When it comes to the issues of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and gay rights in relationship to the Christian faith, the confusion is always mounting. More and more believers aren’t sure what the Bible really says or doesn’t say about these issues. Many theologians have suggested that the Bible doesn’t even address homosexuality in the modern sense and the traditional beliefs on this subject have been misguided. Add to the mix some difficult questions like, “Why does the church focus so much on homosexuality while ignoring rampant sins like gluttony and divorce?” and what is a believer to believe?
This is where a book like What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? by Kevin DeYoung can feel like a welcome beacon of hope. And in many ways this book does bring much-needed clarity to some issues. However, it is vital we proceed forward carefully with a resource like this, but more on that later.
First of all, the good. The book is probably the best I’ve ever read on this subject when it comes to exegeting the pertinent passages of the Bible on the subject of homosexuality. The best part is, DeYoung builds his interpretations with both the larger story of the Bible and the character of God as a reference. In short, his aim is to be inclusive and comprehensive as he answers the question posed by his own book title.
Most of Part 1 one of the book is dedicated to the “big 5” scriptures related to homosexuality: Genesis 19, Leviticus 18/20, Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6, and 1 Timothy 1. And like I mentioned above, this section alone makes the book worth owning and reading for at least every pastor, but possibly for any believer, who really cares about speaking intelligently on these issues. This is DeYoung’s sweet spot: getting into the text, considering historical context, expounding on historical theology. As a bonus, as DeYoung unpacks the Leviticus passages, we get treated to a phenomenal answer to the question, “How binding is the Old Testament law on the New Testament believer?”
Part 2, entitled “Answering Objections,” is not quite as solid, however. The issue is not DeYoung’s answers to objections like, “What about gluttony and divorce?” and “The church is supposed to be a place for broken people?” but rather the lack of any kind of pastoral warmth and humility coming through in his writing. I’m not saying DeYoung personally isn’t pastoral in his approach in personal relationships, but my fear is some may read this objections and employ them wholesale in conversations with gay and/or pro-gay acquaintances. Unfortunately, DeYoung’s answers, while biblically sound for the most part, won’t do much to elevate a conversation that is typically more about attacking than understanding. What’s missing is the sense that these objections are being voiced by a person that I am trying to reach with the gospel, and that I must love like Jesus in the process. So, reader, proceed with caution and implement with humility when it comes to Part 2.
Adam Verner does a great job on the narration of the audiobook version. It seems like he gets paired up with Kevin DeYoung’s books a great deal on christianaudio.com, and Verner always does well narrating DeYoung’s writing.
All considered, this book is an invaluable addition to a small library on this particular issue. Can I humbly suggestion a few other titles to round out said library?
Love Is An Orientation by Andrew Marin. This book gives an interesting counterpoint to DeYoung’s “big five” scriptures exposition. Also, it offers a useful framework for elevating the conversation between Christians and gays.
Messy Grace by Caleb Kaltenbach. This book releases in October 2015. Kaltenbach was raised by gay parents and later became a pastor. His story is inspiring and calls us all to practice “messy grace,” particularly with gays and lesbians. You can read my review HERE.
Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam Allberry. Allberry is a pastor who struggles with same-sex attraction. His look at what the Bible says about homosexuality is both conservative and compassionate. He brings an empathy to the conversation that we all could use more of. You can read my review HERE.
The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage by Erwin W. Lutzer. This book focuses on the issue of gay marriage. What I appreciate about Lutzer’s approach is he argues as much from a cultural perspective as a conservative biblical one. This is definitely a must-read.
Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.