What God Has Joined Together: The Christian Case for Gay Marriage

I saw this while browsing a local bookstore and picked it up, and I'm glad I did. Myers and Scanzoni make a very convincing case that A) marriage is good for both individuals and society and should therefor be protected, and that B) the best way to protect marriage and promote a healthy society is to allow gays to marry as well. They contend that the battle against gay marriage serves to support the alternatives to marriage movement (for straights as well as gays) which harms society and is bad for individuals. Myers and Scanzoni also give good summaries of related issues such as apparent condemnations of homosexuality in the bible, and sexual reorientation training (it doesn't work).

"What God Has Joined Together" is a gracefully written argument in favor of gay marriage. Despite the contentious debate around this issue, the book is written in a gentle style that reminded me of a peaceful sermon. The authors use empirical studies to make their case -- all people need community and security, gays and lesbians can't change their orientation, marriage can be strengthened by allowing gays and lesbians to marry. This isn't a polemic designed to galvanize one side in opposition to another - it is a call for liberal and conservative Christians to find common ground.

This is an excellent book for those interested in learning about Gay Rights, Gay Marriage, and the alienation of Gays from traditional Religion. I was impressed with the chapter on What the Bible Does and Doesn't Say. It corrects mis-translations and points out that "the word Homosexuality is never used in Scripture" and didn't exist until the late 19th century. This is an a good resource for Bible students as well.

This thoughtful and objective essay on a very "hot topic" should be required reading for all people who have something to say on the subject and especially policy makers and religious leaders.

Myers & Scanzoni have written a solid middle-ground book that builds lots of bridges. I hope that folks on different sides of the chasm will use this book to heal the terrible divide on gay marriage. Well written, easy to read, clear arguments, lots of information. Glad to read such a carefully balanced book; wonderful alternative to the angry bombast coming from both sides of the argument. - Tom Eggebeen