Sex and the Single Savior

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9780664230463

Amazon UK: Sex and the Single Savior

Language: English

Standpoint: 1 Fully inclusive and affirming

Genre(s): Academic writing and Theology

Topic(s): Biblical studies, Discrimination against and hostility towards LGBT+ people, Equal marriage, Gender identity, Homosexuality in the Bible, Same-sex relationships, Sex and sexuality in Ancient Rome, and Translation issues

Especially suitable for: Academics, Theological educators, and Those who are undecided about the homosexuality issue

Probing into numerous questions about gender and sexuality, Dale Martin delves into the biblical texts anew and unearths surprising findings. Avoiding preconceptions about ancient sexuality, he explores the ethics of desire and marriage and pays careful attention to the original meanings of words, especially those used as evidence of Paul’s opposition to homosexuality. For example, after a remarkably faithful reading of the scriptural texts, Martin concludes that our contemporary obsession with marriage – and the whole search for the “right” sexual relationships – is antithetical to the message of the gospel. In all of these essays, however, Martin argues for engaging Scripture in a way that goes beyond the standard historical-critical questions and the assumptions of textual agency in order to find a faith that has no foundations other than Jesus Christ.

Reviews/Comments

“Dr Martin’s full explanations of the historical contexts of both arsenokoites and malakos were detailed and thorough. It is quite clear that if one were to investigate the history of these two words in context, it would become clear that they do not translate to the current understanding of homosexual/homosexuality. It is frustrating that modern scholars have taken a lazy route by interpreting two words so carelessly. This action has resulted in damage and destruction to the LGBTQ community.”
— Kathy Baldock