Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church

Until recently most books fit neatly into two camps: non-affirming books were written by evangelicals and affirming books by non-evangelicals. Today, this divide no longer exists. Recent books written by evangelicals appeal to the authority and inspiration of Scripture as they argue for an affirming view. The question of what the Bible says about homosexuality is now an intra-evangelical discussion.

Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church articulates evangelical views about what the Bible says about homosexuality and how the church should minister to people who experience same-sex attraction. It addresses not only biblical and theological questions, but also the pressing pastoral questions for the church.

How do we interpret the passages that appear to prohibit same-sex relations? How does a theology of marriage, gender, and sex inform our understanding of modern-day same-sex relations? How does the biblical material apply to the contemporary debate—and especially to consensual, monogamous, loving same-sex relations? How should the church posture itself towards LGBTQ people?

These and other questions are examined in four essays, two defending a non-affirming view and two defending an affirming view, with each side represented by a biblical scholar and a theologian:

Affirming view

• William Loader (biblical studies)
• Megan K. DeFranza (theological studies)

Non-affirming view

• Wesley Hill (biblical studies)
• Stephen R. Holmes (theological studies)

Contributors then engage each other’s views in responses and are given a chance for a final rejoinder.