Homosexuality: How Should Christians Respond?

by Richard F. Lovelace

In recent times the question of homosexual rights has burst upon the scene, becoming a burning, emotional controversy. Many church leaders have become embroiled in debate and entire denominations are sharply divided over this issue. Though the church has traditionally served as a moralistic commentator on the sidelines, it now finds itself in the middle of this controversy. Should self-affirmed, sexually active homosexuals be ordained as ministers? Should they even be welcomed as fellow believers? How should the Bible be interpreted, and what is its role in ethical guidance of reason, experience, and the Holy Spirit? Should the church tolerate a diversity of convictions and life styles in its sexual ethic? In How Should Christians Respond? Dr. Richard F. Lovelace deals with these questions from an evangelical point of view. He presents the historic church position from Augustine to Theilicke and surveys and analyzes the literature of recent decades which challenges the historic position. Biblical texts that speak specifically on homosexual behavior are studied extensively and brought into sharp focus by corollary Scripture passages. This is an intensely practical book, sensitively written to help the church reach out to the needs of homosexuals in constructive and compassionate ways.

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Not to be confused with Richard Lovelace, the English seventeenth century poet.