Holy Love

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9781501896088

Amazon UK: Holy Love

Language: English

Standpoint: 1 Fully inclusive and affirming

Genre(s): Academic writing, Contemporary Christian practice and experience, and Theology

Topic(s): Biblical studies, Ethics, Homosexuality in the Bible, Inclusive Christianity, and Same-sex relationships

Especially suitable for: Methodists and Those who are undecided about the homosexuality issue

Do conservatives or progressives ‘own’ the teachings about what the Bible says about human sexuality and marriage? For some – perhaps a vocal minority – the question is no longer up for debate or discussion: conservatives win. For others, the issues are not that simple. A fresh, rigorous, but yet concise, theological examination of the Bible’s teachings is required. There are other ways to interpret scripture faithfully with respect to sexuality other than the conservative interpretation. In Holy Love, Steve Harper strives to articulate the truth about the teachings of the Bible and Wesleyan tradition on human sexuality.

This very accessible book is intended for church leaders, small groups, and those interested in understanding the Bible’s teaching on this fundamental component of human life, experience and relationships. The book will help church leaders and small groups make the constructive case that biblical, Christian teaching is compatible with faithful, covenantal love and intimacy amidst all sexual orientations.

Reviews/Comments

‘Holy Love is a short book, with a total of 82 pages, yet it is well-documented and reflects a bibliography as late as early 2019. In four chapters, an epilogue, and two appendices (one for LBGTQ people and one for conservatives who have actively pressed against LGBTQ inclusion), Harper charts his study within the domains of Wesleyan theology and modern biblical studies along with pastoral listening. Foundational to his study is the following statement: “Theology arises from something prior to itself – a cultural concern, a pressing issue, a personal interest, a communal challenge. This is one reason why John Wesley made experience part of his theological interpretation, by adding to the already existing Anglican trilateral of scripture, tradition, and reason” (p. 1). This book is very much about his experiences with all four of these topic areas.’
— Daniel F. Pigg