Virtually every scholar on both sides of the same-sex discussion eventually addresses the account of Sodom found in Genesis 19. However, in recent years, scholars have tended to downplay the importance of this chapter in relation to this debate. This book challenges this trend and seeks to demonstrate how the account of Sodom plays a key role in our understanding of a God-ordained sexual ethic, especially in light of Genesis as Torah--instruction for both ancient Israel and for the Church.

Why did God destroy the cities of the Plain? What does the Bible really teach about the sin of Sodom and its destruction with Gomorrah and surrounding cities? Many Christians believe God rained down fire and brimstone on the ancient towns because its inhabitants were gay. But is there any evidence elsewhere in the Bible to support that homosexual behavior was prevalent in these places? This thesis closely studies the account of Sodom and Gomorrah to find out what the Bible really says about the past-and what it means for us today. In addition to accurately interpreting the Bible, it's crucial to understand the customs of the ancient world so that Scripture is set in its proper historical context. This guards against misinterpreting the text in the light of modern traditions, beliefs, and prejudices. The Sin of Sodom examines all the Scripture passages that mention Sodom to find out what they do-and don't-say about why God destroyed the ancient cities of the Plain. It also reviews history and the interpretations of Old Testament scholars and early Church leaders to reveal the evolution of their understanding over the centuries and how this affects the beliefs of today's Church. What was the sin of Sodom, and why did God destroy it? Read this book to discover what the Bible really says.

In just a few short years, massive shifts in public opinion have radically reshaped society’s views on homosexuality. Feeling the pressure to forsake long-held beliefs about sex and marriage, some argue that Christians have historically misunderstood the Bible’s teaching on this issue. But does this approach do justice to what the Bible really teaches about homosexuality? In this timely book, award-winning author Kevin DeYoung challenges each of us—the skeptic, the seeker, the certain, and the confused—to take a humble look at God’s Word. Examining key biblical passages in both the Old and New Testaments and the Bible’s overarching teaching regarding sexuality, DeYoung responds to popular objections raised by Christians and non-Christians alike—offering readers an indispensable resource for thinking through one of the most pressing issues of our day.

This volume presents an overview of Jewish, Christian and Islamic receptions of the Genesis 18-19 story of Sodom. The subjects range from inner-biblical reception, Dead Sea Scrolls, the Martyrdom of Pionius, and Koran commentaries, to Peter Damian and Marcel Proust.

Armed with only six passages in the Bible—often known as the "Clobber Passages"—the conservative Christian position has been one that stands against the full inclusion of our LGBTQ siblings. UnClobber reexamines each of those frequently quoted passages of Scripture, alternating with author Colby Martin's own story of being fired from an evangelical megachurch when they discovered his stance on sexuality. UnClobber reexamines what the Bible says (and does not say) about homosexuality in such a way that sheds divine light on outdated and inaccurate assumptions and interpretations. This new edition equips study groups and congregations with questions for discussion and a sermon series guide for preachers.

To date, no book has systematically examined the theological writings of LGBT people of color. Nor has any book explored how such writings might actually transform contemporary theological reflections on race and sexuality. This book remedies these gaps by constructing a rainbow theology around the theme of bridging or mediation. Rainbow Theology is the first book to reflect upon the theological significance of the intersections of race and queer sexuality across multiple ethnic and cultural groups. This is particularly important in light of the current polarizing debates over issues of race, sexuality, and religion within churches and communities of faith around the world.

Like many modern-day Christians, Dr. Collins struggled with what seemed to be a clash between his belief in the Bible and the research regarding ancient history--a crisis of faith that inspired him to embark on an expedition that has led to one of the most exciting finds in recent archaeology.