Rating: 
Summary: A Scholarly Refutation of Pro-homosexual Religious Activists
Review: Assistant Professor of New Testament at Pittsburg Theological Seminary, Robert Gagnon, has tackled the homosexual issue in regards to Biblical scholarship. His book is academic in nature. In the forward, he lays out the objective of the book, "(I)s to demostrate two points. First, there is clear, strong, and credible evidence that the Bible unequivocally defines same-sex intercourse as sin. Second, there exist no valid hermeneutical arguments, derived from either general principles of biblical interpretation or contemporary scientific knowledge and expierence, for overriding the Bible's authority on this matter."His first chapter deals with the Old Testament used in the debate about the act of homosexuality to include Sodom and Gomorah and the book of Levitics. His most interesting chapter is "The Witness of Jesus." This is largely due to the fact that pro-homsexual groups ofetn charge that Jesus nevers mentions anything against homosexuality (an argument from silence). He does a masterful job in connecting Jesus sayings on sexual behavior in general as well as historcial perspectives as to what Jesus idea about homosexuality were if the question had arised. Further, he wisely points out that an argument from silence in this context is a false argument. After all Jesus never mentions anything against incest or beastiality either, but one does not assume Jesus apporved of those practices. Gagnon also deals with Paul's writings on the subject. Paul was explicity against the homosexual practice and Gagnon demonstrates that Paul's text cannot be interpreted any other way, although many liberal theologians have tried. His chapter on hermeneutics in regards to this subject is also outstanding. This is all done with academic integrity and precision. Gagon's position is not generally regarded in high esteem among the more liberal academics in the North Eastern area. But Gagnon is committed to truth and reveals such in this book. Further, for a text book, it reads very well and would also excel at a popular level.
Rating:
Summary: A Scholarly Refutation of Pro-homosexual Religious Activists
Review: Assistant Professor of New Testament at Pittsburg Theological Seminary, Robert Gagnon, has tackled the homosexual issue in regards to Biblical scholarship. His book is academic in nature. In the forward, he lays out the objective of the book, "(I)s to demostrate two points. First, there is clear, strong, and credible evidence that the Bible unequivocally defines same-sex intercourse as sin. Second, there exist no valid hermeneutical arguments, derived from either general principles of biblical interpretation or contemporary scientific knowledge and expierence, for overriding the Bible's authority on this matter." His first chapter deals with the Old Testament used in the debate about the act of homosexuality to include Sodom and Gomorah and the book of Levitics. His most interesting chapter is "The Witness of Jesus." This is largely due to the fact that pro-homsexual groups ofetn charge that Jesus nevers mentions anything against homosexuality (an argument from silence). He does a masterful job in connecting Jesus sayings on sexual behavior in general as well as historcial perspectives as to what Jesus idea about homosexuality were if the question had arised. Further, he wisely points out that an argument from silence in this context is a false argument. After all Jesus never mentions anything against incest or beastiality either, but one does not assume Jesus apporved of those practices. Gagnon also deals with Paul's writings on the subject. Paul was explicity against the homosexual practice and Gagnon demonstrates that Paul's text cannot be interpreted any other way, although many liberal theologians have tried. His chapter on hermeneutics in regards to this subject is also outstanding. This is all done with academic integrity and precision. Gagon's position is not generally regarded in high esteem among the more liberal academics in the North Eastern area. But Gagnon is committed to truth and reveals such in this book. Further, for a text book, it reads very well and would also excel at a popular level.
Rating: 
Summary: Something to keep in mind while reading this book
Review: exegesis (n) an explanation or critical interpretation of a text.
eisegesis (n) the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one's own ideas.
If you already hold the opinion that the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, abomination, etc. this book will appeal to you and solidify your opinion.
If you want to find out what the Bible says, look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent, thorough study
Review: Gagnon appears to have left few stones unturned in his analysis of this issue. He presents the most detailed and thorough exegetical case for the traditional Christian view on homosexuality that I have seen. Yet what is interesting to me is that Gagnon's methodology is certainly not "conservative," but reflects mainstream, "liberal" historical-critical assumptions in his exegesis of texts. This is why so thoroughly a liberal scholar as James Barr, who wrote the anti-conservative polemic FUNDAMENTALISM, can nonetheless commend the book despite the "conservative" conclusions that the author reaches. Thus this is probably the best book for a theological conservative (such as this reviewer) to recommend to any theological "moderate" who is not yet completely decided on this issue. Gagnon is likely to gain a hearing where conservatives will not. Theological conservatives too may read this work with profit, though they will have to forgive Gagnon's adoption of critical positions on matters of authorship and the like that we would find unacceptable. Fortunately such matters rarely affect the force of his argumention.
Rating:
Summary: Best Scholarly Study of Homosexuality and the Bible
Review: Many churches today are discussing the question of whether homosexual sexual behavior is sinful, which requires an understanding of what the Bible says about it. Prof Gagnon has produced the most comprehensive examination of the Biblical evidence regarding homosexual behavior. His treatment is definitely on the conservative side, but he attempts to be fair to all viewpoints. This is easily the best book on the subject, but it is not an easy read. The most interesting aspect of Gagnon's approach is his comprehensive approach. He starts with Genesis and shows that the Jewish viewpoint is anchored in Genesis and the marriage of two complementary human beings -- male and female. Then he interprets the rest of the Bible in the light of Genesis. He does not limit himself to the 5 or 6 well-known passages in the Bible which are often discussed when the topic is homosexual behavior. Those who are conservative will find this book very helpful. Those who are liberal (on this topic) will find it the strongest case that can be made for the "opposing side."
Rating:
Summary: Solid refutation against the 'idol' of sexual tolerant Jesus
Review: One reason that attracts me to buy this book is that I find a pro-gay scholar Martti Nissinen's recommendation in the preface, one among 15 praises from contemparory well-known biblical scholars. After reading it, I agree with Nissinen that "his book...cannot be ignored in future debate even by proponents of discordant views." The major reward to me is his clarification of the attitude of Jesus towards homosexuality. Usually. pro-gay theology protrays Jesus as taking a tolerant and affirming stand towards homosexual acts because of His emphasis of love and embrace of social outcasts, especially His merciful attitude towards adulterous women and the prostitutes. Gagnon has convincingly pointed out that Jesus' attitude on sexual ethics is even far more rigorious than the Jews of his time, in Jesus' comments on divorce and re-interpretation of adultery. This shows that Jesus' sexual ethics is even more rigorous than OT in regard to sexual sin. That's why Jesus' forgiveness is often accompanied with "sin no more" ending! Jesus demonstrates God's love, but he is also the prophet carrying out the temple action and procaliming the seriousness of sexual sin, which demonstrate God's judgment and righteousness . Jesus does not overturn the OT law on sexual sin, in particular homosexual intercourse. On the contrary, Jesus further the Torah on sexual sin and set a higher standard against sexual sin (hardcover, p.196-228) I hope that pro-gay Christians can be honest in facing the real attitude of Jesus against sexual sin instead of protraying a sexually tolerant Jesus, which actually turns out to be an idol, in justifying homosexual behavior that's hurting God's heart.
Rating:
Summary: Something to keep in mind while reading this book
Review: Robert Gagnon has produced the clearest and most comprehensive rebuttal of pro-gay theology to date. Readers accustomed to less detailed treatments of this subject (including my own "A Strong Delusion") may find some of the chapters ponderous, but anyone wanting to discuss and debate homosexuality from a Biblical perspective needs this resource.
I finished this book with real admiration for the author's attitude, clarity and balance, and I've already made use of several of its points when speaking on the subject. If you're wanting to become better informed and equipped to articulate a solid response to the pro-gay interpetation of scripture, Gagnon's work is state of the art.
Rating: 
Summary: "a mathematically rationalistic style of demonstration"
Review: This book is certainly a challenge to any pro-gay theologian. Other reviewers have pointed out that many consider this book to be the final word. I think that is a pretty big stretch, but it does get across how well thought-out and powerful Gagnon's book is.
Edward F. Campbell, Jr. (Professor of Old Testament, McCormick Seminary) described Gagnon's book as "a mathematically rationalistic style of demonstration" (Campbell disagrees with Gagnon on many issues).
The book is divided into 5 chapters:
Chapter 1: The Witness of the Old Testament (114 pages). This chapter argues that Genesis 1-2 is a prescriptive text illustrating that romantic relationships were intended to be heterosexual. This chapter also interacts with pro-gay arguments pertaining to Leviticus 18:22/20:13, attempts to bring back the traditional interpretation of the Sodom story, and discusses other texts that most people (including the vast majority of anti-gay authors) wouldn't consider relevant. His attempts to bring Sodom back into the story and include other texts are interesting, even if they are flawed. I'm proud to see that Gagnon recognizes the absence of a female-female condemnation in Leviticus and attempts to explain why that is irrelevant. Most anti-gay authors don't touch that one.
Chapter 2: Same-Sex Intercourse as "Contrary to Nature" in Early Judaism (25 pages). Gagnon quoted early Jewish writers who viewed gay relationships as unnatural because procreation could not result, because they (allegedly) involve changing gender roles, and because they (allegedly) are not found in nature. Although I am disappointed that Gagnon omitted other texts from the same time period and disagree with his implication that the opinion of some (but not all) early authors is irrefutable, I found the discussions to be food for thought.
Chapter 3: The Witness of Jesus (43 pages). This was not quite as impressive as the prior chapters. Gagnon attempts to include gay sex as a definition of Greek "porneia", which he contends means "(all) sexual immorality". I disagree with that definition (I think harlotry would be accurate). I am also disappointed that Gagnon neglected to mention a few things. For one, in Jesus' era, being identified as a "eunuch" was akin to being identified as a "hair stylist" in San Francisco in 2000. Secondly, in that era, the phrases "born eunuchs" and "natural eunuchs" referred to men who were sexually active with other men, NOT men born without genitals. (Miner and Connoley, 2002) Gagnon left out other details as well (more on that later).
4: The Witness of Paul and Deutero-Paul (111 pages). Here Gagnon offers evidence that Paul coined arsenokoitai from the LXX of Lev 20:13. The evidence he offers goes beyond the evidence offered by earlier authors (e.g. Wright). He also interacts with some of the pro-gay arguments surrounding arsenokoitai, such as Dale Martin's paper. Although I feel that Gagnon did not take Martin's arguments seriously, just as the pro-gay Levitical arguments, I am glad Gagnon is aware of them. When it came time to discuss Romans 1, he left out a lot of literature and did not interact with all of the arguments pertaining to the original Greek. Gagnon seems unaware of significant developments on this issue. Craig Williams has a book out (1999) that Gagnon should have looked through before commenting on Romans. There is also a lengthy, detailed paper out by Jeramy Townsley (originally written in 2000) that, IMHO, convincingly shows that Paul had cultic sex rituals in mind. Gagnon also does not mention the fact that several prominent church fathers disagreed with him on lesbianism being mentioned. Their opinions are not above everyone else's, but this is a significant fact since it proves that, contrary to certain authors, the church fathers were not unanimous on Romans 1.
5: The Hermeneutical Relevance of the Biblical Witness (153 pages). This chapter is very bizarre. Gagnon seems to question the historical validity (and thus authority) of the NT. If the NT is not authoritative, then why does it matter if it condemns gay relationships? Gagnon also does a terrible job in his scientific discussions. He relied heavily on Paul Cameron's methodologically flawed work. Some of Cameron's work has already proven to be fraudulent and his credibility is non-existent.
Gagnon misses the empirical literature and misses the studies proving that homosexuality per se is not pathological anymore than heterosexuality is. We're not talking just about majority opinion; we're talking about the vast majority of actual (and methodologically sound) studies. These cannot be ignored.
Gagnon's broad argument relies heavily on the concept of "complimentarity." But this concept ignores intersexed individuals.
Overall, this book is the best attempt to refute pro-gay theology. Although I disagree with Gagnon on many issues, I admire his dedication and highly recommend this book to interested readers.
(...)
Rating:
Summary: Taking the blinders off
Review: What is so refreshing about Gagnon's book is his willingness to engage all scholars who present a rational view of the issue at hand, whether in agreement or disagreement with the author's views. Some other reviewers have failed to recognize Gagnon's fairness to dissenting viewpoints; the truth of the matter is that Gagnon's treatment is fair and unbiased. Also true is the reality of his overpowering reasoning and logical persuasion. Gagnon has developed a mature and academically rigorous point of view and I would love to see any dissenting reviewers or scholars try to take him on in debate format. Gagnon's thinking and presentation are so thorough and so compelling that any reasonable person must either be swayed to a consenting position or stick their head in the sand of popular culture and Politically Correct mumbo-jumbo. This book is a must read for anyone who does not have their head in the sand; this book rips the blinders off and strips away the rhetoric. Fortunately, the book is also an enjoyable read, particularly the chapter on hermeneutics.
Rating:
Summary: A mixed bag
Review: While Gagnon's caliber as a researcher is unimpeachable, his skill as a theologian is considerably more questionable. Conservative Christians who take a close look at his underlying arguments will no doubt be concerned by his views on the authorship of the Bible, his overextended argument from design, his apparent rejection of the doctrine of eternal security, and his downplaying of Jesus' condemnation of divorce.
Readers of all persuasion will be concerned by the circular logic Gagnon employs when fitting a number of passages (Judges 19, Ezek. 16:48-50 and Gen. 1:26, among others) into his condemnation of homosexual activity. Discerning readers will be even more concerned by his extensive reliance on Paul Cameron's thoroughly discredited sociological research.
Although I agree that the Bible reserves sexual activity exclusively for heterosexual marriage, Gagnon's book will be, at best, a secondary resource in my library.
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