Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #345753 in Books
• Published on: 2000-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

Customer Reviews

An informative little book, but not the whole story.
Helminiak takes a straightforward scriptural approach by tackling the main witnesses (Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians and Timothy) in turn. Rejecting the literal view of Scripture he argues for the historical-critical approach, mainly with a detailed analysis for the meaning of words and their wider application elsewhere in the Bible. Additional contextual elements are brought in – for example ritual purity in the Old Testament – where necessary. However this is not a book about the OT and NT background to sexuality and ethics. Nor is it a book about the modern debate around Christianity and homosexuality, although it provides detailed background information on the scriptural elements that some have sought to use in justifying their condemnation of homosexuality.

The style is straightforward and easy to read, with Helminiak mainly presenting his own views, with the occasional short reference to other (usually contrary) viewpoints. This book is not a literature review, or balanced “state of play” of the academic, or popular, debate. To keep the text clear, he avoids footnotes and references but has a helpful short annotated bibliography of the main modern texts on the subject.

He stresses the need to see the scriptural usage in context, and manages – usually, but not always, convincingly – to portray both the OT and the NT as considering homosexuality (more accurately male-male genital acts) as socially unacceptable (in its context) and not a sin before God.

His overall conclusion is that the Bible really has very little to say about homogenital acts and nothing about homosexuality as we would consider it today. In this he follows others, such as Scroggs.

The strengths of this book are that it is short, readable and has a clear focus (on Scripture). As such it is a very good starting point when investigating homosexuality in the Bible. It helpfully makes clear that the Bible concentrates on the actions, not orientation, of males, and has little to say about lesbianism (although Helminiak does discuss the latter).

Its weaknesses are that it pays insufficient attention to contrary views and as such the careful student will have to research elsewhere. Similarly, he does not discuss the issues of Christianity and homosexuality that go beyond Scripture although, to be fair, he never sets out to tackle such a wide remit.

Overall a valuable and informative look at one of the key elements in the debate surrounding homosexuality, the Bible and the modern church. From a liberal perspective a very good place to start, but not an alternative to reading widely.

Giving hope for gay Christians
The central focus for this book is Christ's Love, a fact that most legalist Christians forget. This author takes a deeper look into some of the bible passages in a clear and accessible way. I found particularly useful the chapter about Romans. It also points out how dangerous is the literal way of interpreting the bible. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to think deeper and gain a true understanding of these passages.

Splendid!
I can't remember the last time I found a book that captured my attention as this one. I was absolutely thrilled to find such a treasure! For someone who is gay and is involved in church and religion is is an absolute MUST to read. It sure opened my eyes ... I feel I am well-equipped to support myself during any "heated-debate" .... My friends and family all want to read this book too.