Frequently Asked Questions About Sexuality, the Bible, & the Church

by Ted A. Smith (Editor)

Twenty-six scholars from nineteen seminaries and colleges offer short, accessible essays that take on the tough questions congregations and clergy across the country are asking as they seek discernment on ordination, sexual orientation, and what it means to be called by God. This booklet grows out of a realization that many of our debates about sexuality and ordination have grown thin, stale and mean, Smith, a professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School, writes. "We need questions that help us find better ways of listening together for the Word of God." The questions asked range from "What do the Gospels say about sex and sexuality?" to "Is there room in the PC(USA) for those of differing orientations?" The answers come from academics such as Thomas G. Long; Su Yon Pak; Patrick D. Miller, Beverly Roberts Gaventa, and Gayraud S. Wilmore, among others.

121 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2006

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be required reading for anyone who uses the bible to form their opinions, particularly for those people who think the bible can be used to discriminate. There are 26 or so short essays by prominent theologians who explain (each almost in its own different way) the many interpretations for what the bible really says about modern day homosexuality and rebuttals to arguments typically made to exclude the LGBT community. It's done in an intelligent, well-thoughtout, dispassionate way, but it still accessible and applicable. The only negative is that it only presents arguments from one side, but that is hardly a negative, considering there are unlikely any legitimate arguments on the other side. I would love, however, to see someone try.