God vs. Gay?
The Religious Case for Equality
Published on 8. May 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
232 pages
978-0-8070-0147-9 (ISBN)
Description
A passionate argument for LGBTQ equality within religious communities-"a book for our times and a book for the ages" (EDGE)
The myth that the Bible forbids homosexuality-the myth of "God versus Gay"-is behind some of the most divisive and painful conflicts of our day. In this provocative and game-changing book, scholar and activist Jay Michaelson shows that the Bible does not prohibit same-sex intimacy but does quite the opposite. In fact, the vast majority of the Bible's teachings support the full equality and dignity of LGBTQ people, from the first flaw it finds in creation ("It is not good for a person to be alone") to the way religious communities grow through reflection and conscience. Michaelson argues passionately for equality-not despite religion, but because of it.
With close readings of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, the latest data on the science of sexual orientation, and a sympathetic, accessible, and ecumenical approach to religious faith, Michaelson makes the case that sexual diversity is part of the beauty of nature. The recognition of same-sex families will strengthen, not threaten, the values religious people hold dear. Whatever your views on religion and sexual diversity, God vs. Gay is a plea for a more compassionate, informed conversation-and a first step toward creating one.
The myth that the Bible forbids homosexuality-the myth of "God versus Gay"-is behind some of the most divisive and painful conflicts of our day. In this provocative and game-changing book, scholar and activist Jay Michaelson shows that the Bible does not prohibit same-sex intimacy but does quite the opposite. In fact, the vast majority of the Bible's teachings support the full equality and dignity of LGBTQ people, from the first flaw it finds in creation ("It is not good for a person to be alone") to the way religious communities grow through reflection and conscience. Michaelson argues passionately for equality-not despite religion, but because of it.
With close readings of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, the latest data on the science of sexual orientation, and a sympathetic, accessible, and ecumenical approach to religious faith, Michaelson makes the case that sexual diversity is part of the beauty of nature. The recognition of same-sex families will strengthen, not threaten, the values religious people hold dear. Whatever your views on religion and sexual diversity, God vs. Gay is a plea for a more compassionate, informed conversation-and a first step toward creating one.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Boston, MA
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 152 mm
Width: 230 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
344 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8070-0147-9 (9780807001479)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2011
1st Edition
Beacon Press
€19.49
Available for download
Person
Jay Michaelson is the author of three books and numerous articles about the intersections of religion, sexuality, and law. A leading activist on behalf of LGBT people in faith communities, Michaelson and his work have been featured in the New York Times and on NPR and CNN. He is the founder of Nehirim, the leading national provider of community programming for LGBT Jews and their allies, and lives in upstate New York.
Content
A Note from the Series Editor
Introduction
Part One Why our fundamental values support, rather than oppose, equality for sexual minorities
Chapter 1 "It is not good for a person to be alone"
Intimate relationship heals the primary flaw in creation
Chapter 2 "I am asleep but my heart is awake: the voice of my beloved knocks"
A loving God could never want the "closet"
Chapter 3 "Love your neighbor as yourself"
Love demands authentic compassion for others
Chapter 4 "By the word of God were the heavens made"
Sexual diversity is natural and part of God's creation
Chapter 5 "Thou shalt not bear false witness"
Honesty and integrity are sacred; "coming out" is a religious act
Chapter 6 "Justice-justice shall you pursue"
Inequality is an affront to religious values
Part Two What the "bad verses" really say about homosexuality
Chapter 7 Leviticus
One form of male intimacy is related to worship of foreign gods
Chapter 8 Sodom
Cruelty and inhospitality are the "sins of Sodom"
Chapter 9 The Gospels
What Jesus didn't say about homosexuality
Chapter 10 Romans
Men not being dominant is a consequence of turning from God
Chapter 11 Corinthians and Timothy
Christians should not mingle with a pagan, idolatrous, lascivious society
Chapter 12 David and Jonathan
Love between men in the Bible
Chapter 13 Sexual diversity in Christian theology
How did we get here from there?
Part Three Why inclusion of sexual minorities is good, not bad, for religious values
Chapter 14 "You shall be holy, for I am holy"
Equality for LGBT people is good for families, marriage, and sexual ethics
Chapter 15 "When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me"
The growth of religious values is good for individuals and religious communities
Chapter 16 "Everyone whose spirit moved him brought an offering to God"
Sexual diversity, like other forms of diversity, enriches religious lives and communities
Chapter 17 "And I have filled him with the spirit of God . . . to devise subtle works in gold, silver, and brass"
What is homosexuality for?
Chapter 18 "For nothing in creation can separate you from the love of God"
Postscript
Acknowledgments
Table of Scriptural Authorities
For Further Reading
LGBT Religious Organizations
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Introduction
Part One Why our fundamental values support, rather than oppose, equality for sexual minorities
Chapter 1 "It is not good for a person to be alone"
Intimate relationship heals the primary flaw in creation
Chapter 2 "I am asleep but my heart is awake: the voice of my beloved knocks"
A loving God could never want the "closet"
Chapter 3 "Love your neighbor as yourself"
Love demands authentic compassion for others
Chapter 4 "By the word of God were the heavens made"
Sexual diversity is natural and part of God's creation
Chapter 5 "Thou shalt not bear false witness"
Honesty and integrity are sacred; "coming out" is a religious act
Chapter 6 "Justice-justice shall you pursue"
Inequality is an affront to religious values
Part Two What the "bad verses" really say about homosexuality
Chapter 7 Leviticus
One form of male intimacy is related to worship of foreign gods
Chapter 8 Sodom
Cruelty and inhospitality are the "sins of Sodom"
Chapter 9 The Gospels
What Jesus didn't say about homosexuality
Chapter 10 Romans
Men not being dominant is a consequence of turning from God
Chapter 11 Corinthians and Timothy
Christians should not mingle with a pagan, idolatrous, lascivious society
Chapter 12 David and Jonathan
Love between men in the Bible
Chapter 13 Sexual diversity in Christian theology
How did we get here from there?
Part Three Why inclusion of sexual minorities is good, not bad, for religious values
Chapter 14 "You shall be holy, for I am holy"
Equality for LGBT people is good for families, marriage, and sexual ethics
Chapter 15 "When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me"
The growth of religious values is good for individuals and religious communities
Chapter 16 "Everyone whose spirit moved him brought an offering to God"
Sexual diversity, like other forms of diversity, enriches religious lives and communities
Chapter 17 "And I have filled him with the spirit of God . . . to devise subtle works in gold, silver, and brass"
What is homosexuality for?
Chapter 18 "For nothing in creation can separate you from the love of God"
Postscript
Acknowledgments
Table of Scriptural Authorities
For Further Reading
LGBT Religious Organizations
Notes
Bibliography
Index