Gay Unions: In the Light of Scripture, Tradition, and Reason

Rating:
Summary: "Can We Talk" about "Gay Unions"?
Review: This most recent book by Gray Temple is the most informed, candid and rational discussion of this emotional topic that I have read. In typical fashion for this author, it is both straightforward and kind. Drawing on the Anglican trilateral- authority of Scripture, Tradition and Reason as one thing about which Episcopalians still agree, Temple's approach is scholarly and pastoral as he dares to take the Bible seriously---not literally! He unpacks the topic of scriptural authority and invites people on both sides of this debate to embrace not merely a change of mind (he concedes that is not likely), but a "change of heart" and mind based on honesty and integrity in our dealing with this issue and how we decide what is "right and wrong". This is a must read for anyone who is serious about seeking reconciliation in the church.

Rating:
Summary: Engaging and Passionate
Review: When you pick up your first copy of Gay Unions: In the Light of Scripture, Tradition, and Reason by Gray Temple, you might want to run your eyes over the pages paying special attention to punctuation. Question marks pepper the book. The first chapter begins with a proposal, "Can We Talk?" As I read the author's invitation, I detect a tone of voice that verges on a plea. You can converse with this writing as it opens into questions Temple must have asked himself as he prayerfully allowed his own mind to be changed.

The scholarship? He serves it warm. The reasoning? His arguments, though firm, are presented as gently as possible. He's hoping you'll hit the ball back over the net and get a rally going. He uses parables and wit, liberal doses of both. You'll laugh. You'll be tempted to steal his stories. But ultimately Gay Unions tends to produce an enlargement of the heart which, you realize, isn't entirely safe. Read carefully. Trust God.

Marsha Truman Cooper