The Possibility of Difference

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9781848679726

Amazon UK: The Possibility of Difference

Language: English

Standpoint: 1 Fully inclusive and affirming

Genre(s): Theology

Topic(s): Accepting one's sexuality, Biblical studies, Inclusive Christianity, Pastoral issues, and Translation issues

Especially suitable for: Evangelicals

Marcus Green makes three startlingly honest confessions. His first, that he is an Anglican; his second, that he is an evangelical; and finally, his third, that he is gay. It is these uncompromising and at times conflicting standpoints that make the basis for this compelling, compassionate, perhaps controversial but absolutely crucial book on attitudes towards homosexuality in the Christian faith.

Rational yet fiercely passionate, Marcus starts by tackling some of the Scriptures that have been used to condemn gay people. He then looks beyond these texts to the bigger biblical story, taking the reader on a journey that reveals the Bible as a place of radical inclusion and love. Finally, addressing the conservative contemporary orthodoxy often expected of the Christian community, Marcus explores the alienation and division that the ‘party line’ has on Christians both gay and straight, and offers an alternative vision of hope.

Reviews/Comments

“For a lot of evangelicals, both charismatic and conservative, there is no room to manoeuvre in their understanding of the Scripture and sexuality, the Bible is cherry-picked for choice verses. Marcus has done an excellent job of getting beyond proof texts and really digging into what the Scriptures say and putting it in the context of love. In evangelical circles there is often a ‘cold silence’ about sexuality, broken only by the occasionally sermon or a talk that needs doing once a year.” — David John Laird