Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships

by Karen R. Keen

Overview

WHEN IT COMES TO SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS, this book by Karen Keen contains the most thoughtful, balanced, biblically grounded discussion you’re likely to encounter anywhere. With pastoral sensitivity and respect for biblical authority, Keen breaks through current stalemates in the debate surrounding faith and sexual identity.

The fresh, evenhanded reevaluation of Scripture, Christian tradition, theology, and science in Keen’s Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships will appeal to both traditionalist and progressive church leaders and parishioners, students of ethics and biblical studies, and gay and lesbian people who often feel painfully torn between faith and sexuality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467451338
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	10/11/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	311 KB

About the Author

Karen R. Keen (ThM, Duke Divinity School) is a biblical scholar, author, and spiritual director residing in Durham, North Carolina. Founder of the Redwood Center for Spiritual Care, she frequently works with pastors and ministers-in-training. Keen blogs at karenkeen.com.
 Karen R. Keen is a biblical scholar, author, and spiritual care provider who has taught biblical and theological studies in both academic and church settings. She currently teaches classes and leads retreats through the Redwood Center for Spiritual Care and Education. You can find her online at redwoodspiritualc are.com.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

1 The Church's Response to the Gay and Lesbian Community: A Brief History 1

2 Same-Sex Relations in Ancient Jewish and Christian Thought 16

3 Key Arguments in Today's Debate on Same-Sex Relationships 25

4 Fifty Shekels for Rape? Making Sense of Old Testament Laws 43

5 What Is Ethical? Interpreting the Bible like Jesus 54

6 The Question of Celibacy for Gay and Lesbian People 68

7 Is It Adam's Fault? Why the Origin of Same-Sex Attraction Matters 83

8 Imagining a New Response to the Gay and Lesbian Community 101

Notes 115

Acknowledgments 140

Subject-Name Index 142

Scripture Index 146

Editorial Reviews

Gregory A. Boyd
— pastor, author of Letters from a Skeptic and Cross Vision
“At a time when debates about the viability of same-sex unions for Christians often generate more heat than light, this marvelous little book by Karen Keen is a true gift. . . . All readers will benefit from, and be blessed by, engaging with Keen’s well-researched, well-written, heartfelt book.”

Adam Hamilton
— pastor, author of Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times
“A very important contribution to the conversation about same-sex marriage taking place in the church today. Keen takes the Bible seriously and approaches the issues as one who knows and understands what is at stake for both sides of the debate. I highly recommend this book.”

Elaine A. Heath
— professor at Duke Divinity School, author of God Unbound: Wisdom from Galatians for the Anxious Church
“Karen Keen here provides a needed, integrative perspective that fruitfully brings together evangelical biblical interpretation, theological ethics, and pastoral wisdom to frame a loving, Christ-honoring discussion about same-sex relationships. This is a very helpful resource for seminary students, pastors, and congregations.”

Booklist
"Illuminating the history of biblical interpretation concerning sexuality and marriage, Keen contributes a work of great distinction to the literature of homosexuality and Christianity."

From the Publisher