Literature Analysis and Cri Search "Brownson's argument is careful and sensitive. An important addition to the conversation on the Church's response to people in same-sex relationships. Books at a Glance "[A] thoughtful, complex and comprehensive work. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson from foreword "Instead of being trapped in shallow debates over the meaning of a few isolated biblical passages, James Brownson grounds his approach in foundational biblical understandings of gender and sexuality.
He takes the Bible seriously, engaging it faithfully and deeply, and he encourages the reader to do the same. The church needs this book. Myers — author of A Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists "With gentle wisdom Brownson reveals an implicit moral logic beneath scriptural teachings about sexuality and same-sex relationships. His insights — which are both prophetic and pastoral — build a much-needed bridge across the sexual divide that separates people of shared biblical faith. Brian McLaren — author of Naked Spirituality: A Life with God in 12 Simple Words "Jim Brownson has written what I believe is a 'game-changing' book on the hotly disputed topic of same-sex orientation and relationships in light of the Bible.
He approaches the biblical texts with no less care and respect than the most conservative or traditional scholars, but he makes overt and clear what many seem unconscious of — the moral logic that operates in a text. By surfacing and grappling with that moral logic, Brownson can explore the why behind the what of biblical prohibitions. In so doing, he provides not only a masterful work on human sexuality in light of Scripture, but also a model for the kind of robust and faithful biblical hermeneutic that our churches desperately need at this point in our history.
Peggy Campolo — speaker, writer, and editor "If ever a book spoke the good news of the gospel with biblical authority to those children of God who happen not to be straight, it is this book. Brownson addresses with clarity an issue that is tearing the church of Jesus Christ apart, as he gently insists that all of us allow new facts and insights to illuminate our understanding of what Scripture has to say to gay and lesbian Christians.
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Reframes biblical debate about same-sex relationships. This strikes to the heart of the Bible-versus-homosexuality fracas. Englewood Review of Books "Fascinating and incredibly helpful. It would be hard to suggest that Brownson is anything other than meticulous, transparent, and authentic in his treatment of the issues and of scripture.
Studies in Christian Ethics "Perhaps the greatest challenge facing those seeking to argue a biblical basis for same-sex unions is that — in contrast to debates over gender equality or war or remarriage after divorce — the canonical evidence is uniformly, often strongly, negative. Library Journal "A remarkably thorough, patient, and learned treatment of the knotty questions that surround Christian stances toward same-sex relationships. The Bible Today "This thoughtful book bears reading as an example of a civil and earnest discussion of a sensitive issue.
Theological Studies "An ambitious challenge to Christians to read the Bible imaginatively if they wish to understand more fully elements found in committed same-sex relationships. Biblical Theology Bulletin "In the ongoing debate surrounding same-sex relationships in general, and same-sex marriage in particular, James Brownson's recent work is a welcome addition, providing a calm and well-reasoned examination of Christian Scripture that can be appreciated by all sides of the debate. Regardless of whether or not a person ultimately agrees with Brownson's conclusions, readers on all sides should find food for thought at numerous points throughout the book.
Review of Biblical Literature "This work has taken the church forward in its deliberations regarding the same-sex debate, both in terms of the centrality of Scripture and of the concerns that face us today. Times Literary Supplement "A thorough discussion. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem? Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. Grapples conscientiously with biblical texts at the heart of the church's debate over same-sex relationships This thought-provoking book by James Brownson develops a broad, cross-cultural sexual ethic from Scripture, locates current debates over homosexuality in that wider context, and explores why the Bible speaks the way it does about same-sex relationships. Fairly prese Grapples conscientiously with biblical texts at the heart of the church's debate over same-sex relationships This thought-provoking book by James Brownson develops a broad, cross-cultural sexual ethic from Scripture, locates current debates over homosexuality in that wider context, and explores why the Bible speaks the way it does about same-sex relationships.
Fairly presenting both sides in this polarized debate — "traditional" and "revisionist" — Brownson conscientiously analyzes all of the pertinent biblical texts and helpfully identifies "stuck points" in the ongoing debate. 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 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.
Paperback , pages. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Bible, Gender, Sexuality , please sign up. Would this be a good book for my parents? I wanted to get them a book that could help explain the other viewpoint, and help them reconsider their current opinions. Jenn I am only about half way through, so I don't know the conclusions reached by this book, but it has so far given me a lot of food for thought in …more I am only about half way through, so I don't know the conclusions reached by this book, but it has so far given me a lot of food for thought in considering how I might reconcile homosexuality with what it seems the Bible says.
See 1 question about Bible, Gender, Sexuality…. Lists with This Book. Dec 30, Emily Timbol rated it it was amazing. I have not recommended any book to friends, family, and fellow church-goers as much as this one, and for three good reasons: This book answers all of your questions, and even ones you didn't know you had. Thi I have not recommended any book to friends, family, and fellow church-goers as much as this one, and for three good reasons: This isn't just opinion, it's academic, researched, fact. 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.
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If you've ever wanted something to read to answer your question of, "Can a gay person be a Christian? Nov 21, Martina Dominique rated it really liked it Shelves: 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 ma This was well-written in a way that really facilitated understanding for me.
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.
Bible, Gender, Sexuality - James V. Brownson : Eerdmans
If I had taken longer to read the book, the repetition likely would have served me well. Apr 15, Ranoordam rated it it was ok.
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.
Brownson should write about this subject again in 20 years. Sep 05, Sara rated it it was amazing. 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. Sep 04, Thomas Reeves rated it it was ok. 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 individu 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.
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 falibly understood seems arbitrary to the book.
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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. Sep 20, Lianne Simon rated it really liked it. 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.
Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church's Debate on Same-Sex Relationships
That is a large part of what prompted a closer look at a Biblical view of homosexuality. It's obvious to anyone who For a long while I have been interested in formulating a Reformed position on intersex. 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? He does cover some of the references to eunuchs. 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. Nov 14, Joel Wentz rated it really liked it. 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 Persusing reviews for books like this can be frustrating.
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. 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: Aug 11, Slindsay rated it it was amazing Shelves: 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 rea 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. 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. Oct 20, Joan rated it did not like it.
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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, I read this book because the author is a professor at a seminary of the denomination I grew up in.
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: Dec 22, Alex rated it it was amazing. 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 A book that delves into the extremely complex and convoluted debate regarding homosexuality and the Bible's admonishment of homosexuality and homosexual acts.
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. Jul 12, Larry Koester rated it liked it. 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. Jun 06, Brian rated it it was amazing Shelves: 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. Apr 09, Wade Stotts rated it did not like it Shelves: Dec 20, Chandra Ryder rated it really liked it Shelves: This is a heavy read but I feel a must read for Christians trying to navigate their beliefs with regards to same sex marriage and what the Bible really has to say about it.
Oct 16, Jenn rated it really liked it. 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: 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.
I would say that in the exploration of the boundary language of romans 1: 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.