively with primary sources, quoting from numerous men to prove that sodomy was never accepted. What is most striking about this are the penitential manuals from the early Middle ages (500 to 900 AD). These were manuals that described what type of penance needed to be paid for specific sins. Homosexuality was condemned by these manuals. The authors end this first section by describing various modern denominations and their capitulation to the homosexual agenda.
The second main section in the book is an extended discussion of specific texts in Scripture and what they teach about homosexuality. This includes Sodom, Leviticus 18, I Corinthians 6:9, and Romans 1:26-28. This also includes a discussion about Jewish views of sodomy, as well as Greco-Roman views of it. The authors take two chapters to discussion I Corinthians 6:9 and what that passage means. It is clear from their writing that the terms in I Corinthians 6:9 describe practicing homosexuals and soft men. They then take two chapters to discuss Romans 1:26-28. They list a lot sources outside of Scripture that show that “against nature” in Romans 1 means homosexuality. It does not mean a sub species of homosexuality, such homosexual temple prostitution or pedophilia. It is clear from both their exposition of Scripture and surrounding culture when the NT was written that homosexuality is exactly what Paul is condemning in Romans 1:26-28 and I Cor. 6:9. Also included in this last main section is a discussion of homosexual orientation in the NT era.
The authors quote a lot of primary sources from the ancient world. But they also interact with those writing for the gay-Christian movement including Jack Rodgers, Justin Lee, Mark Actemeier, David Gushee, John McNeill, and John Boswell. In other words, they have read the opponents.
This book is excellent and should be on every pastor’s shelf. I want to gather a few key points from reading this book.
First, nowhere in the history of God’s people has homosexual practice be acceptable for Christians.
Second, Paul and other writers were not condemning a particular form of homosexuality. This is one of the key arguments of the gay –Christian movement. They will argue that Paul is condemning pederasty, sex with boys. Or that he is condemning homosexual rape. But the sources cited by the authors make it clear that is not the case. Homosexuality in all its forms was condemned by the church.
Third, the ancient world understood that men could be born with orientation towards the same sex. They would often try to attribute it to astrology or mythology. But the world knew that some men and women were born with what we would call same sex orientation. They still condemned it.
Fourth, the teaching of Scripture is that sex in marriage between a man and a woman is the only acceptable form of sexual expression. Therefore everything else is condemned.
Fifth, the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah has always been homosexuality. Failure to be hospitable might be part of the problem. But sodomy was always part of the problem.
The authors make this a gospel issue. They basically say that a church that says homosexual practice is fine is apostate and sending its members to Hell.
The final thing is they spend some time discussing Paul’s view of the transforming power of the Gospel in Romans and in other places. Why do they do that? The answer is that the church has come to believe that people cannot change.
There have been many popular books written on homosexuality, such as K. DeYoung's. But this is an academic work that fills a void. This, along with Robert Gagnon's The Bible and Homosexual Practice, effectively demolish the idea that Christianity and homosexual practice are compatible.
I have decided to give a reading scale for many of my books. 1 is an easy read, meant for most anyone who is literate. 5 is very difficult. This book is around a 4. It is a difficult read, but well worth your time.
Why did this book need to be written? The answer is the gay-Christian movement, which has leaned heavily on twisting Scripture and church history to fit their agenda. The goal of the gay-Christian movement is to get the church to accept practicing homosexuals as full members of Christ’s body. The authors make clear that goal is totally at odds with the teaching of the church since the beginning. At no point in time has the church taught that homosexuality was an acceptable practice for a Christian. This book proves that.
The book is divided into two main sections.
First the authors discuss the historic church’s position on sodomy from the church fathers until the present day. They deal extensively with primary sources, quoting from numerous men to prove that sodomy was never accepted. What is most striking about this are the penitential manuals from the early Middle ages (500 to 900 AD). These were manuals that described what type of penance needed to be paid for specific sins. Homosexuality was condemned by these manuals. The authors end this first section by describing various modern denominations and their capitulation to the homosexual agenda.
The second main section in the book is an extended discussion of specific texts in Scripture and what they teach about homosexuality. This includes Sodom, Leviticus 18, I Corinthians 6:9, and Romans 1:26-28. This also includes a discussion about Jewish views of sodomy, as well as Greco-Roman views of it. The authors take two chapters to discussion I Corinthians 6:9 and what that passage means. It is clear from their writing that the terms in I Corinthians 6:9 describe practicing homosexuals and soft men. They then take two chapters to discuss Romans 1:26-28. They list a lot sources outside of Scripture that show that “against nature” in Romans 1 means homosexuality. It does not mean a sub species of homosexuality, such homosexual temple prostitution or pedophilia. It is clear from both their exposition of Scripture and surrounding culture when the NT was written that homosexuality is exactly what Paul is condemning in Romans 1:26-28 and I Cor. 6:9. Also included in this last main section is a discussion of homosexual orientation in the NT era.
The authors quote a lot of primary sources from the ancient world. But they also interact with those writing for the gay-Christian movement including Jack Rodgers, Justin Lee, Mark Actemeier, David Gushee, John McNeill, and John Boswell. In other words, they have read the opponents.
This book is excellent and should be on every pastor’s shelf. I want to gather a few key points from reading this book.
First, nowhere in the history of God’s people has homosexual practice be acceptable for Christians.
Second, Paul and other writers were not condemning a particular form of homosexuality. This is one of the key arguments of the gay –Christian movement. They will argue that Paul is condemning pederasty, sex with boys. Or that he is condemning homosexual rape. But the sources cited by the authors make it clear that is not the case. Homosexuality in all its forms was condemned by the church.
Third, the ancient world understood that men could be born with orientation towards the same sex. They would often try to attribute it to astrology or mythology. But the world knew that some men and women were born with what we would call same sex orientation. They still condemned it.
Fourth, the teaching of Scripture is that sex in marriage between a man and a woman is the only acceptable form of sexual expression. Therefore everything else is condemned.
Fifth, the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah has always been homosexuality. Failure to be hospitable might be part of the problem. But sodomy was always part of the problem.
The authors make this a gospel issue. They basically say that a church that says homosexual practice is fine is apostate and sending its members to Hell.
The final thing is they spend some time discussing Paul’s view of the transforming power of the Gospel in Romans and in other places. Why do they do that? The answer is that the church has come to believe that people cannot change.
There have been many popular books written on homosexuality, such as K. DeYoung's. But this is an academic work that fills a void. This, along with Robert Gagnon's The Bible and Homosexual Practice, effectively demolish the idea that Christianity and homosexual practice are compatible.
I have decided to give a reading scale for many of my books. 1 is an easy read, meant for most anyone who is literate. 5 is very difficult. This book is around a 4. It is a difficult read, but well worth your time.
April 22, 2016
Based on reports from news broadcasts, tabloids, cultured journals, enlightened bureaucrats, sitcoms, singers and social media, it looks as if it’s an open and shut, clear cut case of social justice. It’s only the coarse troglodytes, communal cave-dwellers, and clichéd sticklers who linger around the sides and shadows of our brave new world, and make peevish and prejudiced protests. But fear not, we’re assured, for the moral high-ground has been claimed by throngs of the liberated and learned. Why, even the astute and approachable churches in the U.S.A. have “seen the light” and joined the prize-winning powers. So the tale is told. But S. Donald Fortson III, Professor of Church History and Practical Theology and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Reformed Theological Seminary, along with Rollin G. Grams, Associate Professor of New Testament and the Director of the Robert C. Cooley Center for the Study of Early Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, have nailed their strongly stated and robustly reasoned theses on the church’s door in their new 448 page paperback, “Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition.”
“Unchanging Witness” divides into twin sections taking on, first, the church’s ageless and historical position on homosexuality; and second, the scriptural attestations. The intended aim of the book is the authors’ call to the church to return to reality; “We issue that call by saying what God has said in his Word and by presenting what the church has affirmed throughout its history” (1-2).
In the first part of the volume, Fortson gives historical background to the present condition of the Christian Church on this matter. He then walks the reader through heavily quoted source documents from the Patristic era, the Middle Ages, into the Renaissance and Reformation, while examining the erroneous allegations made by John Boswell and others. Finally, the author extensively surveys the various official and stated proclamations from Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox sources, along with Evangelicals, and then Mainline denominations. Each chapter robustly draws from original documents cited in full context so that one walks away presented with a solid historical case. By the end of the first part, it is clearly obvious that Christianity has sturdily stood firm on the immorality of homosexuality in all of its varied manifestations. By the end of this portion of the book I was profoundly encouraged.
The second part of “Unchanging Witness” turns to the Bible, where Grams addresses and lays bare the claims of Luke Timothy Johnson, Walter Wink, Jack Rogers and a host of others. The author overwhelmingly shows that the Bible, from the Hebrew Scriptures through the New Testament, held an unflinchingly consistent sexual ethic of which homosexuality was one violation. Also, the Scripture’s moral position on this subject daringly stood in antithesis to the surrounding mores. This leads Grams to helpfully point out that though the totality of Scripture may only specifically mention homosexuality a handful of times, nevertheless, once the Christian recognizes and “understands that there is a biblical sexual ethic—sex is for a man and a woman in marriage—then one grasps that all general statements forbidding sexual sin cover every act between two people other than that which is allowed” (199). The good news is that since homosexuality, in its sundry and assorted expressions, is sin in God’s eyes, there is hope, and the hope is found in God’s antidote. In his eternal Son becoming fully human like us in every possible way, with the exception of sin; who humbled himself and was obedient to the Father, died for the sins of his people, was raised from the dead on the third day, ascended to the Father’s right hand, and has poured out on his people the heart-transforming, lifestyle-changing Holy Spirit! The remedy to this and any sin is found in Jesus Christ as we rely on him and submit to him.
In the end, “Unchanging Witness” is an engulfing book that leaves daring and diligent readers with important decisions. This is a book meant to help faithful Christians to stand face-forward in the raging storm. It is also meant to give those who have been uncertain a robust and resilient confidence. Finally, it confronts those Christians who are hardened in their pro-homosexual position; “the challenge of the pro-homosexual advocates in parts of Western Christianity extends beyond their view of homosexuality. These advocates not only challenge the orthodox teaching of the church through the centuries; they also challenge scriptural authority, the Bible’s teaching on human sinfulness, the work of Christ on the cross, and the transformative power at work in believers’ lives through Christ and the Holy Spirit. In a word, these advocates challenge the essence of the gospel” (376). This book is a must for every Christian pastor, seminary professor, theologian, academic library, and follower of Jesus.
Thanks to B&H Publishing Group for providing, upon my request, the free copy of “Unchanging Witness” used for this review. The assessments are mine given without restrictions or requirements (as per Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255).
(You have my permission to repost and reprint this review. Simply give credit where credit is due. Mike)
“Unchanging Witness” divides into twin sections taking on, first, the church’s ageless and historical position on homosexuality; and second, the scriptural attestations. The intended aim of the book is the authors’ call to the church to return to reality; “We issue that call by saying what God has said in his Word and by presenting what the church has affirmed throughout its history” (1-2).
In the first part of the volume, Fortson gives historical background to the present condition of the Christian Church on this matter. He then walks the reader through heavily quoted source documents from the Patristic era, the Middle Ages, into the Renaissance and Reformation, while examining the erroneous allegations made by John Boswell and others. Finally, the author extensively surveys the various official and stated proclamations from Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox sources, along with Evangelicals, and then Mainline denominations. Each chapter robustly draws from original documents cited in full context so that one walks away presented with a solid historical case. By the end of the first part, it is clearly obvious that Christianity has sturdily stood firm on the immorality of homosexuality in all of its varied manifestations. By the end of this portion of the book I was profoundly encouraged.
The second part of “Unchanging Witness” turns to the Bible, where Grams addresses and lays bare the claims of Luke Timothy Johnson, Walter Wink, Jack Rogers and a host of others. The author overwhelmingly shows that the Bible, from the Hebrew Scriptures through the New Testament, held an unflinchingly consistent sexual ethic of which homosexuality was one violation. Also, the Scripture’s moral position on this subject daringly stood in antithesis to the surrounding mores. This leads Grams to helpfully point out that though the totality of Scripture may only specifically mention homosexuality a handful of times, nevertheless, once the Christian recognizes and “understands that there is a biblical sexual ethic—sex is for a man and a woman in marriage—then one grasps that all general statements forbidding sexual sin cover every act between two people other than that which is allowed” (199). The good news is that since homosexuality, in its sundry and assorted expressions, is sin in God’s eyes, there is hope, and the hope is found in God’s antidote. In his eternal Son becoming fully human like us in every possible way, with the exception of sin; who humbled himself and was obedient to the Father, died for the sins of his people, was raised from the dead on the third day, ascended to the Father’s right hand, and has poured out on his people the heart-transforming, lifestyle-changing Holy Spirit! The remedy to this and any sin is found in Jesus Christ as we rely on him and submit to him.
In the end, “Unchanging Witness” is an engulfing book that leaves daring and diligent readers with important decisions. This is a book meant to help faithful Christians to stand face-forward in the raging storm. It is also meant to give those who have been uncertain a robust and resilient confidence. Finally, it confronts those Christians who are hardened in their pro-homosexual position; “the challenge of the pro-homosexual advocates in parts of Western Christianity extends beyond their view of homosexuality. These advocates not only challenge the orthodox teaching of the church through the centuries; they also challenge scriptural authority, the Bible’s teaching on human sinfulness, the work of Christ on the cross, and the transformative power at work in believers’ lives through Christ and the Holy Spirit. In a word, these advocates challenge the essence of the gospel” (376). This book is a must for every Christian pastor, seminary professor, theologian, academic library, and follower of Jesus.
Thanks to B&H Publishing Group for providing, upon my request, the free copy of “Unchanging Witness” used for this review. The assessments are mine given without restrictions or requirements (as per Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255).
(You have my permission to repost and reprint this review. Simply give credit where credit is due. Mike)
Read
October 10, 2019DNF for now. I'll read it when I have a purpose to. Normally I read something when it has pertinence to me, and this one did because I had a paper to write. Now I don't, so I'll set it aside for now.
January 17, 2017
I find the words to describe this book difficult to come by. It isn't riveting, it is indeed academic, so it isn't a page turner so to speak. But one indeed turns and turns the pages. This is perhaps one of the best books I have read recently. It covers the topic thoroughly. It addresses many of the current arguments and refutes them simply by presenting the evidence. Evidence that appears to be directly overlooked or intentionally avoided.
I wholeheartedly implore any person who wishes to understand the universal teaching of the church as well as the cultural climate of the Bible to read this book. If you truly desire to understand the teaching of the Bible, read this book. However, if you simply desire to believe what you want to believe regardless of the evidence, avoid this book. Reading it will indeed not help your cause.
I wholeheartedly implore any person who wishes to understand the universal teaching of the church as well as the cultural climate of the Bible to read this book. If you truly desire to understand the teaching of the Bible, read this book. However, if you simply desire to believe what you want to believe regardless of the evidence, avoid this book. Reading it will indeed not help your cause.
Want to read
December 18, 2016Review by Michael Kruger here.
May 22, 2017
One of the hot-button topics of today's culture is homosexuality, and unfortunately American culture is divided on the issue, some say we must change with the times or others into the fundamental beliefs that culture must be viewed through the lens of scripture rather than the other way around. Whatever position you find yourself holding, homosexuality is an issue which the church needs to be united on. So how does one do this? You must look to scripture to see how God human sexuality and how the church throughout history has talked on it. This is a mountain of a task, yet it is one that has been attempted. From the pens of distinguished professors S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams, and published by B&H Academic, comes a magnificent work on the Bibles and churches tradition on the teachings of the subject matter of homosexuality.
In this book Unchanging Witness Fortson and Grams', as the title suggests, argue that Holy Scripture and tradition have given on in changing witness of condemnation of homosexuality as a sin, regardless of the cultural norms of any time period. This is in stark contrast of certain "Christian" homosexual groups claim. In this book Fortson and Grams' examine the claims by these groups who proclaim that the Bible and tradition have not accepting of homosexuality is commonplace but that the Bible celebrates it and encourages it among its adherents. Appealing scripture original sources, Fortson and Grams' absolutely demolish these claims as false propaganda and show these arguments for what they are heresy at the most basic level. This work while scholarly is not just written for the pastor but is written on the uncommon level between popular and scholarly, and thankfully it reads smooth demonstrating to all that the scriptures condemnation is found throughout scripture while proving that this part of theology has always been taught throughout the history of the Church. This is a book not want to skip, it is waiting but it will help you understand what scripture teaches she has taught compared to that which culture is shoveling down your throat. This work, it is a must buy.
This book was provided to me free of charge from B&H Academic Publishing in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition
© 2016 by S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams
Publisher: B&H Academic
Page Count: 448 Pages
ISBN: 978-1433687921
In this book Unchanging Witness Fortson and Grams', as the title suggests, argue that Holy Scripture and tradition have given on in changing witness of condemnation of homosexuality as a sin, regardless of the cultural norms of any time period. This is in stark contrast of certain "Christian" homosexual groups claim. In this book Fortson and Grams' examine the claims by these groups who proclaim that the Bible and tradition have not accepting of homosexuality is commonplace but that the Bible celebrates it and encourages it among its adherents. Appealing scripture original sources, Fortson and Grams' absolutely demolish these claims as false propaganda and show these arguments for what they are heresy at the most basic level. This work while scholarly is not just written for the pastor but is written on the uncommon level between popular and scholarly, and thankfully it reads smooth demonstrating to all that the scriptures condemnation is found throughout scripture while proving that this part of theology has always been taught throughout the history of the Church. This is a book not want to skip, it is waiting but it will help you understand what scripture teaches she has taught compared to that which culture is shoveling down your throat. This work, it is a must buy.
This book was provided to me free of charge from B&H Academic Publishing in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition
© 2016 by S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams
Publisher: B&H Academic
Page Count: 448 Pages
ISBN: 978-1433687921
May 21, 2018
Robert Gagnon’s book might still be the definitive scholarly treatment of the Bible’s position on homosexuality, but this book is a close second, and offers its own unique contribution by explaining in great detail how the church has historically and across all denominational lines been absolutely unified in its agreement on the sinfulness of homosexual practice. Reading this can be a little tedious since it gives generous attention to numerous primary sources, but the overall effect is devastating to any attempt to promote homosexuality within the Christian tradition.
I appreciate in particular that the authors understand the seriousness of this issue. This is not a secondary matter open to different opinions within the church, but in fact has become a “dividing line between orthodox Christianity and those who no longer confess the faith of the church across the centuries.” (377). The church indeed is at a watershed moment in its history.
There is no angry or hateful condemnation of gay people in this book; only a thorough and convincing defeat of the clever arguments that seek to overthrow constraints imposed by traditional Christianity. The power of the cross offers not just pardon for all of our sins, but also the power of transformation to live as new creatures in Christ.
I appreciate in particular that the authors understand the seriousness of this issue. This is not a secondary matter open to different opinions within the church, but in fact has become a “dividing line between orthodox Christianity and those who no longer confess the faith of the church across the centuries.” (377). The church indeed is at a watershed moment in its history.
There is no angry or hateful condemnation of gay people in this book; only a thorough and convincing defeat of the clever arguments that seek to overthrow constraints imposed by traditional Christianity. The power of the cross offers not just pardon for all of our sins, but also the power of transformation to live as new creatures in Christ.
March 26, 2025
Outrageous book based on the greatest lie of LGBT history: For the purposes of this book, we are concerned with the historical and biblical arguments presented by McNeill and other pro-gay Christian activists who seek to discredit the historic Christian church, FALSELY charging her with persecuting gays and supporting “sodomy laws that have sent thousands of gays to their deaths.” Authors are supporters of criminal totalitarian ideology which exterminated (and is still exterminating) millions of people, including LGBT. LGBT were being exterminated by chri...an criminals for centuries. There are paintings presenting burning gays at the stakes (Homosexuality in Art, Smalls), in 2018 has been published PhD thesis by Roelens which has counted that in the Law Countries 1400-1700 250 homosexuals were exterminated. How many in the whole world in the whole history of christianity? We don't know yet, because that truth is very unwelcome by chri...an criminals which are affriad of the creation of LGBT martyrs. That's why they are spreading that heinous lie spitting thousands of innocent people in their faces... when I'm reading other reviews here I can clearly see what is the intelectual level of christians... pathetic.
February 12, 2016
We are now witnessing a moral transformation before our own eyes. It is a cultural shift that continues to sweep the land, and it is the issue of same-sex marriage and homosexuality that stands at the forefront of this fast-moving revolution, and its agenda is being bolstered on nearly every street corner. Are Christians to assume that they have got it wrong all this time? Has tradition really misunderstood what appears to be the clear and consistent message of Scripture on these issues? In today’s increasingly post-Christian world it is imperative that such challenges are met with gentleness and love, and the Christian must be well-equipped to meet such tasks. It is here that S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams have provided a unique and timely volume that aims to fill a much needed void amid an ever-changing world.
Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition (B&H Academic, 2016) begins with a history of the Gay Christian movement in America—from the New York Stonewall Inn riots of 1969 to the publication and proclamation of the Boswell Thesis in the early 1980’s. This is an appropriate place to start the conversation for the reader. Not only does it provide a well-documented outline of events for where we are today, but it also helpfully places the conversation amid its proper historical context. This context then becomes an essential part of the initial section as the reader is guided through nearly two millennia of church history, beginning with the Church Fathers and ending with the current landscape of many modern mainline denominations. Fortson and Grams systematically dismantle the revisionist claims that characterize the Gay Christian movement, but it is the abundance of primary source material that carries the bulk of their argumentative weight.
With the historical foundation firmly established, Fortson and Grams can now direct the appropriate attention to the Scriptures that rightly motivated the previous convictions of the Christian Church. This section is divided into three parts: (1) The Bible and Homosexuality, (2) Creation and Law: Old Testament Text and Homosexuality, and (3) Creation, the Law and the Gospel: New Testament Text and Homosexuality—with the latter two parts comprising nearly half of the content of the book. There is no Scriptural concern that is left unturned as Fortson and Grams carefully guide the reader through the biblical passages, what the text says about homosexuality, how the text was understood historically and culturally, and how the text has been understood and interpreted by Christians (p. 2). The interaction with the major interpreters of the Gay Christian movement is ample, and the reader will benefit greatly from the level of scholarship and documentation provided therein.
The attention to scholarly detail in this volume is incredible. On a stylistic note, Fortson and Grams have chosen to utilize the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible because of the similar ecumenical intent of the volume and translation. Fortson and Grams have also provided a whole host of primary source material in the initial section of the book, and to make interaction easier for the reader they have used italics to highlight the portions of text that are most important. In regards to the content, it would be difficult to differentiate between the quality of work therein. Every chapter is equally important to the thesis of the book and the interaction with the Gay Christian movement is witnessed throughout. Nevertheless, some points of particular enjoyment will be the parallels presented between the law code text of Leviticus and Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 5-7 and the revisionist readings of Romans 1:24-28. Moreover, the assessment of the Pauline argument of nature/creation and nurture/law in Romans was also extremely helpful for interacting with some of the contemporary arguments against the traditional understanding of the texts. One major downfall of the volume is the lack of a bibliography. While skimming the footnotes is more work, and I am reluctant to recommend such, it will certainly prove beneficial for the interested reader.
Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition by S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams is easily projected to be one of the most important books of 2016. The comprehensive treatment of the issues at hand are presented in a clear and persuasive manner that only the most uninformed of readers would be willing to ignore. Of course, while continuing to play interpretive leapfrog with the biblical text may work in prolonging the conversation among supporters, the nearly two millennia of unchanging witness within the Christian community is not easily dismissed—at least not without severe logical and historical implications. The testimony of both Scripture and the response of the people of God to such have been unanimously opposed to the current revolutionary trend that is sweeping the nation, and Fortson and Grams have displayed this fact with undeniable precision. The Christian would do well in reading this book with careful and attentive eyes of compassion for the ever-changing world around them. It comes highly recommended!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition (B&H Academic, 2016) begins with a history of the Gay Christian movement in America—from the New York Stonewall Inn riots of 1969 to the publication and proclamation of the Boswell Thesis in the early 1980’s. This is an appropriate place to start the conversation for the reader. Not only does it provide a well-documented outline of events for where we are today, but it also helpfully places the conversation amid its proper historical context. This context then becomes an essential part of the initial section as the reader is guided through nearly two millennia of church history, beginning with the Church Fathers and ending with the current landscape of many modern mainline denominations. Fortson and Grams systematically dismantle the revisionist claims that characterize the Gay Christian movement, but it is the abundance of primary source material that carries the bulk of their argumentative weight.
With the historical foundation firmly established, Fortson and Grams can now direct the appropriate attention to the Scriptures that rightly motivated the previous convictions of the Christian Church. This section is divided into three parts: (1) The Bible and Homosexuality, (2) Creation and Law: Old Testament Text and Homosexuality, and (3) Creation, the Law and the Gospel: New Testament Text and Homosexuality—with the latter two parts comprising nearly half of the content of the book. There is no Scriptural concern that is left unturned as Fortson and Grams carefully guide the reader through the biblical passages, what the text says about homosexuality, how the text was understood historically and culturally, and how the text has been understood and interpreted by Christians (p. 2). The interaction with the major interpreters of the Gay Christian movement is ample, and the reader will benefit greatly from the level of scholarship and documentation provided therein.
The attention to scholarly detail in this volume is incredible. On a stylistic note, Fortson and Grams have chosen to utilize the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible because of the similar ecumenical intent of the volume and translation. Fortson and Grams have also provided a whole host of primary source material in the initial section of the book, and to make interaction easier for the reader they have used italics to highlight the portions of text that are most important. In regards to the content, it would be difficult to differentiate between the quality of work therein. Every chapter is equally important to the thesis of the book and the interaction with the Gay Christian movement is witnessed throughout. Nevertheless, some points of particular enjoyment will be the parallels presented between the law code text of Leviticus and Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 5-7 and the revisionist readings of Romans 1:24-28. Moreover, the assessment of the Pauline argument of nature/creation and nurture/law in Romans was also extremely helpful for interacting with some of the contemporary arguments against the traditional understanding of the texts. One major downfall of the volume is the lack of a bibliography. While skimming the footnotes is more work, and I am reluctant to recommend such, it will certainly prove beneficial for the interested reader.
Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition by S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams is easily projected to be one of the most important books of 2016. The comprehensive treatment of the issues at hand are presented in a clear and persuasive manner that only the most uninformed of readers would be willing to ignore. Of course, while continuing to play interpretive leapfrog with the biblical text may work in prolonging the conversation among supporters, the nearly two millennia of unchanging witness within the Christian community is not easily dismissed—at least not without severe logical and historical implications. The testimony of both Scripture and the response of the people of God to such have been unanimously opposed to the current revolutionary trend that is sweeping the nation, and Fortson and Grams have displayed this fact with undeniable precision. The Christian would do well in reading this book with careful and attentive eyes of compassion for the ever-changing world around them. It comes highly recommended!
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
January 18, 2025
A helpful book that defends the non-affirming position well. There are also numerous primary sources provided where relevant. Definitely a book worth having on your shelf if you desire to read more on the topic.
June 23, 2021
An excellent and compelling overview of sexuality in the early church. A very academic read.
March 3, 2023
This is dense and super detailed with many references to historical texts. I found it helpful to see the bigger picture amidst many claims in our modern setting.
August 26, 2016
This issue of homosexuality is the roaring issue on the doorstep of Christianity. That the world is embroiled in it is no surprise, but that some corners of Christendom are bowled over by it is. The biggest shock of all is what is proclaimed to be biblical and historic in Christianity on the subject. That is why this new book by S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams is so timely, helpful, and important.
The task these scholars tackle with such aplomb is showing that homosexuality has always been biblically and historically wrong in our Christian faith. They show in one succinct chapter how the gay movement has proceeded since it embarked upon a political path in the 1960s. Then the next 6 chapters show what all parts of Christianity has believed on the subject since the beginning with plenty of direct historical quotation and analysis. They may provide more than you will feel you need, but you will appreciate their careful labor.
The balance of the book examines the biblical passages mentioning homosexuality. They spend time mentioning every argument presented by pro-homosexual scholars. You see these other scholars have been incredibly unscholarly, careless, and even dishonest. Some may not like all that scholarly interaction, but this is a case where it’s needed appreciated.
A person can say they think homosexuality is acceptable because they choose not to accept the truthfulness of Scripture, but one cannot logically or honestly say the Bible supports homosexuality. These authors have put any Christians who study this subject in a great debt by so ably providing that proof.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The task these scholars tackle with such aplomb is showing that homosexuality has always been biblically and historically wrong in our Christian faith. They show in one succinct chapter how the gay movement has proceeded since it embarked upon a political path in the 1960s. Then the next 6 chapters show what all parts of Christianity has believed on the subject since the beginning with plenty of direct historical quotation and analysis. They may provide more than you will feel you need, but you will appreciate their careful labor.
The balance of the book examines the biblical passages mentioning homosexuality. They spend time mentioning every argument presented by pro-homosexual scholars. You see these other scholars have been incredibly unscholarly, careless, and even dishonest. Some may not like all that scholarly interaction, but this is a case where it’s needed appreciated.
A person can say they think homosexuality is acceptable because they choose not to accept the truthfulness of Scripture, but one cannot logically or honestly say the Bible supports homosexuality. These authors have put any Christians who study this subject in a great debt by so ably providing that proof.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 7, 2021
Excellent survey of the biblical and historical view of sexuality.
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