This volume is devoted to the receptions of and reflections on the story of Sodom and Gomorrah as told in Genesis 18 and 19. Two articles discuss intertextual reactions to the Sodom narrative within the Hebrew Bible. Five contributions examine readings and rewritings of the Sodom narrative in early Jewish, Christian and Islamic writings: Jubilees, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the New Testament (Revelation 11), Targumim and early Koran commentaries. Two articles focus on separate themes, the punishment of the Dead Sea and the prohibition on looking back. Finally, two articles that focus on Peter Damian and Proust's Sodome et Gomorrhe I describe the later reception of the sin of Sodom as homosexuality. A bibliography of recent works completes the volume.
Virtually every scholar on both sides of the same-sex discussion eventually addresses the account of Sodom found in Genesis 19. However, in recent years, scholars have tended to downplay the importance of this chapter in relation to this debate. This book challenges this trend and seeks to demonstrate how the account of Sodom plays a key role in our understanding of a God-ordained sexual ethic, especially in light of Genesis as Torah--instruction for both ancient Israel and for the Church.
Virtually every scholar on both sides of the same-sex discussion eventually addresses the account of Sodom found in Genesis 19. However, in recent years, scholars have tended to downplay the importance of this chapter in relation to this debate. This book challenges this trend and seeks to demonstrate how the account of Sodom plays a key role in our understanding of a God-ordained sexual ethic, especially in light of Genesis as Torah--instruction for both ancient Israel and for the Church.
In just a few short years, massive shifts in public opinion have radically reshaped society’s views on homosexuality. Feeling the pressure to forsake long-held beliefs about sex and marriage, some argue that Christians have historically misunderstood the Bible’s teaching on this issue. But does this approach do justice to what the Bible really teaches about homosexuality? In this timely book, award-winning author Kevin DeYoung challenges each of us—the skeptic, the seeker, the certain, and the confused—to take a humble look at God’s Word. Examining key biblical passages in both the Old and New Testaments and the Bible’s overarching teaching regarding sexuality, DeYoung responds to popular objections raised by Christians and non-Christians alike—offering readers an indispensable resource for thinking through one of the most pressing issues of our day.
Why did God destroy the cities of the Plain? What does the Bible really teach about the sin of Sodom and its destruction with Gomorrah and surrounding cities? Many Christians believe God rained down fire and brimstone on the ancient towns because its inhabitants were gay. But is there any evidence elsewhere in the Bible to support that homosexual behavior was prevalent in these places? This thesis closely studies the account of Sodom and Gomorrah to find out what the Bible really says about the past-and what it means for us today. In addition to accurately interpreting the Bible, it's crucial to understand the customs of the ancient world so that Scripture is set in its proper historical context. This guards against misinterpreting the text in the light of modern traditions, beliefs, and prejudices. The Sin of Sodom examines all the Scripture passages that mention Sodom to find out what they do-and don't-say about why God destroyed the ancient cities of the Plain. It also reviews history and the interpretations of Old Testament scholars and early Church leaders to reveal the evolution of their understanding over the centuries and how this affects the beliefs of today's Church. What was the sin of Sodom, and why did God destroy it? Read this book to discover what the Bible really says.
This volume presents an overview of Jewish, Christian and Islamic receptions of the Genesis 18-19 story of Sodom. The subjects range from inner-biblical reception, Dead Sea Scrolls, the Martyrdom of Pionius, and Koran commentaries, to Peter Damian and Marcel Proust.
The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.
Introduction: “Being Gay” Is Not A Sin. Religious freedom has long been a pillar of civil freedom, profoundly embedded in cultural and constitutional debates. However, this freedom has frequently been used to legitimize discrimination against underprivileged populations. Arguments based on religious freedom have the potential to transform cultural and religious landscapes, elevating political views and cultural practices to the level of religious necessity. This elevation can mask the importance of balancing religious freedom with other essential values, ensuring that one group’s rights do not trump those of another. Religious scriptures have often been used as tools of oppression, with some of the most heinous examples occurring in the defense of slavery. Slaveholders and their supporters used the Bible, saying that the mention of slavery in the holy text supported its place in the divine social order. They misused texts, such as the account of Cain and Abel and the so-called “curse of Ham,” to claim that God wanted to subjugate black people into slavery. This exploitation of religious scriptures gave credence to deeply ingrained prejudices and structural injustices. Similarly, religious scriptures have been and continue to be used to justify discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people. Misinterpretations and selective readings of this literature have perpetuated negative stereotypes and stigmatized people whose identities and experiences differ from hetero-normative expectations. This has caused significant harm by creating conditions of intolerance and exclusion. The argument that “being gay is not a sin” confronts these long-standing misconceptions. It is a plea to reconsider how religious beliefs are used to justify exclusion and to acknowledge the inherent dignity and worth of LGBTQIA+ people. While promoting a message of love, acceptance, and harmony, this book aims to dispel the myths that have grown out of such misinterpretations. Love knows no bounds and has an infinite power to heal and unite. Love and understanding will create a more compassionate and inclusive world. In the following chapters, we will look at this subject's historical, theological, and cultural aspects, providing insights and viewpoints that affirm the humanity and worth of LGBTQIA+ people. We will spotlight disadvantaged voices and celebrate the diversity of the human experience. This is our contribution to creating a world where all people are appreciated and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By confronting the misuse of religious freedom and pushing for a balanced approach that respects everyone’s rights and dignity, we may work toward a future in which love and acceptance triumph over prejudice and discrimination. Disclaimer: This book, “Being Gay is Not a Sin,” contains the author’s ideas, not those of any religious group, institution, or organization. This book is just intended to provide information and instructions. This work draws on research, personal experience, and interpretations of religious scriptures and teachings. Evaluate the facts critically and seek guidance from experts, religious leaders, or mental health professionals. The author promotes inclusion, empathy, and acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Traditional and denominational interpretations of religious theories and beliefs differ. Warning: This book does not offer legal, medical, or psychological advice. The author and publisher accept no responsibility for reader behavior resulting from the content of this book. Everyone, regardless of their opinions, ought to be respected and treated equally. This book promotes good dialogue about major social and religious topics. Thank you for reading “Being Gay Is Not a Sin.”
The biblical narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah has served as an archetypal story of divine antipathy towards same sex love and desire. 'Sodomy' offers a study of the reception of this story in Christian and Jewish traditions from antiquity to the Reformation. The book argues that the homophobic interpretation of Sodom and Gomorrah is a Christian invention which emerged in the first few centuries of the Christian era. The Jewish tradition - in which Sodom and Gomorrah are associated primarily with inhospitality, xenophobia and abuse of the poor - presents a very different picture. The book will be of interest to students and scholars seeking a fresh perspective on biblical approaches to sexuality.
Armed with only six passages in the Bible—often known as the "Clobber Passages"—the conservative Christian position has been one that stands against the full inclusion of our LGBTQ siblings. UnClobber reexamines each of those frequently quoted passages of Scripture, alternating with author Colby Martin's own story of being fired from an evangelical megachurch when they discovered his stance on sexuality. UnClobber reexamines what the Bible says (and does not say) about homosexuality in such a way that sheds divine light on outdated and inaccurate assumptions and interpretations. This new edition equips study groups and congregations with questions for discussion and a sermon series guide for preachers.
