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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
medium-paced
Been reading this text off and on throughout the year. Colby Martin offers a very accessible engagement with texts that have been used to “clobber” or attack the humanity/lived lives of LGBTQIA+ people. He does a good job of providing an introduction to the broader historical context, translation intricacies, and interpretive history of the main texts in question. In so doing, he opens the door to interpreting these texts in a more authentic and affirming way that affirms they too are beloved children of God. While the text is not perfect, the expanded edition in particular names potential shortcomings and additional learnings from the author as his ministry has continued, highlighting the lifelong learning we all get to do as children of God.
Martin also shares his own journey from being a pastor within a socially conservative religious system to being an affirming ally of, and minister with, LGBTQIA+ people. The inclusion of his own story here reminds readers of the profoundly personal and unique journey each of us have as we wrestle with Scripture and what the Spirit is guiding us to say and do in the world in response. Indeed- receiving, digesting, and embodying lessons from the Spirit often takes time, and we give thanks as the Spirit leads us to love more authentically and more fully along the way.
Notably, he names the potential gift of his more neutral entry into the question of LGBTQIA+ affirmation by Christian individuals: “Whereas, because I didn’t have a horse in the race—neither for myself nor, as mentioned in chapter 7, even a close friend or family member—when they read my words, the ideas and arguments appear to be more neutral. As a result, my perspective has allowed many readers to not just hear that the Bible truly does not condemn them but begin to believe it for the first time as well” (206, Kindle). The personal distance named here is viewed as a benefit by Martin because it removes the common dismissal by opponents of affirming interpretations saying that “sound biblical interpretation has taken a back seat to the relationships one has.” Martin’s particular testimony/work provides a unique lens that is an excellent introduction to this important topic for our day as we answer the call to love and serve our neighbor, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Martin also shares his own journey from being a pastor within a socially conservative religious system to being an affirming ally of, and minister with, LGBTQIA+ people. The inclusion of his own story here reminds readers of the profoundly personal and unique journey each of us have as we wrestle with Scripture and what the Spirit is guiding us to say and do in the world in response. Indeed- receiving, digesting, and embodying lessons from the Spirit often takes time, and we give thanks as the Spirit leads us to love more authentically and more fully along the way.
Notably, he names the potential gift of his more neutral entry into the question of LGBTQIA+ affirmation by Christian individuals: “Whereas, because I didn’t have a horse in the race—neither for myself nor, as mentioned in chapter 7, even a close friend or family member—when they read my words, the ideas and arguments appear to be more neutral. As a result, my perspective has allowed many readers to not just hear that the Bible truly does not condemn them but begin to believe it for the first time as well” (206, Kindle). The personal distance named here is viewed as a benefit by Martin because it removes the common dismissal by opponents of affirming interpretations saying that “sound biblical interpretation has taken a back seat to the relationships one has.” Martin’s particular testimony/work provides a unique lens that is an excellent introduction to this important topic for our day as we answer the call to love and serve our neighbor, following the example of Jesus Christ.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
it’s a good, beginner-friendly analysis of the historical context of the clobber passages
but only read if you can handle him using the phrase “coming out of the theological closet” over and over again
he’s just a cishet white guy whose never had a queer friend
but allegedly some people like his pov because he has “nothing to prove”
regardless it’s very informative and easy for people to read who don’t have a strong background in theology
but only read if you can handle him using the phrase “coming out of the theological closet” over and over again
he’s just a cishet white guy whose never had a queer friend
but allegedly some people like his pov because he has “nothing to prove”
regardless it’s very informative and easy for people to read who don’t have a strong background in theology
Colby Martin’s UnClobbered is a thoughtful and compassionate exploration of the so-called “clobber passages” in Scripture—those texts traditionally interpreted to condemn homosexuality. The book is part theological/Bible study and part memoir of Martin's own experiences and journey from a pastor in a conservative evangelical church that fired him for becoming open and affirming to his current
role as a pastor for a progressive, open-and-affirming faith community. Regarding the clobber passages, Martin seeks to reframe these passages within their historical and cultural contexts, offering plausible interpretations that affirm the dignity and worth of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their capacity for flourishing relationships.
Martin’s examination of the Hebrew Bible passages is particularly compelling. For instance, his discussion of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) argues that the sin of Sodom was not homosexuality but rather inhospitality and violence against strangers—a theme reinforced by other biblical references to Sodom, such as Ezekiel 16:49-50. Regarding Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, Martin situates these prohibitions within the purity codes of ancient Israel, which were designed to set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations. He highlights how these laws are specific to their cultural and historical context and are not necessarily applicable to contemporary, monogamous same-sex relationships. He also pushed against thinking of "abomination" as synonymous with vile or evil.
In the New Testament, Martin provides an illuminating reading of Romans 1:26-27, suggesting that Paul’s critique targets lustful, exploitative relationships rather than loving, committed same-sex partnerships, and he challenges a normative understanding of what it means to be "against nature." Similarly, his analysis of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10 focuses on the ambiguity of the Greek terms “arsenokoitai” and “malakoi,” often translated as referring to homosexuality. Martin argues that these terms likely refer to exploitative or abusive sexual practices rather than consensual, life-giving relationships. I agree. It's also interesting to note, as Martin does repeatedly, that none of these passages, possibly with the exception of Romans 1 discuss being a lesbian at all.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on the potential for same-sex relationships to embody love, harmony, and flourishing—qualities Martin rightly identifies as central to biblical visions of marriage and relationships. By affirming that homosexuality can be as life-affirming and God-honoring as heterosexuality, Martin challenges traditional interpretations while offering a hopeful vision of inclusion.
That said, my primary critique of UnClobbered is its lack of an explicit theological framework to undergird its interpretations. While Martin’s arguments are rooted in compassion and justice, a clearer articulation of a theology of marriage, the image of God, and sexuality would have strengthened his case. For me, the image of God entails that all humans—gay, lesbian, transgender, and otherwise—are called to rule and steward creation, reflecting God’s love and creativity in their relationships. Similarly, a robust theology of marriage emphasizes mutual flourishing and the nurturing of life, principles that are just as applicable to same-sex couples as they are to heterosexual ones. Obviously, these characteristics need to be more fully fleshed out in a more complete account, but I think doing so would have improved Martin's argument. Having a clear touchstone for guiding one's interpretation of the text is vital so that we don't substitute our own cultural prejudices for an interpretation of the text.
Ultimately, UnClobbered is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the clobber passages in a new light. Martin’s thoughtful readings and compassionate tone make it an accessible and compelling book, even if it could benefit from a more explicit theological grounding. For anyone wrestling with these questions, UnClobbered offers an important step toward deeper understanding and inclusion.
role as a pastor for a progressive, open-and-affirming faith community. Regarding the clobber passages, Martin seeks to reframe these passages within their historical and cultural contexts, offering plausible interpretations that affirm the dignity and worth of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their capacity for flourishing relationships.
Martin’s examination of the Hebrew Bible passages is particularly compelling. For instance, his discussion of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) argues that the sin of Sodom was not homosexuality but rather inhospitality and violence against strangers—a theme reinforced by other biblical references to Sodom, such as Ezekiel 16:49-50. Regarding Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, Martin situates these prohibitions within the purity codes of ancient Israel, which were designed to set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations. He highlights how these laws are specific to their cultural and historical context and are not necessarily applicable to contemporary, monogamous same-sex relationships. He also pushed against thinking of "abomination" as synonymous with vile or evil.
In the New Testament, Martin provides an illuminating reading of Romans 1:26-27, suggesting that Paul’s critique targets lustful, exploitative relationships rather than loving, committed same-sex partnerships, and he challenges a normative understanding of what it means to be "against nature." Similarly, his analysis of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10 focuses on the ambiguity of the Greek terms “arsenokoitai” and “malakoi,” often translated as referring to homosexuality. Martin argues that these terms likely refer to exploitative or abusive sexual practices rather than consensual, life-giving relationships. I agree. It's also interesting to note, as Martin does repeatedly, that none of these passages, possibly with the exception of Romans 1 discuss being a lesbian at all.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on the potential for same-sex relationships to embody love, harmony, and flourishing—qualities Martin rightly identifies as central to biblical visions of marriage and relationships. By affirming that homosexuality can be as life-affirming and God-honoring as heterosexuality, Martin challenges traditional interpretations while offering a hopeful vision of inclusion.
That said, my primary critique of UnClobbered is its lack of an explicit theological framework to undergird its interpretations. While Martin’s arguments are rooted in compassion and justice, a clearer articulation of a theology of marriage, the image of God, and sexuality would have strengthened his case. For me, the image of God entails that all humans—gay, lesbian, transgender, and otherwise—are called to rule and steward creation, reflecting God’s love and creativity in their relationships. Similarly, a robust theology of marriage emphasizes mutual flourishing and the nurturing of life, principles that are just as applicable to same-sex couples as they are to heterosexual ones. Obviously, these characteristics need to be more fully fleshed out in a more complete account, but I think doing so would have improved Martin's argument. Having a clear touchstone for guiding one's interpretation of the text is vital so that we don't substitute our own cultural prejudices for an interpretation of the text.
Ultimately, UnClobbered is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the clobber passages in a new light. Martin’s thoughtful readings and compassionate tone make it an accessible and compelling book, even if it could benefit from a more explicit theological grounding. For anyone wrestling with these questions, UnClobbered offers an important step toward deeper understanding and inclusion.
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
I picked up this book in an effort to "know they enemy" but the spirit in which the book is written doesn't call for that. The author wrote this for his fellow Christians who are interrogating the church's stance to discrimate against queer people and invite them to think differently. For those who just want to know more about the biblical verses evangelicals like to throw around to discriminate against queer people, the odd numbered chapters are all you need. His gives a scholarly argument for why these passages are incorrectly used which is all I really wanted to know. I read the whole book and found his journey compelling for anyone needing an example of making contact across the difference of sexual orientation. Great for any questioning Christians. I think curious secular audiences would be better off reading a queer religious scholar though.
If you're looking for a primer on a progressive read of the "clobber" verses this book is a great introduction! Colby's story is relatable and his writing style is easy to follow. If you're looking for a systemic approach to the questions of LBGTQ+ inclusion from a social, historical, and hermeneutical perspective this doesn't go as deep. Which is totally fine. There are just so many factors to why this issue is such a hot button for evangelical Christianity and UnClobber basically tells Colby's story of exploring the bible based aspects and how that shaped his relationship with the church. It's a great start, but if we think the main reason this is a hot button topic in faith circles is the Bible we are kidding ourselves.
Loved the basis of this book: a series of well-reasoned and well-researched analysis of the Biblical “clobber passages,” which have been used to condemn homosexuality. In an easy-to-understand manner, Colby does a tremendous job of putting these passages into the greater context of the arguments in the text, as well as the time they were written. He brings in the original Greek when necessary, and provides examples of how these terms have been used differently in the Bible.
The chapters that didn’t deal with the clobber passages followed Colby’s journey as he wrestled with these beliefs. While I appreciated his journey, I found myself skipping ahead to the Unclobber chapters. Sorry Colby.
Overall, I really liked this. It helped to put the clobber passages in their time, place and context.
The chapters that didn’t deal with the clobber passages followed Colby’s journey as he wrestled with these beliefs. While I appreciated his journey, I found myself skipping ahead to the Unclobber chapters. Sorry Colby.
Overall, I really liked this. It helped to put the clobber passages in their time, place and context.