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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
The book is written well and easy to track with and understand. However I read it with people from a conservative background in mind( who also have an open mind about this topic) because he said he has a similar view of scripture. From that perspective ,the book makes too many jumps and assumptions in its exegesis (I also am critical of many more religiously conservative books that do this as well). It did however point to other texts that I would like to read to get a more thorough understanding of his conclusions. A big belief when it comes to egalitarian views and also views on slavery is that the overall arc of scripture points to both egalitarian and obviously views against slavery, but not when it comes to lgbtq relationships. He doesn’t address this argument at all. It’s a short introductory book to this topic but I thought it would have been beneficial to touch on that argument a bit .
Having grown up as an evangelical Christian, I can appreciate the task that Matthew Vines is undertaking in God and the the Gay Christian: Vines is attempting to present a case for acceptance of same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage by conservative Christians.
Vines himself is a conservative Christian. He is also a gay Christian. He affirms the authority of the Bible. And he believes that being a gay Christian--even a gay Christian married to a same-sex partner--is not an abomination or even a sin. He lays out his case through careful exegesis of the passages in the Bible (both those in the Hebrew Bible and in the New Testament) that have traditionally been used to condemn gay Christians as sinful. Vines examines these passages in their historical and cultural contexts and also draws on linguistic analysis of the Hebrew and the Greek in said passages, and he shows--convincingly, I think--that it is wrong to interpret these passages as somehow condemning gay Christians or gay relationships or even gay marriages.
If conservative Christians are willing to read and give an honest assessment of Vines's arguments, I think that many will find his arguments very persuasive.
Now, as one who no longer holds Vines's theological views, I often found myself saying: "Who cares how these passages read? We know that anti-gay bigotry is wrong. Even if the Bible does condemn homosexuality, we can simply say that the Bible is wrong." But this is not an option for those whom Vines is trying to reach. He very seriously believes that the Bible is God's word and that it is authoritative. He presents a rigorous, thoughtful, logical argument to support his case, and while non-conservatives like me may find the book overly reliant on Scripture and even too preachy (yes, I did find many passages with multiple quotations from the Bible over the top, but I'm not in Vines's target audience: I'm not an evangelical Christian), conservative Christians will find an argument--presented in terms accessible to the layperson as Vines himself is not a minister or a theologian--that strongly refutes traditional Christian teaching that being gay or being involved in gay relationships is sinful.
Vines is a thoughtful, articulate, compassionate spokesperson for those who believe in the full inclusiveness of LGBT Christians. While my non-religious friends might find little of interest here, those who see the Bible as in some fashion an important source of meaning and direction will find God and the Gay Christian to be an enlightening, challenging work.
Well done, Mr. Vines. Well done!
Vines himself is a conservative Christian. He is also a gay Christian. He affirms the authority of the Bible. And he believes that being a gay Christian--even a gay Christian married to a same-sex partner--is not an abomination or even a sin. He lays out his case through careful exegesis of the passages in the Bible (both those in the Hebrew Bible and in the New Testament) that have traditionally been used to condemn gay Christians as sinful. Vines examines these passages in their historical and cultural contexts and also draws on linguistic analysis of the Hebrew and the Greek in said passages, and he shows--convincingly, I think--that it is wrong to interpret these passages as somehow condemning gay Christians or gay relationships or even gay marriages.
If conservative Christians are willing to read and give an honest assessment of Vines's arguments, I think that many will find his arguments very persuasive.
Now, as one who no longer holds Vines's theological views, I often found myself saying: "Who cares how these passages read? We know that anti-gay bigotry is wrong. Even if the Bible does condemn homosexuality, we can simply say that the Bible is wrong." But this is not an option for those whom Vines is trying to reach. He very seriously believes that the Bible is God's word and that it is authoritative. He presents a rigorous, thoughtful, logical argument to support his case, and while non-conservatives like me may find the book overly reliant on Scripture and even too preachy (yes, I did find many passages with multiple quotations from the Bible over the top, but I'm not in Vines's target audience: I'm not an evangelical Christian), conservative Christians will find an argument--presented in terms accessible to the layperson as Vines himself is not a minister or a theologian--that strongly refutes traditional Christian teaching that being gay or being involved in gay relationships is sinful.
Vines is a thoughtful, articulate, compassionate spokesperson for those who believe in the full inclusiveness of LGBT Christians. While my non-religious friends might find little of interest here, those who see the Bible as in some fashion an important source of meaning and direction will find God and the Gay Christian to be an enlightening, challenging work.
Well done, Mr. Vines. Well done!
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
A great resource to share with your conservative family members who aren’t sure whether they’re ready to fully affirm LGBTQ people.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Religious bigotry
Minor: Suicide
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
I really appreciated this book a lot as it helps reconcile a high view of scripture with an affirming position. It takes a careful, systematic look at the 6 passages most often cited in the non-affirming sector of the Christian church and explores the original language and context of each to show that in most cases, the Bible is not inconsistent with a same-sex, monogamous marriage. Neither my current nor past denominations are affirming, but I have chosen to ally myself with the LGBTQ community. At the end of the day, we are called to love Jesus and others and I believe that loving others means accepting all people for who they are and welcoming them as my brothers and sisters in Christ. I wish the church would stop wasting energy in judging and shaming LGBTQ people instead of walking alongside them and acknowledging that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Grace, not condemnation.
This book is good for Christian's looking for a book focused on what scripture has to say for gay and lesbian Christians. This book this packed full of well researched points siting numerous sources. It's clear, concise and convincing. This book offers a few personal stories but is largely doctrine focused. This makes it less emotionally moving and more intellectually comprehensive of scripture. This book is designed to be shared with people who hold to a literal interpretation of scripture as Gods word. As I read it I just kept thinking of all the people I know who need this book. It's a must read for all christians who see scripture as the literal word of God.
I'm thankful for Matthew's intelligence and devotion to scripture. His sermon(on youtube) on this topic was the first afirming message I ever heard. It set my life on a path to freedom from years of shame and self hate. I met Matthew at a bible study for LGBT+ Christians. His faith is so sincere and I'm inspired by his compassion for non afirming christians.
I look forward to attending the reformation project conference next month in orlando😊.
I'm thankful for Matthew's intelligence and devotion to scripture. His sermon(on youtube) on this topic was the first afirming message I ever heard. It set my life on a path to freedom from years of shame and self hate. I met Matthew at a bible study for LGBT+ Christians. His faith is so sincere and I'm inspired by his compassion for non afirming christians.
I look forward to attending the reformation project conference next month in orlando😊.
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced