Homosexuality in the Bible: A Second Opinion - Paperback

by Jerry A. Gladson (Author), Stephen Wise (Foreword by)

The Bible contains several passages--the so-called "clobber" texts--in the Old and New Testaments that are often cited to condemn LGBTQIA+ persons. When condemnation is joined with traditional social intolerance of the LGBTQIA+ community, LGBTQIA+ people face harsh discrimination, ridicule, and harassment. Deeply troubled about the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community under such condemnation, the author, a veteran biblical scholar, university professor, and pastor, challenges the misuse of such texts. He critically reexamines in the light of their own time and place what the biblical writers had to say about homosexuality. Does the Bible clearly condemn homosexuality? Does it censure all same-sex relations? Do the Scriptures also denounce other sexual orientations on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum? The author's thorough biblical investigation deals with these and other questions. His analysis concludes by charting a bold new path of hope for LGBTQIA+ people.

Author Biography

Jerry A. Gladson is Professor Emeritus of Religion and Integrative Studies at Richmont Graduate University, Atlanta, and Senior Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Marietta, Georgia. He holds MA and PhD degrees in Hebrew Bible from Vanderbilt University, has taught at several academic institutions, including Richmont Graduate University and Columbia Theological Seminary, and lives with his wife, Laura, a licensed psychologist, in Kennesaw, Georgia. This is his eighteenth book.