What do you think?
Rate this book
Same Sex Relationships
What does the Bible say about same-sex relationships? How should Christians think about this divisive and heartfelt issue? And what of those who are caught in the crossfire: the brothers and sisters who experience same-sex attraction, but are committed to being faithful to the teaching of scripture and resisting it?
In this revised, updated and extended book, the late John Stott lays out the biblical position on same-sex relationships with care, wisdom and compassion.
In this revised, updated and extended book, the late John Stott lays out the biblical position on same-sex relationships with care, wisdom and compassion.
90 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
48 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
John R.W. Stott
305 books553 followersJohn R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 9, 2025
John Stott's editor is correct when he says that Stott approaches this subject with a "precious combination of compassion, affirmation and clarity." This short book speaks the truth in love about what is a highly charged subject in our culture. Stott gives this advice: "As we reflect on the message of the Bible and the demands of our culture, we need to reassert our belief in the authority of Scripture. If we waver in our belief that God has spoken to us in the Scriptures, then we are left with conjecture and opinion. Yet we also need to be sensitive to the fact that we are dealing with people's emotions, their sexual identity and their dreams of finding love and acceptance. We have a mandate to speak the truth, but we are called to speak the truth in love." That strikes me as just the right balance of unwavering commitment to truth, and pastoral care, love and concern for real people. Stott called this double listening, meaning that we must listen to scripture to hear God's unchanging truth for all people in all places, and also listen to the world so that we can communicate these truths effectively and lovingly.
Stott is particularly helpful in orienting the discussion on homosexuality within the larger Biblical framework concerning marriage and human sexuality. He contends, I think rightly, that the foundational passage of scripture when discussing homosexuality is the institution of marriage in Genesis 2. Of course, the other relevant scriptures (Gen 19:1-13, Lev 18:22, 20:13, Rom 1:18-32, 1 Cor 6:9-10 and 1 Tim 1:8-11) are all vitally important as well, but we must start in Genesis 2.
Some other important points that Stott makes include that:
- Our identity as Christians is rooted in Christ and not in our sexuality
- No one's sexuality is more fallen than anyone else's
- All people are made in the image of God, and our sexuality cannot undermine that ("as far as the Bible is concerned, there is no such phenomenon as 'a homosexual' or 'a heterosexual': there are only people made in the image of God")
- Sex is not necessary for fulfilment, or to be fully human
With all this being said, the key question that Stott seeks to answer is: Are same-sex partnerships a Christian option?
He begins with some important distinctions to frame his discussion:
- The distinction between sins and crimes: The issue in question is the sinfulness of homosexuality, and no one is advocating that it should be a crime, prohibited and punished by the state.
- The distinction between preference and practice: The issue in question is the sinfulness of physical same-sex acts, not orientation, preference or attraction.
- The distinction between casual and committed: The issue in question is specifically whether a committed same-sex relationship is analogous to the biblical definition of marriage.
As indicated above, Stott begins his scriptural survey in Genesis 2, examining the divine institution of marriage. He comes to the inescapable conclusion that sexual difference is a divine creation; opposite-sex marriage is a divine institution; and opposite-sex fidelity is the divine intention. This means that homosexual practice is indeed sinful, but in the same category as any manifestation of human sexuality outside of lifelong, monogamous heterosexual marriage, rather than in a special category of its own. He then goes on to examine the other scriptural passages mentioned above, and comes to the conclusion that the Christian rejection of homosexual practices does not rest on "a few isolated and obscure proof texts" (as is sometimes said), whose traditional explanation (it is further claimed) can be overthrown. The negative prohibitions of homosexual practices in Scripture make sense only in the light of its positive teaching in Genesis 1 and 2 about human sexuality and heterosexual marriage."
Next, Stott goes on to consider some contemporary arguments in favour of revising the Christian position on homosexuality:
- The argument about Scripture and culture: In short, this states that the biblical position on homosexuality is culturally conditioned to such an extent that it isn't universally significant. In response, Stott concludes that "if the only biblical teaching on this topic were to be found in the prohibition texts, it might be difficult to answer these objections. But once those texts are seen in relation to the divine institution of marriage, we are in possession of a principle of divine revelation which is universally applicable.....the reason for the biblical prohibitions is the same reason why modern loving same-sex sexual partnerships must also be ruled out: namely that they are incompatible with God's created order. And since that order (opposite-sex monogamy) was established by creation, not culture, its validity is both permanent and universal."
- The argument about creation and nature: This is an argument that contends that when Paul talks about homosexuality as unnatural, he is referring to heterosexuals engaging in homosexual practice, rather than those who are homosexual by orientation, for whom homosexuality is natural. Stott rebuts this by demonstrating that what Paul was condemning was any human behaviour that is against God's created order.
- The argument about the quality of relationships: The answer to this argument can be summed up in the phrase "love needs the law." Stott expands on this by saying, "We should not deny that homosexual relationships can be loving. But the love quality of same-sex sexual relationships is not sufficient to justify them. Indeed, I have to add that in a sense they are incompatible with true love, because they are incompatible with God's law. Love is concerned for the highest welfare of the beloved. And our highest human welfare is found in obedience to God's law and purpose, not in revolt against them."
- The argument about justice and rights: This argument turns on what exactly we mean by justice and rights. Stott comments that "The analogy between slavery, racism, the oppression of women and homosexuality is inexact and misleading. In each case we need to clarify the Creator's original intention." Thus, slavery, racism and the oppression of women all contradict the clear Biblical principle of the created equality of all human beings, while the plain biblical teaching on sexual intercourse is that it belongs only and exclusively to marriage between a man and a woman. Stott concludes that "True gay liberation is not freedom from God's revealed purpose in order to construct our own morality; it is, rather, freedom from our own self-willed rebellion in order to love and obey him."
- The argument about acceptance and the gospel: This argument relates to the idea that Christians must accept everybody. While true, this is something that requires some further nuance. While we do not have to make ourselves good before God will accept us, neither does he condone our continuance in sin. Acceptance with God turns on faith and repentance; he welcomes us to redeem and transform us. Only judgment is promised us if we harden our hearts against God's word and will.
Stott concludes his little book by calling us to faith, hope and love, asking whom shall we believe and follow, God or the world, "Shall we submit to the lordship of Jesus, or succumb to the pressures of prevailing culture? The true "orientation" that matters is not our sexual orientation, but whether we are oriented towards trusting in God, and obeying his will.....perplexing and painful as the homosexual Christian's dilemma is, Jesus Christ offers him or her - indeed, all of us - faith, hope and love: the faith to accept both his standards and his grace to maintain them, the hope to look beyond present suffering to future glory, and the love to care for and support one another."
Edifying, winsome, concise and clear, this book is an invaluable addition to any Christian's library, and will help equip us to lovingly bear witness to the truth.
Stott is particularly helpful in orienting the discussion on homosexuality within the larger Biblical framework concerning marriage and human sexuality. He contends, I think rightly, that the foundational passage of scripture when discussing homosexuality is the institution of marriage in Genesis 2. Of course, the other relevant scriptures (Gen 19:1-13, Lev 18:22, 20:13, Rom 1:18-32, 1 Cor 6:9-10 and 1 Tim 1:8-11) are all vitally important as well, but we must start in Genesis 2.
Some other important points that Stott makes include that:
- Our identity as Christians is rooted in Christ and not in our sexuality
- No one's sexuality is more fallen than anyone else's
- All people are made in the image of God, and our sexuality cannot undermine that ("as far as the Bible is concerned, there is no such phenomenon as 'a homosexual' or 'a heterosexual': there are only people made in the image of God")
- Sex is not necessary for fulfilment, or to be fully human
With all this being said, the key question that Stott seeks to answer is: Are same-sex partnerships a Christian option?
He begins with some important distinctions to frame his discussion:
- The distinction between sins and crimes: The issue in question is the sinfulness of homosexuality, and no one is advocating that it should be a crime, prohibited and punished by the state.
- The distinction between preference and practice: The issue in question is the sinfulness of physical same-sex acts, not orientation, preference or attraction.
- The distinction between casual and committed: The issue in question is specifically whether a committed same-sex relationship is analogous to the biblical definition of marriage.
As indicated above, Stott begins his scriptural survey in Genesis 2, examining the divine institution of marriage. He comes to the inescapable conclusion that sexual difference is a divine creation; opposite-sex marriage is a divine institution; and opposite-sex fidelity is the divine intention. This means that homosexual practice is indeed sinful, but in the same category as any manifestation of human sexuality outside of lifelong, monogamous heterosexual marriage, rather than in a special category of its own. He then goes on to examine the other scriptural passages mentioned above, and comes to the conclusion that the Christian rejection of homosexual practices does not rest on "a few isolated and obscure proof texts" (as is sometimes said), whose traditional explanation (it is further claimed) can be overthrown. The negative prohibitions of homosexual practices in Scripture make sense only in the light of its positive teaching in Genesis 1 and 2 about human sexuality and heterosexual marriage."
Next, Stott goes on to consider some contemporary arguments in favour of revising the Christian position on homosexuality:
- The argument about Scripture and culture: In short, this states that the biblical position on homosexuality is culturally conditioned to such an extent that it isn't universally significant. In response, Stott concludes that "if the only biblical teaching on this topic were to be found in the prohibition texts, it might be difficult to answer these objections. But once those texts are seen in relation to the divine institution of marriage, we are in possession of a principle of divine revelation which is universally applicable.....the reason for the biblical prohibitions is the same reason why modern loving same-sex sexual partnerships must also be ruled out: namely that they are incompatible with God's created order. And since that order (opposite-sex monogamy) was established by creation, not culture, its validity is both permanent and universal."
- The argument about creation and nature: This is an argument that contends that when Paul talks about homosexuality as unnatural, he is referring to heterosexuals engaging in homosexual practice, rather than those who are homosexual by orientation, for whom homosexuality is natural. Stott rebuts this by demonstrating that what Paul was condemning was any human behaviour that is against God's created order.
- The argument about the quality of relationships: The answer to this argument can be summed up in the phrase "love needs the law." Stott expands on this by saying, "We should not deny that homosexual relationships can be loving. But the love quality of same-sex sexual relationships is not sufficient to justify them. Indeed, I have to add that in a sense they are incompatible with true love, because they are incompatible with God's law. Love is concerned for the highest welfare of the beloved. And our highest human welfare is found in obedience to God's law and purpose, not in revolt against them."
- The argument about justice and rights: This argument turns on what exactly we mean by justice and rights. Stott comments that "The analogy between slavery, racism, the oppression of women and homosexuality is inexact and misleading. In each case we need to clarify the Creator's original intention." Thus, slavery, racism and the oppression of women all contradict the clear Biblical principle of the created equality of all human beings, while the plain biblical teaching on sexual intercourse is that it belongs only and exclusively to marriage between a man and a woman. Stott concludes that "True gay liberation is not freedom from God's revealed purpose in order to construct our own morality; it is, rather, freedom from our own self-willed rebellion in order to love and obey him."
- The argument about acceptance and the gospel: This argument relates to the idea that Christians must accept everybody. While true, this is something that requires some further nuance. While we do not have to make ourselves good before God will accept us, neither does he condone our continuance in sin. Acceptance with God turns on faith and repentance; he welcomes us to redeem and transform us. Only judgment is promised us if we harden our hearts against God's word and will.
Stott concludes his little book by calling us to faith, hope and love, asking whom shall we believe and follow, God or the world, "Shall we submit to the lordship of Jesus, or succumb to the pressures of prevailing culture? The true "orientation" that matters is not our sexual orientation, but whether we are oriented towards trusting in God, and obeying his will.....perplexing and painful as the homosexual Christian's dilemma is, Jesus Christ offers him or her - indeed, all of us - faith, hope and love: the faith to accept both his standards and his grace to maintain them, the hope to look beyond present suffering to future glory, and the love to care for and support one another."
Edifying, winsome, concise and clear, this book is an invaluable addition to any Christian's library, and will help equip us to lovingly bear witness to the truth.
Read
February 22, 2018"To each of us God speaks, in Scripture and in life, both in compassion with a call to holiness, and to the priorities of the kingdom. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to listen to God and to the word of God, and give us grace to listen to the world also." -from the foreword by John Sentamu
"We are all human and we are all sexual. If we stereotype and stigmatize one another, then we don not treat each other with the respect that each person deserves. After all, as far as the Bible is concerned, there is no such phenomenon as 'a homosexual' or 'a heterosexual': there are only people made in the image of God. We all share in the glory and tragedy of being human and we share it in our sexuality as well as other areas of our lives." (Stott 16)
I read this on the recommendation of a friend (who also happens to be a parent at my school) in response to heated controversy around the topic which has deeply impacted (wounded) our community.
I appreciate Stott's pastoral heart and his condemnation of the idolatry which has built up around the nuclear family. I appreciate that this text points back to Christ being enough - that it is not marriage, or children, or sex, or what-have-you, that will fulfill us, but Christ alone. And we will all be asked to relinquish our kingdoms of sand (whatever those happen to be).
I am just not convinced by the actual arguments against same-sex relationships. And part of that, I know, is due to the format of this text. It's simply an expanded chapter, and was never meant, really, to be an exhaustive, in-depth exploration of the issue (but isn't that part of the problem? that "exploring" the issue never seems to be the goal - only convincing the reader of a pre-decided conclusion). It's a quick rundown, a survey, of some of the points in the debate and the reasoning behind them. And that just doesn't satisfy me. I know the points; I want the proof. I want to be convinced, not expected to agree. This whole conversation is just so much more complicated than these pages allow. And the ultimate impact of this book was to leave me frustrated, especially because I'm expected, it seems, to find the matter settled.
I'm willing to have this conversation, but can we not conduct it on a deeper level than "the Book says it, God means it, and I believe it"? That is, of course, an oversimplification, but there are echoes of that mentality even here.
"We are all human and we are all sexual. If we stereotype and stigmatize one another, then we don not treat each other with the respect that each person deserves. After all, as far as the Bible is concerned, there is no such phenomenon as 'a homosexual' or 'a heterosexual': there are only people made in the image of God. We all share in the glory and tragedy of being human and we share it in our sexuality as well as other areas of our lives." (Stott 16)
I read this on the recommendation of a friend (who also happens to be a parent at my school) in response to heated controversy around the topic which has deeply impacted (wounded) our community.
I appreciate Stott's pastoral heart and his condemnation of the idolatry which has built up around the nuclear family. I appreciate that this text points back to Christ being enough - that it is not marriage, or children, or sex, or what-have-you, that will fulfill us, but Christ alone. And we will all be asked to relinquish our kingdoms of sand (whatever those happen to be).
I am just not convinced by the actual arguments against same-sex relationships. And part of that, I know, is due to the format of this text. It's simply an expanded chapter, and was never meant, really, to be an exhaustive, in-depth exploration of the issue (but isn't that part of the problem? that "exploring" the issue never seems to be the goal - only convincing the reader of a pre-decided conclusion). It's a quick rundown, a survey, of some of the points in the debate and the reasoning behind them. And that just doesn't satisfy me. I know the points; I want the proof. I want to be convinced, not expected to agree. This whole conversation is just so much more complicated than these pages allow. And the ultimate impact of this book was to leave me frustrated, especially because I'm expected, it seems, to find the matter settled.
I'm willing to have this conversation, but can we not conduct it on a deeper level than "the Book says it, God means it, and I believe it"? That is, of course, an oversimplification, but there are echoes of that mentality even here.
March 31, 2020
Stott's willingness to relate and put this topic into perspective was refreshing. Such a great guide of how to be gentle in going into conversations about same sex relationships.
June 8, 2023
A solid book overall- Stott touches on this difficult subject with thoughtfulness, compassion, and unwavering Biblical conviction. Only reason for four stars as opposed to five is that some of it is fairly outdated (not surprising given it was written in the 80s) and I wish he went a bit more in depth on some of his arguments.
October 13, 2022
It does what it set out to do. Stott, in a seemingly compassionate way, gives a concise Biblical defense that "God has established a norm for sex and marriage by creation" and that "Scripture defines marriage as instituted by God in terms of opposite-sex monogamy". He also briefly refutes most of the common counter-arguments. It's a good, short book if that's what you're looking for. However, it feels lacking in being helpful to engage in current conversations around sexuality and to care for those who experience same-sex attraction.
January 3, 2025
A helpful introduction to the issues. Cutting edge for his time, and the biblical arguments still hold up.
November 29, 2021
This is a really good overview of the issues of homosexuality in the Christian church. It's a helpful resource for pastors and far more compelling than some of the more recent treatments of the topic. Stott does not pull punches and says exactly what he thinks the clear teaching of the Scripture is. If someone is looking for an analysis of the canonical arguments against homosexuality and a deft critique of modern arguments for, then I would recommend this short book.
August 31, 2017
I was reading this to stay in touch with what is going on in the world and also the Christian church.
Also because of the type of ministry I am involved it I wanted to be sure of my answer.
This was typical of John Stott and he was very clear on where the church and individual believers stand.
I admire those who spoke about their own experiences and how they came to realise that as a Christian it was wrong for them to be a relationship and stayed single for the Lord to use them.
Some interesting comments about the sins of Sodom which I hadn't heard before.
This book is taken from John Stott larger work of Issues Faicing Christian and is very much worth a read. A book I would be able to pass on to some I may encounter struggling with the subject.
Also because of the type of ministry I am involved it I wanted to be sure of my answer.
This was typical of John Stott and he was very clear on where the church and individual believers stand.
I admire those who spoke about their own experiences and how they came to realise that as a Christian it was wrong for them to be a relationship and stayed single for the Lord to use them.
Some interesting comments about the sins of Sodom which I hadn't heard before.
This book is taken from John Stott larger work of Issues Faicing Christian and is very much worth a read. A book I would be able to pass on to some I may encounter struggling with the subject.
March 16, 2018
Stott calls it straight from the Bible with a summary of the key verses. I particular like how Stott identifies the verses in context with whole-of-Bible themes.
I also like how Stott tears apart the "complementary culture problem" - simply put, the Bible is inerrant and complete - so, there is no merit in suggesting shortages in Paul's writings that Paul has not lived in our age.
It is a quick read and has well chosen "life stories". It includes life stories from celibate, single same sex attracted people who have devoted their lives to Christ.
I also like how Stott tears apart the "complementary culture problem" - simply put, the Bible is inerrant and complete - so, there is no merit in suggesting shortages in Paul's writings that Paul has not lived in our age.
It is a quick read and has well chosen "life stories". It includes life stories from celibate, single same sex attracted people who have devoted their lives to Christ.
April 13, 2019
Must read for anyone interested in the topic of homosexuality
Rev. John Stott does an amazing job clarifying the many counter perspectives in light of what the Bible says. I appreciate how the book keeps footnotes of all the sources used for and against the topic of discussion, whether same-sex marriage is okay Biblically.
Rev. John Stott does an amazing job clarifying the many counter perspectives in light of what the Bible says. I appreciate how the book keeps footnotes of all the sources used for and against the topic of discussion, whether same-sex marriage is okay Biblically.
November 14, 2024
John Stott sets out the discussion of the Bible's view of homosexuality within the context of Biblical teaching on sexuality and marriage. He shows that same sex relationships do not gel with the Bible's doctrine of marriage which was reaffirmed by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He demonstrates that radical reading of the texts fail this crucial aspect of context.
The strength of the book lies in this placing of the texts which specifically deal with homosexuality in their Biblical context.
The book was originally a chapter in 'Issues Facing Christians Today'. It has been edited and the editor has brought Stott's first chapter discussing statistics up to date but in the rest of the book the editor's comments are clearly set apart.
Testimonies from same sex attracted Christians who accept the traditional Christian teaching on sexuality have been added as well.
The book would be ideal to give to someone who is asking questions about why Christians hold to the traditional Christian teaching in this day and age.
The strength of the book lies in this placing of the texts which specifically deal with homosexuality in their Biblical context.
The book was originally a chapter in 'Issues Facing Christians Today'. It has been edited and the editor has brought Stott's first chapter discussing statistics up to date but in the rest of the book the editor's comments are clearly set apart.
Testimonies from same sex attracted Christians who accept the traditional Christian teaching on sexuality have been added as well.
The book would be ideal to give to someone who is asking questions about why Christians hold to the traditional Christian teaching in this day and age.
June 13, 2023
Autor w dość jasny sposób opisuje homoseksualność z biblijnego punktu widzenia, przytaczając fragmenty Pisma Świętego. Generalnie uważam tę książkę za bardzo wartościową.
Podoba mi to, że mówi, że kościoły powinny być bezpiecznym miejscem dla chrześcijan niezależnie od ich orientacji. Uważam że to bardzo ważne i boli mnie, że zazwyczaj tak nie jest.
Mam tylko takie jedno malutkie tycie uwu kawii zastrzeżenie - według Scotta jedyną alternatywą do heteroseksualnego małżeństwa jest życie singla. Co z pozbawionymi wątków erotycznych, czysto romantycznymi relacjami? Związek nie musi polegać od razu na pójściu razem do łóżka. I don't want sex, I want to kiss my girlfriend and cuddle with her, czemu ta książka udaje że taki rodzaj relacji nie istnieje?
Podoba mi to, że mówi, że kościoły powinny być bezpiecznym miejscem dla chrześcijan niezależnie od ich orientacji. Uważam że to bardzo ważne i boli mnie, że zazwyczaj tak nie jest.
Mam tylko takie jedno malutkie tycie uwu kawii zastrzeżenie - według Scotta jedyną alternatywą do heteroseksualnego małżeństwa jest życie singla. Co z pozbawionymi wątków erotycznych, czysto romantycznymi relacjami? Związek nie musi polegać od razu na pójściu razem do łóżka. I don't want sex, I want to kiss my girlfriend and cuddle with her, czemu ta książka udaje że taki rodzaj relacji nie istnieje?
October 6, 2018
A short (90 pages) and helpful overview to understanding the traditional Christian view on the subject. Stott's 1984 chapter was heavily edited (adding up to date stats, arguments and mini-autobiographical stories from gay but celibate Christians) into this 2017 book. A great springboard into the topic. Stott has a gift of writing with generousity despite his firm convictions.
August 7, 2019
Un libro breve y al punto que después de un análisis también breve, de los textos bíblicos relacionados con la homosexualidad, concluye con la fe, la esperanza y el amor, como elementos esenciales del cristianos frente a este tema.
January 19, 2021
This little book is biblical, compassionate and didn't take too long to read. It does have quite a lot of information related to the church of England which for me, as a non-C of E Christian seemed a bit irrelevant. But overall it was helpful. I marked a lot of sections to come back to later.
February 15, 2024
This book is very well written. It addresses the issues of society and beliefs that Christian’s hold. Examining the weight of evidence in the many arguments presented. Leaning on the entirety of biblical texts comes to a conclusion that is inescapable as it is complex.
February 17, 2024
This was pretty good. I haven’t read a book on this topics that shares the argument for Christians participating in same sex relationships and then the other perspective. I thought the debate format of the arguments was really well done.
May 7, 2024
Biblical clarity…
This text by John Stott is consistent with the Word of God and the life he lived. Filled with compassion and holy conviction, it is a guide for how understand and apply the Scriptures on this important and often confused subject. I will use it as such.
This text by John Stott is consistent with the Word of God and the life he lived. Filled with compassion and holy conviction, it is a guide for how understand and apply the Scriptures on this important and often confused subject. I will use it as such.
July 16, 2017
Good short, topical book that affirms the biblical view of sex, singleness, and marriage.
November 24, 2019
Comfortable and respectful...but honestly true.
December 30, 2019
Excellent Biblically based discussion on this difficult and polarizing issue.
October 29, 2020
Very helpful introduction, ‘a precious combination of compassion, affirmation and clarity’, highly contemporary.
May 2, 2021
A loving yet biblical approach to the topic of Same-sex relationships that offers hope for restoration and a challenge for evangelical churches to do more to support gay people.
May 4, 2022
Good book. Gives some insightful perspective on same Sex attraction and partnerships, offers some meaningful Biblical insight.
December 1, 2023
Very clear, gospel teaching on this issue.
November 8, 2025
This is an excellent review of Scripture, culture, and the world in which we live.
November 10, 2017
The author comes off as very respectable, wise, and empathetic despite whether or not you agree with him.
February 13, 2017
I was a little disappointed with this because Stott is usually so concise and yet compelling. This book had moments like that, but overall it was desperately lacking (not just because it was short, but because of what he decided to spend time on and not spend time on).
The best part of this book was that he showed that same-sex relationships are wrong mainly because they are not in God's created order. They are not what God intended for marriage and sexual relationships. This is compelling and well argued.
But because this is his main point, he quickly passes over the 5 or so main texts directly about homosexuality in the Bible. He does this because, as he argues, the basis for homosexual activity being sinful is not mainly these texts but because it is against the Creator's design. In fact, it almost comes off at times that in his mind these texts can be interpreted many ways, and so we need the creation argument. But this is not true. DeYoung in his book does a much better time exegeting texts and showing, for example, that the two words in 1 Cor. 6 do refer to homosexual activity in general.
This exegesis of the biblical texts, therefore, was really lacking in Stott's book overall. And because of this, it was sorely lacking. He has some pastoral insights that are helpful, but because it is so old, I am cautious to take any statistical data.
The best part of this book was that he showed that same-sex relationships are wrong mainly because they are not in God's created order. They are not what God intended for marriage and sexual relationships. This is compelling and well argued.
But because this is his main point, he quickly passes over the 5 or so main texts directly about homosexuality in the Bible. He does this because, as he argues, the basis for homosexual activity being sinful is not mainly these texts but because it is against the Creator's design. In fact, it almost comes off at times that in his mind these texts can be interpreted many ways, and so we need the creation argument. But this is not true. DeYoung in his book does a much better time exegeting texts and showing, for example, that the two words in 1 Cor. 6 do refer to homosexual activity in general.
This exegesis of the biblical texts, therefore, was really lacking in Stott's book overall. And because of this, it was sorely lacking. He has some pastoral insights that are helpful, but because it is so old, I am cautious to take any statistical data.
April 28, 2018
When writing on the topic of same sex relationships from a Christian perspective, there are generally two responses: the writer is being too lax or too strict. This book is no exception, and I'm sure it has been criticised as being one or the other over the past three decades. That being said, Stott makes no judgements in this book. Instead, he clearly and concisely lays out the Biblical examples that are used to condemn homosexual practices, and the conclusion he reaches is that Bible condemns all sinful actions and not temptations (whatever those temptations may be). He also makes use of real life stories of Christians who have wrestled with this very issue. Perhaps the most striking aspect of this short book is the compassion with which Stott addresses this very divisive issue. When it comes to the question of identity, he reminds all his readers that the most important thing is for our identity to be in Christ. Beyond that lies the struggle of the Christian walk which is faced by all believers.
November 24, 2016
The author makes very good points, but not enough to distinguish his view from the view of the Church of England. Actually, I have realized that John Stott's theology isn't thinking in a wider way, by which, I mean that he is not thinking that his books reaches a much larger community. I don't blame the author, it is what it is. I suppose that John Stott relies more on the context than in the text. The context is an auxiliary source for interpretation, but it is not, and cannot be the primary determiner of our interpretation, especially when the context is based on culture, extra biblical history and so on. We need to work with the text using all these tools without loosening the meaning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews