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177 reviews for:
God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships
Matthew Vines
4.15 AVERAGE
177 reviews for:
God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships
Matthew Vines
4.15 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I appreciate the author's dedication to share his story incorporating his relationship with his dad who is a pastor. There is so much research that went into this book. Not sure I agree with everything Matt writes or his views still being involved/pro evangelical christianity. However, if anything, I believe this book shines a bright light on how out of context the American church has taken scriptures and take them at face value versus the historical context and language translations.
This is one of the most thoughtful and scripture-focused books Ive read on this subject (and I've read a lot!) Matthew Vines depth of knowledge, clarity, and passion for the Bible are evident. This book is probably most valuable to someone who was raised in a more conservative or fundamentalist church as he speaks from that perspective and vernacular. If you've ever been told you can't "respect the authority of scripture" while affirming gay relationships this book is for you!
I'm sad that he had to write it, but I'm so glad he did.
I'm sad that he had to write it, but I'm so glad he did.
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
An easy-to-read, thorough case for a reconsideration about the bible's position on modern homosexuality.
This book challenged my preconceived theological and biblical understanding of homosexuality. It has also significantly changed the way I think and understand about God. I found it a convincing and heart wrenching journey. It is extremely well written, well argued, and very focused on this challenging topic, while centered on Christ and the character of God. Vines successfully argues that Christians can affirm and bless same-sex marriages and still affirm the full authority of the Bible. Vines writes from a place of conviction in an intelligent and well-informed manner. He addresses many difficult questions and objections, giving in-depth answers reflecting a humble, honest, and thorough investigation. I loved this book. It was refreshing to see a different point of view that delved extensively and faithfully into scripture and the broader historical context for answers.
Vines, Matthew. God and the Gay Christian. Convergent Books. 2014. $22.99. 224p. HC 978-1-60142-516-4.
After the viral success of his video lecture on the Bible and homosexuality, Vines has continued his study of the topic and compiled his findings into a book. Starting with introductory comments and continuing through the six “clobber passages” from the Bible most commonly used to condemn same-sex relationships, Vines draws from biblical scholarship, language studies, ancient history, and other texts contemporary to biblical writings to show a different way of looking at the arguments against homosexuality. The factual information is punctuated with snippets from Vines’s own coming-out experience with his father. The final chapter highlights modern church reformers such as Kathy Baldock of Canyon Walker Connections and Justin Lee of the Gay Christian Network, as well as discussing Vines’s own work in the Reformation Project. Extensive endnotes indicate that Vines has, indeed, put much time and effort into thoroughly studying this topic. Rather than giving pat answers or simple slogans, Vines walks the reader through the historical context of the arguments against same-sex relationships and explains how the church (and the world) has viewed this issue throughout history.
An excellent academic read and companion to Lee’s [b:Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate|13529091|Torn Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate|Justin Lee|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340228841s/13529091.jpg|19086701] and Shore’s [b:UNFAIR: Christians and the LGBT Question|18893462|UNFAIR Christians and the LGBT Question|John Shore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394668907s/18893462.jpg|26897667], Vines avoids the common pitfalls of resorting to numerous “human interest” stories to prove his point and instead focuses on the logic and history behind the religious arguments against same-sex relationships. Readers who expect an in-depth look at biblical themes and passages will not be disappointed. Evangelical and other conservative Christians will appreciate Vines’s approach to the topic as well as his stance on church doctrine. Vines asserts his belief in the absolute authority of the Scriptures, and in so doing he invites those who have turned away from previous attempts at reconciliation between the two camps to look again at what the Bible itself has to say on this very controversial topic. This book would make an excellent addition to a public library’s collection in conservative communities as well as academic libraries at religious institutions.
After the viral success of his video lecture on the Bible and homosexuality, Vines has continued his study of the topic and compiled his findings into a book. Starting with introductory comments and continuing through the six “clobber passages” from the Bible most commonly used to condemn same-sex relationships, Vines draws from biblical scholarship, language studies, ancient history, and other texts contemporary to biblical writings to show a different way of looking at the arguments against homosexuality. The factual information is punctuated with snippets from Vines’s own coming-out experience with his father. The final chapter highlights modern church reformers such as Kathy Baldock of Canyon Walker Connections and Justin Lee of the Gay Christian Network, as well as discussing Vines’s own work in the Reformation Project. Extensive endnotes indicate that Vines has, indeed, put much time and effort into thoroughly studying this topic. Rather than giving pat answers or simple slogans, Vines walks the reader through the historical context of the arguments against same-sex relationships and explains how the church (and the world) has viewed this issue throughout history.
An excellent academic read and companion to Lee’s [b:Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate|13529091|Torn Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate|Justin Lee|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340228841s/13529091.jpg|19086701] and Shore’s [b:UNFAIR: Christians and the LGBT Question|18893462|UNFAIR Christians and the LGBT Question|John Shore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394668907s/18893462.jpg|26897667], Vines avoids the common pitfalls of resorting to numerous “human interest” stories to prove his point and instead focuses on the logic and history behind the religious arguments against same-sex relationships. Readers who expect an in-depth look at biblical themes and passages will not be disappointed. Evangelical and other conservative Christians will appreciate Vines’s approach to the topic as well as his stance on church doctrine. Vines asserts his belief in the absolute authority of the Scriptures, and in so doing he invites those who have turned away from previous attempts at reconciliation between the two camps to look again at what the Bible itself has to say on this very controversial topic. This book would make an excellent addition to a public library’s collection in conservative communities as well as academic libraries at religious institutions.
Having seen both a lecture and a video by author Matthew Vines, I found this book a quick read and helpful refresher as I prepare to serve as a volunteer at conference with The Reformation Project this weekend. Vines addresses the typical scriptures invoked against same-sex relationships, from a deeply held, theologically conservative Christian perspective. While I enter the discussion from a more progressive faith stance, I value his study, insights and logical re-consideration of the meaning of these texts. His commitment to Scripture, faith and a Christian way of living permeate both the book and his broader work to reform church teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to see that LGBT Christians have support and safety in communities of faith. I recommend this book and Vines' videos (available on YouTube)for all.