Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church's Debate on Same-Sex Relationships

by James V. Brownson

In Bible, Gender, Sexuality James Brownson argues that Christians should reconsider whether or not the biblical strictures against same-sex relations as defined in the ancient world should apply to contemporary, committed same-sex relationships. Presenting two sides in the debate -- "traditionalist" and "revisionist" -- Brownson carefully analyzes each of the seven main texts that appear to address intimate same-sex relations. In the process, he explores key concepts that inform our understanding of the biblical texts, including patriarchy, complementarity, purity and impurity, honor and shame. Central to his argument is the need to uncover the moral logic behind the biblical text. Written in order to serve and inform the ongoing debate in many denominations over the questions of homosexuality, Brownson's in-depth study will prove a useful resource for Christians who want to form a considered opinion on this important issue.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Sexuality, LGBT, Christianity, Christian

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2013

Reviews

[Emily Timbol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not recommended any book to friends, family, and fellow church-goers as much as this one, and for three good reasons:

1)It is the absolute best book out there that I've read (and I've read a lot of them) that deals with the issues of homosexuality and the Bible. This book answers all of your questions, and even ones you didn't know you had.

2) It's written by someone who has the knowledge, wisdom, and experience to speak to multiple generations of people with questions about the Bible. This isn't just opinion, it's academic, researched, fact.

3) Unlike so many other books out there on the topic, it isn't dry, boring, or hard to read. Dr. Brownson writes in an easy to understand, engaging style that will make any reader want to continue until the end.

A few months ago I had the privilege of meeting and listening to Dr. Brownson and it was an honor to be face-to-face with a man who has written such a valuable book. If you've ever wanted something to read to answer your question of, "Can a gay person be a Christian?" or "Can I support gay relationships?" This is the book you need to read.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Persusing reviews for books like this can be frustrating. Frequently those who are uncomfortable with Brownson's argument immediately lump it in the 1-star category, while there are those on the "other side" who are equally-simply looking for a smart argument that affirms their own desire to affirm same-sex unions in the church and slap it with 5-stars (or whatever the appropriate rating system allows). What both seem to miss is interacting with the substance of the argument laid out in the work, which, it is important to admit in this case, is extremely good.

Brownson has, in my estimation, provided the most thoughtful, sensitive, and lucid explanation for an affirming perspective that is rooted in careful biblical exegesis. One doesn't need to "agree" with his conclusions to notice and appreciate this, and I think that those of us in ministry would do well to take notice and thoughtfully engage with his arguments here. In particular, his discussions of topics like "gender complementarity," patriarchy, lust & desire, and kinship are all remarkably culturally-aware and pastorally sensitive. This is not a lightweight argument that ignores opposing viewpoints, and we need to treat it with the respect that type of argument deserves.

While I found some of his afore-mentioned discussions compelling, there were also interesting missing pieces. I wish he had interacted more carefully with the image of marriage in Ephesians 5, and I found his dismissal of the considerations of sexual orientation (as a concept) in the ancient world to be a bit too quick. So I may not be in alignment with his conclusions, but the fact remains that I was enriched by the book, and encourage anyone who is interacting with these discussions today to be familiar with it.

For a balanced response, from the "traditionalist" perspective, see Wesley Hill: http://livingchurch.org/2013/06/07/gu...

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book because the author is a professor at a seminary of the denomination I grew up in. The denomination is considering the ordination of practicing gays and this book is a move in that direction. The author had written at least one position paper opposing such a move. Then his son announced he was gay. Now the author has rethought the issue and is very accepting of loving, committed same sex relationships. His arguments are complex, looking at early Greek literature for use of words, etc. Rather than taking the Bible at face value, he explains away much of the prohibition. I am not impressed with his argument. When it takes hundreds of pages to explain why the Bible does not say what it says, I think it is an exercise in making the Bible say what we want it to say. See my full and extensive review at http://bit.ly/109Qmcy.

[Emma Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book, which affirms LGBT Christians, so I can give it to my dad. I hope it helps him.

[Will Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well-written in a way that really facilitated understanding for me. I am not very familiar with Christianity, and I often feel lost when trying to read exegeses and academic takes on the Bible. When using examples and quotations from the Bible, Brownsen illustrates their significance, their relations to one another, and their relevance today in a way that is clear and logical. It could have been easy for me to get lost with so much information, but Brownsen simplifies and sums up his main points with bullet points at the end of every chapter, and he continuously reiterates those points throughout the book while connecting them to one another and transferring them from historical times to the contemporary. Those common threads run throughout the entire book, and while there are moments where the redundancy can get a little grating, they gave me something concrete onto which to grasp and keep hold. (On the redundnacy note: I think that reading this book within a few sittings is what made those threads seem less like refreshers and more like redundant repetition at times, since I did not take many breaks or much time off in between chapters. If I had taken longer to read the book, the repetition likely would have served me well.)

While Brownsen ultimately gives more weight to revisionist interpretations, I think that he presents both traditional and revisionist approaches with fairness and nuance, and he discusses the issues that arise with each as well as the ways we can embrace, adapt, and/or reject aspects of those approaches to create a multifaceted interpretation that is appropriate for a contemporary and diverse society.

[Anja Noordam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is written not so much with an open mind but by a loving father who wants to make sense of his son's sexual orientation. If what the bible seems to say conflicts with this preconceived idea, the words of the bible are taken apart and fit together again so they fit in the box. Maybe dr. Brownson should write about this subject again in 20 years.

[Fr. Thomas Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

The value of this book for me was to get acquainted with some of the exegesis, reasoning, and applications of those arguing for the appropriateness of life-long, lasting, same-sex relationships.

The book is thoughtfully written in an academic sense (and the author writes very well), but bias seems evident throughout. There is a "bone" thrown to the "traditional view of marriage", but like so much of modern Protestantism (conservative and liberal alike), the exegesis is approached from an individualistic hermeneutic with seemingly few sensitivities to the realities of "the informing traditions" that we all have vying for our attention. Modern context, life experience, and "fine-sounding arguments" abound; the reality of a transcendent and necessary Christian tradition (although, often fallibly understood) seems arbitrary to the book. There is little in the book that leaves room for other, more historic interpretations of scripture.

Beyond some grand idea of the "love of God" (which seems to avoid counter-cultural thinking or anything that would be "tough" on those being loved), Gospel and Kingdom teaching seemed to have little bearing on the outcomes of the author's interpretation. There is no sense of the place of suffering, the complexities of our own penchant toward self-idolatry and self-destruction, and the blindness we have as finite and sinful creatures (redeemed or not).

In my mind, this author has little hesitancy taking huge philosophical leaps, basing crucial decisions in the text using arguments from silence, and constantly engaging "possible" interpretations of the text as the "likely" interpretations with the wave of an individualistic magic wand.

That said, it does seem that the author is trying to deal with the scriptures seriously, and is interacting with the key sources in regards to the discussion at hand in the Protestant church (and Biblical theology as a whole). Thus, this book is less reactive and concentrated more on the exegesis of scripture than many other tomes. I did find some of his work in various sources helpful and thought-provoking.

However, the author's need to find "what he is looking for" in the Biblical text betrays him, thus, giving the book a strongly eisegetical flavor.

[Heather Alexander-Leduc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was read to try and make sense of why the CRC is swinging so conservative in its Synod decisions and how people with dissenting opinions can frame their dissent. I think that Brownson's arguments are solid and logical, and point toward a fully affirming Church. I didn't enjoy the process of reading it, purely because it was so academic, but this good be a good resource for people trying to get others in their church to have some empathy for, and embrace and affirm, the LGBTQ+ members of the church.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly the book i had hoped and expected it to be.

The author came from and looked toward the same place i was coming from and looking toward.

I begin with this bias: I actually want the Bible to tell me that the non-heterosexual people in my life are fully acceptable, and NOT “love the sinner, hate the sin.” I was comfortable with that position for a long time, until the issue got too close and i felt like my choice became either push a sinner you love away from you in an unloving manner, or call what is bad good. I couldn’t live with either choice.

Unexpectedly, i found that the first parts of the book deepened my understanding of biblical heterosexual life and marriage, which was an enriching and thought provoking experience.

The author’s conclusions on what a broad, cross-cultural vision for the center of Christian Sexual Ethics was strong and convincing.

I would say that in the exploration of the boundary language of romans 1:24-27, the author was less convincing. However, the extensive thought put into the interpretation of the words used on this passage did reveal that they may not be as clear and straightforward as i had previously believed. Words are tricky, and this section was enough for me to admit i may not know what i thought i knew.

And at that point, he presented what seem like two choices available to the church, one of which i feel i can fully embrace, with the new humility to say, maybe have not but still do not understand God’s view of this issue, and maybe that is ok.

The author did NOT force me to conclude that homosexuality is part of God’s plan for humanity, but rather gave me the option of this humility. I feel i can move forward in life, seeing this as one of very many aspects of human life that are broken in this fallen world. But this brokenness does not have to hold a special place amongst all the other broken bits of us, as it long has. Instead, it can be yet another place in which God uses the broken things, the unacceptable things of this world, and brings great good, beauty, and healing.

This is exactly what i needed. I think a lot of other Christians need it too.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally review nonfiction, but this book is too good to not talk about. If you follow Christianity and are in, or know someone in the LGBT+ community, I highly recommend you read this book. Brownson takes time to examine commonly used Biblical passages down to the original languages, and provides the cultural content of those passages. He also does his best to examine arguments on both sides of the debate—acknowledging their best and worst logic. He also provides a framework for Christian gay and lesbian relationships that are founded in scripture.

My biggest criticism is that Brownson mostly focuses on the L and G in the acronym. I would have loved more discussion about the spiritual framework for other sexual and gender minorities, but I think the same principles can be applied there as well. Brownson also writes like a scholar, so don’t expect a light beach read with this book. Still, I think it’s worth a look if these issues are relevant to you or someone you care about.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Brownson’s argument in this book is that when the Bible writers do not condemn same sex committed monogamous relationships and thus there is no reason for Christians to do so today. This is probably the best book I have read on the subject (David Gushee’s is probably more approachable for the laymen, this one is a little heavier in the Bible and theology department).

Brownson argument focuses on Romans 1 because that is really the primary passage that this entire debate centers on. Romans 1 condemns same sex relationships, calling them unnatural. This is clear. The question Brownson forces us to ask is, why are such relationships condemned? What does it mean to say they are unnatural?

Whether we agree with Brownson’s conclusions or not, this is a vital point of biblical interpretation. It is unhealthy to just glance at a verse, read it at surface level and take it at so-called face value. Our assumptions, cultural norms, values, scientific understanding and much else shape what we mean by “face value” after all. As Brownson points out, to the writers of the New Testament, long hair was “unnatural.” So too was women in leadership. Further, a face value interpretation of the Bible can easily be seen to support slavery (and was seen that way through the Civil War in America). Interpretation is hard, as is questioning long-held beliefs. But it must be done.

Brownson’s argument is too long and detailed to get into here (and why should I do your work for you?). He basically argues Paul’s condemnation focuses on self-centered lust. Men who were married to women were so filled with lust they would seek sex with men. Included in this was, at times, temple prostitution and pedarasty (men with younger boys). In a hierarchical culture, women were seen as lower on the scale, so it was unnatural and shameful to take the female position in a male-male relationship. There are more arguments in here. Through all of this, the key point Brownson makes is that same-sex committed monogamous relationships are not condemned. They were rarely, if ever, even in view.

Paul, and the ancient writers of scripture in general, had no concept of sexual orientation as we understand it today. People are born inclined to be attracted to men or women and there is little to no evidence that this can be changed (even organizations that existed to help people change their orientation admit at most like 15% actually change). The church has challenged those with same-sex attraction to go against their natural inclination and marry someone of the opposite sex. But if orientation rarely changes, this sets them up for broken marriages and families. The church also challenges all same-sex attracted people to just be celibate. Yet celibacy has always been a special calling, not something for whole groups of people. The best thing the church could do for same-sex attracted people is to ask them to not go against their natural inclination (and marry a person of the opposite gender or to be celibate) but to marry someone they desire to marry.

In this, the calling to self-sacrificial love and lifelong commitment would be the same that it is for heterosexual couples.

Brownson’s argument is probably the strongest you will find for this view. Of course, if you desire, you can find arguments for the traditional view.

I guess that’s the thing. Throughout the history of the church, you could find arguments for and against a whole lot of things. In the 1100s it was obvious the Bible supported holy war against the Muslims, in the 1800s it was obvious the Bible supported slavery and up until recently it was obvious all Jews were guilty of the killing of Jesus. People had chapter and verse and everyone took such ideas for granted.

Until they didn’t. But they often didn’t change through studying the Bible more. Slavery ended with the Civil War and after that we all learned to read the Bible through an abolitionist lens. I imagine the same will happen with our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. As more people see same-sex couples who love Jesus, serve others, are kind and demonstrate the same sort of self-sacrificial love for one another as heterosexual couples do, this will continue to force us to dig deeper into the scriptures, past the surface level that merely confirms our traditions.

I guess only time will tell. For now, I am thankful for books like Brownson’s because whether you disagree or agree with his argument, he offers a strong one to be reckoned with.

[Hayden Grooms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is most likely the strongest book in favor of same-sex relationships from a Christian perspective. Brownson does a great job digging deep into the underlying moral logic of the prohibition passages. He dives deep into the heart of Romans One in four divided chapters, carefully breaking down its language into what this means for us as a society today. He keeps Scripture fully authoritative with an eschatological vision in sight. Please read. It’s vital.

[Spenceface Klavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Committed Christians who experience same sex attraction must navigate the influence of two equally pernicious interest groups. On the one hand there is a reflexive legalism which disguises cultural prejudice behind ahistorical and quite flimsy exegesis, using selective readings of decontextualised passages to lay intolerable burdens upon troubled souls (see Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46).
Yet those gay people who react against such bigotry run the risk of abandoning entirely the robust commitment to scriptural authority and divine sovereignty which is the Christian's only hope in discerning and obeying the will of God. Christians who long for loving same-sex relationships too often lose their faith and fall victim to forces within the LGBTQ movement which offer liberation at the cost of senseless libertinism. For all its many achievements, this branch of the gay rights movement has not yet furnished a serious framework for any sort of ennobling or sanctified sexual ethic.
Thus, though there are loving voices on both sides of this debate, those are sadly not the voices which tend to prevail: having been putatively disbarred from Christian orthodoxy as unfairly monopolized by the worst kind of conservatism, gay people often find themselves at the mercy of the worst kind of liberalism.
Against this backdrop Brownson is a breath of magnificent fresh air. He takes the Bible seriously as God's revealed word and seeks to make it his absolute authority, while still forming answers to the major modern questions of sexuality which are neither flippant nor blinkered. Those who find themselves seeking to think prayerfully about God's will for their lives on this issue -- even those who are not themselves same-sex attracted -- could hardly do better than Brownson for a companion, guide, and interlocutor.
This is therefore a book that anyone who is interested in thinking seriously about a faithful Christian approach to modern sexuality must read. Many will not accept Brownson's arguments and maintain, lovingly and sincerely, that celibacy is the only godly lifestyle for gay Christians. I believe in the good faith of such people and embrace them entirely as my brothers and sisters and Christ, though I disagree with them. But they too will find their minds sharpened and expanded by engaging with, and formulating responses to, Brownson's wonderful book.

[Lincoln Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 stars.

This book was everything that “God and the Gay Christian” should have been (see my review of GatGC for context).

It’s obviously important that Brownson, unlike Matthew Vines, is actually a scholar of Christianity. Brownson does what Vines was totally unable to do in GatGC and dives waaaay deep into anthropology and language to make his arguments. His arguments are much more fleshed-out, and he does a much better job of saying everything about most arguments, rather than saying some about every argument. Brownson’s writing is much better for someone who has “done their reading” on the traditional interpretations. This book is a well-researched piece of evidence, while Matthew Vines’ book sounds like a rebellious teenager desperately and naïvely trying to defend themselves when mom and dad “just don’t understand.”

Any time I raised a question or thought, “well, what about...” Brownson immediately answered, or promised to answer in a later chapter (and followed through).

The only major complaint I have, and why I more accurately give a 4.75 star rating, is Brownson’s lack of diverse sources for the traditional viewpoints. Almost every single traditional argument comes from Robert Gagnon, an author who frankly I had never heard of before reading this book (and I have been a traditionalist my whole life). He uses phrasing like “many traditionalists,” then in the footnotes cites only Gagnon, who he has cited for most traditional interpretations throughout the book. For traditional interpretations to be the overwhelming majority among Christians historically and today, Brownson seems to have much difficulty finding other traditionalist authors....

All in all, the book has given me a LOT to think about, and was incredibly insightful and thought-provoking about other topics in addition to same-sex relationships (e.g. women in the church and general Christian theology/hermeneutics). I would highly recommend to any Christian or person interested in the topic.

[Slindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years of reading from various research texts and books concerning LGBT people and the church I have finally read a comprehensive book that provides a sound theology and articulate response for Christians that does not require us to abandon our faith. James Brownson writes with a discerning heart and mind that engages an open forum toward the investigation of LGBT people and their place in Christianity. Others like Gagnon and Hays write from one-sided perspectives and do a disservice to readers in not providing rigorous educational material that presents the entire landscape of Christian history and culture. By writing from a biased perspective, Gagnon superficially writes himself into a corner that is narrow in its thinking and allows few to join him in his personal theory about LGBT Christians. Gagnon does not believe that there are LGBT Christians; instead, he would rather cut part of humanity out of the kingdom for his own glory. Meanwhile Brownson writes from the entire landscape of Christian history and culture all the while disproving weak arguments from Gagnon and other writers who share an uninformed view. James Browson’s book, Bible, Gender Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships, is by far the most authoritative source on the subject that will inform readers to understand the truth about LGBT people and Christianity.

[Rick Lee Lee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scholarship with humility on a very divisive subject.

This is the most exhaustive work of scholarship I personally have read on the subject of God, Gender, and Sexuality. Any Christian who is seeking to understand the Biblical and ethical implications of same-sex marriage would do well to read this book. With holiness as his goal, and the heart of a father with a gay son, the author dives deep into scripture seeking context for the very few verses that address the topic. I suggest the reader bring humility as well and let love lead as they read this work. It isn’t the end of the discussion, but it raises many excellent questions that need to be wrestled with.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that delves into the extremely complex and convoluted debate regarding homosexuality and the Bible's admonishment of homosexuality and homosexual acts. The book looks at a variety of factors influencing the original intent of the authors, but also relates it to the culture at large today as well as with motifs seen throughout the development of the Bible. Though by no means "complete," the book is thorough and, I think, provides an articulate and responsible reading of what - particularly Paul - describes in Romans.

[Brad Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the easiest read, but Brownson carefully develops a thorough and cogent argument for why the Church should reconsider making space for committed and mutually loving same-sex relationships, based on sound exegetical study of Scripture. A worthy read.

[Christopher Gilstrap · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to members of the older generations who come from a conservative background who have open-hearted curiosity about gay and lesbian issues as they relate to the Bible and theology. It's an impressive study, I learned a lot reading it, and I've never seen anything like it in terms of how purely EXHAUSTIVE it is in piercing to the heart of Biblical passages dealing with same-sex eroticism.

For younger/more liberal Christians, I feel like this book is dated. There's no discussion of bisexuality or transgender issues, and the author has a stubbornly antiquated view on sex outside of marriage. He wholely affirms gay and lesbian Christians, but wants them curtailed within the webs of purity culture, where all sex outside of lifelong commitment is sinful. As a strong supporter of sex positivity, I can't give the book 5 stars.

[Jason Baskerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good (and important) book, but a hard slog. Very well researched, and very detailed. It was helpful that, among the details, the author kept bringing the reader back to the theses of each chapter and included a handy sum-up section at the end of each chapter. If you're not into details, there is enough in the sum-up at the end of each chapter and in the "Conclusions" chapter to chew on and digest. If you like to see the nitty-gritty process of how he gets to those summations, feel free to get right into the meat of the chapter.

For me, this book was helpful in pointing out and elaborating on moral logic that I had assumed everyone was using, including the original authors of Scripture. It turns out that this is not the case, and this is an important factor to consider when we seek to understand scripture in the present day and present culture. This was a blind spot that many other books I have read on this topic did not tackle in an effective manner. It seems like a small detail, but it is significant. Additionally, understanding this blind spot prepares one for conversations in other areas of theology where similar assumptions have been made. Anywhere that I can continue to grow in becoming aware of and dismantling my blindspots (especially those that feel icky right down in my soul) is a win. I hope you'll give the book at least a cursory look and see if some of those assumptions I found I'd been making resonate with you as well.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well written and well laid out but I'm not sure yet if I agree. I agree with his first point, though, that we must make effort to understand the moral logic under the writings in the Bible, especially in Paul's letters, in order to see whether they apply today, rather than just blindly applying the surface interpretation. And I certainly am not at all clear on what the moral logic behind prohibiting loving, monogamous same-sex marriage might be, so I can see how an affirming view is valid. But the fact that this would be a big change from the way all Christians in the past 2000 years have thought makes me think that we aren't understanding something, rather than that they all got it wrong.

[Lianne Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a long while I have been interested in formulating a Reformed position on intersex. It was with that in mind that I read this book.

James V Brownson is Professor of New Testament at Western Theological Seminary, "an evangelical and ecumenical community of faith and learning in the Reformed tradition"

The author also has a son who, although he's never had sexual relations, is gay. That is a large part of what prompted a closer look at a Biblical view of homosexuality.

It's obvious to anyone who attends a conservative church that we treat homosexuality not only as a sin, but as one that is beyond salvation's reach. Or, at the least, we expect an instant change of life from someone with same-sex attraction who comes to Christ. We don't provide a safe place for people to confess such attractions.

Brownson takes an in-depth look at not only individual Scriptures related to homosexuality, but examines concepts such as gender complementarity, celibacy, and natural law. He considers what the Bible says about marriage, procreation, and desire.

In the process, he does serious damage to many of the arguments used by traditionalists as well as revisionists. His hope--the subtitle of his book--reframing the Church's debate on same-sex relationships--is only partially realized.

The question that remains is this--can a couple in a committed, long-term, same-sex relationship glorify God? Although he hints at his view, he doesn't propose a Biblical answer.

Did I find anything of use regarding intersex? Perhaps. He does cover some of the references to eunuchs. And Matthew 19:12 does make clear, at least to me, that eunuch is a broad term that covers some of those with an intersex condition. And he certainly demonstrates that the ability to procreate isn't a prerequisite for marriage.

Altogether an easy read. It's great to see someone at least looking to Scripture rather than simply bashing the other side.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I think this book is necessary for the Christian faith, particularly the fundamentalist/evangelical/conservative branches of the faith that ascribes to Biblical literalism, I found it to be very heteronormative. The author does mention, at the end of the book, that he did not address bisexuality and gender identity and that was not his point.

His framing, again I do believe it is necessary for many individuals just not for where I'm at in my own faith journey, of replacing a committed heterosexual marriage and just swapping out the cis man/woman dynamic for cis man/man and cis woman/woman relationships does not go far enough for a true liberation of gender and sexuality from a repressive faith system and theology.

All that said, I still enjoyed this book as it was more academic and directly addressed several anti-LGBTQ+ Christian authors, such as Robert Gagnon, and their arguments/exegesis of several texts. If you "take the Bible seriously" or read it from a more literal stance and need it to justify your worldview, I found this to be a very good, yet flawed, book on the topic of affirming same-sex relationships within a Christian context.

[Alex B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brownson's title proves to be simultaneously perfect, yet incomplete. This work advances the conversation on same-sex relationships in the church in a way few other works have, yet Brownson provides insight into the greater scope of sexuality as a whole - both heterosexual and homosexual. By discussing such themes as patriarchy, the one-flesh union, procreation, and celibacy, Brownson offers important characteristics of sexuality for any Christian. Yet in every chapter, the relevance to same-sex relationships is not lost. The crux of this book is Brownson's discourse on Romans 1:26-27. Taking up more than 100 pages, he delves into the broader themes of Paul's words, contemplating their meaning and application today. Overall, this is a worthwhile, albeit difficult read for any Christian. Any Christian seeking to strengthen their understanding of same-sex relationships should read this book - especially those who understand sexuality as referring to gender complementarity, as Brownson thoroughly dissects this moral logic and expertly shows its lack of biblical evidence. I could not recommend this book more, but be aware, it is an advanced read.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other reviewers give more comprehensive theological interactions with Bronson's claims, and so without getting into the gritty details, I'd say this is probably the most academic and researched reformed view on sexuality that I've read. However, I think his attempt to show that cleaving to another person is about kinship, and that Paul's main concerns about homosexuality being unnatural are tied to gender complementarity in Genesis 2, are lacking. His approach, disproving Gagnon's argument and therefore having a correct analysis of Genesis 2, is short-sighted.

His analysis of women in ministry (section 2) is excellent.

[Larry Koester · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author does refocus the whole same sex eroticism in needed ways, it in some ways muddies this issues. It leave once feeling the need to examine individual motives and intention. The institution of marriage isn't defended by denying same sex marriage. What damages the institution of heterosexual marriage is the apparent lack of commitment so many of them seem to be bringing into their marriages. Anyway, valuable reading of this issue.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pounded through this one pretty fast. The format lent itself to a quick study, but provided much to chew on for more in depth study. This is a book I plan to purchase and read again. An excellent reference.

[Wade Stotts · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very bad. If you'd like a good discussion on same-sex relationships and the Bible, I'd recommend "Can You Be Gay and Christian?" By Michael Brown.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was raised with the understanding that the 7 texts in the Bible that explicitly discuss same-sex relationships were crystal-clear in condemning homosexuality. As my understanding of the Bible and of God has matured, I've realized very little is as straightforward as it seems, and I've also been bothered at the seeming contradictions or torturous logic at the foundation of many Christians' response to LGBT+ people - "Love the sin, hate the sinner" mindsets, or expecting lifelong celibacy. I know several gay people in long-term committed relationships that seem healthy and flourishing. Are they really violating God's will? And it also seems absurd that, while Christians are lamenting the decline of marriage in general, they're fighting against the desire of gay people to marry.

I've mostly dealt with this by ignoring the whole thing - 1) Because I truly believe the church's focus on same-sex relationships is a straw man created by Satan to distract Christians from the huge problems that marriage in general is facing in our society, and 2) I had this vague belief that it's everyone's own problem to deal with on their own with God, not mine to dictate or judge. But I was also aware this is a cop-out, and that this is an issue causing enormous conflict in churches and denominations around the globe.

So I read this book mostly with the desire to have some sort of well-researched, academically defensible point of view that was not based on ideology or politics. The book more than delivered that. This is one of the best pieces of academic writing I've read - well-researched, cogently argued and clearly written. The scholarship is impressive, yet Brownson's writing is easy to understand and his points are easy to follow. I was skeptical after reading in the intro that he began this book after coming to a similar conclusion as I about the need for a more well-thought-out point of view, in his case driven by the discovery that his son is gay. I immediately suspected the whole thing was an attempt to justify excuses for his son. But if that's the case, he does an excellent job. I did not feel like it was written with a predetermined opinion that he then was flailing around for evidence to support. Instead, I felt like it was thoughtful, objective, balanced and carefully considerate of opposing viewpoints.

I highly recommend this for any Christian wanting a deeper and more accurate understanding of the 7 texts and same-sex relationships in Biblical times, taking into account cultural and language nuances I would not otherwise have known.

[Zach Waldis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just now reading this because it dropped enough in price. I can see why this is one the central texts for affirming Christians; it seriously and intelligently wrestles with the Bible on the question of sexuality. Brownson makes some compelling points, and further confirms my conviction that affirming and LGBT+ friendly Christians can be sincere, real, followers of Jesus. B's canonical focus, emphasis on the moral demands of Scripture, and eye for the big picture are impressive. This book ought to be widely read.

However, unless one is compelled by the emotional resonance of the argument, flaws emerge. The very sophisticated nature of Brownson's exegesis leaves me wondering if he protests too much, and while I respect his attempts to salvage Biblical authority on the question, there are a lot of what ifs in his reading of the text. I also question his simultaneous championing of egalitarianism (count me in!) and downgrading of Paul on this question. 1 Cor 7 is more progressive than Mark Driscoll on the topic; I don't think it is too much to claim that Paul was a feminist, for his day, and to claim that Paul was a hapless misogynist who couldn't have conceived of equal same sex relationships is a reach.

I also have problems with B's hermeneutics. He constantly discusses the "moral logic" of scripture, and while I affirm that we must philosophically and reasonably interpret the text, his constant use of this phrase makes me think he is less interested in hearing what the Spirit says in Scripture and more interested in preaching to religion's cultured despisers. I'm interested in that as well, but the Bible has things that challenge all of us, left, right, or center. The wax nose problem is here, and while B is a very able and intelligent exegete, I wish Brevard Childs were around to have a discussion with him about canonical theology. I would also prefer something like Hays' foci of community, cross, and new creation to be present. All B gives you is the recurring theme of "moral logic". The Bible says what it says; as our African American brothers and sisters like to say, the Bible is right, and somebody's wrong.

I would want to ask Brownson these questions again, for the times have changed since he wrote this book. Progressive denominations have moved past asking queer folks to do ethics like straight, traditional married folks, and I wonder if this reserved take will be enough for those who declare all consensual, adult sex clean.