Homosexuality and Bible

This book is a good brief introduction to both sides of this debate. It is one of the few works available that actually represents both sides. I would recommend this as a starting point for anyone looking into the debate. For those who are interested, Gagnon has also written the definitive work on the subject representing the Biblical position. It is entitled, "The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics."

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This book will provide readers with the two opposing arguments concerning the Christian/Biblical perspective on the practice of homosexuality. The authors have excellent educational backgrounds and have written extensively about the topic of Christian ethics. What you can expect from this book is to gain a picture of how each professor approaches his argument. Via proposes that homosexual relationships should be treated no differently that heterosexual relationships by Christians. Gagnon takes the position that any homosexual behavior is sinful and should be resisted and not accepted as normative by Christians. Via makes his case by stating that the Biblical prohibition of homosexual behavior is quaint or merely contextual to the times of the writers of Scripture. He values cultural experience, scientific propositions, orientation and intentions over the authority of Scripture to dictate behavior for people and to determine what is congruent with Christian behavior. Via attempts to make the case that the Levitical prohibitions of homosexual behavior are categorized as related to "unclean" things like leprosy or food laws. He therefore tries to make the case that Jesus declared these things "clean" and removed the laws against homosexuality also. He also argues that people are bodily and sexual and that the abundant life Jesus promises involves sexual expression and fulfillment; therefore, to deny the homosexually oriented person his or her sexual fulfillment according to that orientation is preventing him or her from living the abundant life of Jesus. So, to thwart homosexuals is ultimately an anti-Christ work. Gagnon, on the other hand, begins with Scripture as the ultimate authority on this and any other morality. For Gagnon, Scripture firmly shows that homosexual behavior is sinful and therefore harmful. There is no reason, culturally, experientially or scientifically that would overrule the prohibitions and clear teachings of Scripture on the subject. He also contextualizes the biblical view on homosexuality as rising from the Jewish tradition that assumed the sinfulness of homosexual behavior. He also sees the Jewish and Christian prohibition of homosexual behavior as being in contrast with the Greco-Roman culture that included all types of sexual relationships, so this affirms the Christian practice of viewing all homosexual behavior as sinful as opposed to just "exploitative" homosexual relationships, as some in Via's court argue. My response to the two authors is that Via is attempting to read into Scripture what is clearly not present, that is that some New Testament authority in Jesus obliges people to live out their homosexuality in disregard for biblical prohibitions. Essentially, Via argues from an experiential, humanistic view that subjects Scripture to culture and the individual. Gagnon makes a firm, Scriptural argument against the normalcy of homosexual behavior. So readers will have to decide which is authorita

This is a scholarly and civil treatment of a controversial issue. Dr. Via admits the scriptures consistently condemn homosexual practice. The core of his argument is: "I maintain, however, that the absolute prohibition can be overridden regardless of how many times it is stated, for there are good reasons to override it" (p. 94). Dr. Gagnon contends that there are no good reasons to override the clear teaching of scripture. He says, "It is hard, when one sees another struggling with temptations, not to alleviate the struggle by permitting what Scripture deems sinful" (p. 92). He argues against declassifying homosexuality as a sin regardless of societal pressure to do so. I was unconvinced by Via's reasons to override the scriptures, but I found his arguments useful in understanding those who take his stand. I would recommend this book as an introduction to a scriptural view of homosexuality.

For those who want to understand the current debate about whether homosexuality is condemned in scripture or not, this is one of the best resources I have found. It presents both sides of the debate, and leaves it to you to make your own decision. Extremely well presented.