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Matthew Vines grew up in a conservative evangelical church in Kansas where the belief that being gay was a sin was near unquestioned. As he grew up, Vines realized he was attracted to the same sex. This led Vines to an in-depth study of what the Bible says about gay relationships. The fruit of this study led to a video that went viral a few years back and now to this book. Vines is seeking to do something many see as difficult, if not impossible – to keep his the traditional, evangelical understanding of Scripture but to argue in favor of gay relationships. In other words, if the choice is either be evangelical and think gay relationships are wrong, or embrace gay relationships and move to a more liberal theological position, Vines wants a third option.
Vines book God and the Gay Christian received a good bit of publicity. Even before it came out some evangelical Calvinists got a hold of it and prepared a response e-book for immediate release. I'll review that one below.
Vines argument hinges on a few points. First, he argues that the ancient world had no concept of consensual gay relationships between adults. So he admits that the Bible (specifically the six verses that mention homosexuality) condemn it. But they are not condemning anything like what we have today. Instead, homosexual behavior was seen as a symptom of sexual excess. Many who engaged in it were married men who just wanted more so they sought sex with other men or boys. The idea that two people would commit to a monogamous, lifelong adult relationship was not on their radar.
Second, Vines is arguing for a sort of traditional sexual ethic. He thinks the Bible supports committed monogamous marriage, but he wants to expand it to include gay couples. Thus he agrees with the Bible's condemnation of sexual excess. Vines would agree with the Bible's condemnation of promiscuity.
Third, Vines argues that celibacy in the Bible is always chosen, it is never forced on people. From this, expecting all people who experience attraction to the same sex to be celibate for life is not just unfair, it is outside what scripture says on celibacy. If I recall, Vines does agree that the Bible expects celibacy of all for a time, prior to marriage. But in theory any straight person could marry while all gay people must either choose a fake and loveless marriage with a person of the other gender or celibacy. It is better for the health, spiritual and physical of these people, to allow them to marry same gender people.
Vines book is well-written and challenging to the traditional perspective. I am not sure if he succeeds in building a case for gay marriage from within an evangelical understanding of the Bible. But it is a compelling case worth much thought and good response.
That said, the response e-book that came out when this did is not such a good response...but you'll have to read my review of that book elsewhere.
Vines book God and the Gay Christian received a good bit of publicity. Even before it came out some evangelical Calvinists got a hold of it and prepared a response e-book for immediate release. I'll review that one below.
Vines argument hinges on a few points. First, he argues that the ancient world had no concept of consensual gay relationships between adults. So he admits that the Bible (specifically the six verses that mention homosexuality) condemn it. But they are not condemning anything like what we have today. Instead, homosexual behavior was seen as a symptom of sexual excess. Many who engaged in it were married men who just wanted more so they sought sex with other men or boys. The idea that two people would commit to a monogamous, lifelong adult relationship was not on their radar.
Second, Vines is arguing for a sort of traditional sexual ethic. He thinks the Bible supports committed monogamous marriage, but he wants to expand it to include gay couples. Thus he agrees with the Bible's condemnation of sexual excess. Vines would agree with the Bible's condemnation of promiscuity.
Third, Vines argues that celibacy in the Bible is always chosen, it is never forced on people. From this, expecting all people who experience attraction to the same sex to be celibate for life is not just unfair, it is outside what scripture says on celibacy. If I recall, Vines does agree that the Bible expects celibacy of all for a time, prior to marriage. But in theory any straight person could marry while all gay people must either choose a fake and loveless marriage with a person of the other gender or celibacy. It is better for the health, spiritual and physical of these people, to allow them to marry same gender people.
Vines book is well-written and challenging to the traditional perspective. I am not sure if he succeeds in building a case for gay marriage from within an evangelical understanding of the Bible. But it is a compelling case worth much thought and good response.
That said, the response e-book that came out when this did is not such a good response...but you'll have to read my review of that book elsewhere.