What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

Rating:
Summary: An informative little book, but not the whole story
Review: Helminiak takes a straightforward scriptural approach by tackling the main witnesses (Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy) in turn. Rejecting the literal view of Scripture he argues for the historical-critical approach, mainly with a detailed analysis for the meaning of words and their wider application elsewhere in the Bible. Additional contextual elements are brought in - for example ritual purity in the Old Testament - where necessary. However this is not a book about the OT and NT background to sexuality and ethics. Nor is it a book about the modern debate around Christianity and homosexuality, although it provides detailed background information on the scriptural elements that some have sought to use in justifying their condemnation of homosexuality.

The style is straightforward and easy to read, with Helminiak mainly presenting his own views, with the occasional short reference to other (usually contrary) viewpoints. This book is not a literature review, or balanced "state of play" of the academic, or popular, debate. To keep the text clear, he avoids footnotes and references but has a helpful short annotated bibliography of the main modern texts on the subject.

He stresses the need to see the scriptural usage in context, and manages - usually, but not always, convincingly - to portray both the OT and the NT as considering homosexuality (more accurately male-male genital acts) as socially unacceptable (in its context) and not a sin before God.

His overall conclusion is that the Bible really has very little to say about homogenital acts and nothing about homosexuality as we would consider it today. In this he follows others, such as Scroggs.

The strengths of this book are that it is short, readable and has a clear focus (on Scripture). As such it is a very good starting point when investigating homosexuality in the Bible. It helpfully makes clear that the Bible concentrates on the actions, not orientation, of males, and has little to say about lesbianism (although Helminiak does discuss this).

Its weaknesses are that it pays insufficient attention to contrary views and as such the careful student will have to research elsewhere. Similarly, he does not discuss the issues of Christianity and homosexuality that go beyond Scripture although, to be fair, he never sets out to tackle such a wide remit.

Overall a valuable and informative look at one of the key elements in the debate surrounding homosexuality, the Bible and the modern church. From a liberal perspective a very good place to start, but not an alternative to reading widely.

Rating:
Summary: Beware!
Review: Obviously, whether you like this book or not will depend on what you want to hear. Those who are looking for justification for the reconciliation of homosexual practices with the Christian faith will probably be pleased with this book, at least part of it. However, it should be noted that as I recall the author has been removed from the Roman Catholic priesthood since the publication of this book. In addition, potential readers should be aware that this book not only defends homosexual practices but at least implies a defense of pederasty. It claims that Christ approved of a sexual relationship between a Roman centurion and his servant who was likely only a boy. I think few on either side of the homosexual debate in the Church will welcome this interpretation, particularly coming from a former priest in light of recent events.

Rating:
Summary: One Star Reviewer Did Not Read This Book
Review: The author of this intellectually honest book, himself a Reverend, embraces both the Bible and the Brother (or Sister) who may be gay. Yes, it is possible to embrace both; indeed it is necessary. If I may change gears, another reviewer gave this book only one star; she makes a few (inane) arguments to condemn gays, then writes that she had hoped those arguments would be addressed in this book but claims they are not. Wrong!! The Adam-and-Eve versus Adam-and-Steve argument is specifically addressed. Did she not read the book she reviews? Let me share a song I've been singing lately. "Every guy grab a girl, everywhere around the world. There'll be Dancing in the Streets." Now, there is no reason to believe homosexuality was anywhere near the songwriter's mind. His point was simply EVERYBODY dance! The songwriter simply used the most common example ("Every guy grab a girl"). So it is with the Bible's Creation story of Adam and Eve. To mistake this for a condemnation of homosexuality is simply to miss the point. To use this Bible text to condemn gays is to misuse the Bible.

Rating:
Summary: Logically sound
Review: The monks originated logic as we know and study it today. Through the study of biblical teachings in a logical view (or what Daniel Helminiak refers to as historically reading) it is evident that the bible does not address the "sinfulness" of homosexuality. I would strongly recommend anyone, without exception, read this book. It does not matter what religious beliefs are held or what their sexual orientation is; this book is insightful and open. I have spoken with many pastors since reading this book and was surprised that many of the bibles that are being used today do not even follow the true word as it was written (I spoke with several Hebrew translators to discover this). A final note is that anyone who owns or reads a bible wherein Genesis 19 the words "have relations with" appears should question the validity of the translation of that book. According to several reputable translators this phrase is a serious mistranslation and anyone adhering to the gospel with such grievous mistakes should evaluate what they are reading as it is not translated accurately, therefore the words themselves cannot be seen as valid.

Rating:
Summary: Clarifies the context of Bible references on the subject.
Review: This small book is an excellent source of scholarly understanding of how the Bible speaks on this subject. By looking at paralell examples of the ways in which certain words are used it becomes clear that the writers were not using the expressions in the way we understand them today. Helmeniak points out that the word Homosexual first appears in the nineteenth century which makes it unlikely that the concept as we understand it even existed when the Bible was written. He also observes that many other behaviors are subjected the same or similar proscriptions which we uniformly consider absurd in today's culture. For example: a woman in a red dress is an abomination as is eating shrimp. Yet it is only homosexuality that carries that stamp today. I consider the book an excellent resource for any person who is struggling with their homosexual feelings, or those of a friend or family member because of the Bible's apparent condemnation. For example, Helminiak points out that Paul had no example of loving, committed Gay partners to observe so he could not possibly have been refering to such relationships when he denounces the practice.