Creation and Covenant

Reviews / Votes

"With this book, Roberts has tried to raise the standard of theological argument about same-sex unions, and in this he succeeds admirably." -Commonweal -- Guy Mansini in Commonweal ...Clear and compelling style befitting a former journalist...Roberts has taken his opponents seriously and has mostly treated them charitably... -- Jason Byassee * Christian Century * This is a brave and welcome publication....The book is written in an accessible and interesting style. Its tone is sensitive and balanced. The real strength of this study lies in the kind of questions it asks and in the author's commitment to finding out 'facts' before offering answers - it is an example of honest and valuable scholarship. -- Anna Abram, Journal of the The International Academy for Marital Spirituality Creation & Covenant: The Significance of Sexual Difference in the Moral Theology of Marriage addresses some questions of Christian identity and morality which are extremely pressing in some developed societies in the present day. -- Ecclesiology 7 "The question of the significance of sexual difference is at the heart of many divisions within contemporary society. It is producing hurtful tensions within all of the major Christian Churches....Roberts' contribution to the debate is forceful and scholarly, while always charitable. This powerfully argued case for the abiding importance of our sexual identity shows how rich can be the contribution of the Christian tradition to our society's present search to understand the meaning of our lives. Even those who do not accept all of the author's conclusions should be grateful for this beautifully written and profound book. It will help us all in our journey towards understanding who we are in Christ." Timothy Radcliffe, OP, former Master General of the Dominican Order -- Timothy Radcliffe, OP, former Master General of the Dominican Order 'In Creation and Covenant, Christopher Roberts has done both church and society a great service. Not only does he brilliantly investigate the history of the meaning and importance of sexual difference in Christian thought, he shows its relevance for debates over same-sex marriage, ordination, inclusive language, and feminist claims about the distinctive experience of women. We cannot go forward with any of these issues in the future without Roberts' excellent guide to the past.' Don Browning, University of Chicago and author of Marriage and Modernization -- Don Browning, University of Chicago and author of Marriage and Modernization 'Sexual ethics and gay marriage - Creation and Covenant is essential reading for anyone who wants to think about these issues in light of the Western Christian tradition. Roberts helps us see and resist the Gnostic temptation that so dominates the moral imagination of modern culture...A very fine book - just the sort of patient survey of the classical tradition we need, and absolutely on target as far as the core theological issue is concerned. It's the sort of book that will be very helpful for teaching a seminar on sexual ethics.' R. R. Reno, Creighton University, and editor of the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. -- R. R. Reno, Creighton University, and editor of the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. "Christopher Roberts explores with clarity and precision of argument... an important contribution to present debates... done with care but critical sharpness" "I am very grateful for this book, for its positive argument which will make any reader think again. It is a first class work of strong theology" Brian Haymes, The Baptist Times, October 2007 -- Brian Haymes * Baptist Times * 'Roberts's analysis of the theological status of sexual difference addresses arguments about same-sex-partnerships that range well beyond academic boundaries.' The Revd Penny Seabrook, Church Times -- The Revd Penny Seabrook, Church Times, 07 * Church Times * "In a short review, all one can offer is a taste of the 'banquet of wisdom' that Barker sets before her reader... this is a book to be consulted again and again." Search, 2010 -- Margaret Daly-Denton * Search *