Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church
Preston Sprinkle, William Loader, Megan K. DeFranza, Wesley Hill, Stephen R. Holmes, Stanley N. Gundry, 2016 Zondervan Academic
This is an academic book written by biblical scholars. As a result, it has some technical sections and wades through a lot of historical content in addition to discussing scripture passages.
It may not surprise you that “academic scholarship” has more often than not been supportive of accepting homosexuality into the church. Evangelicals often forget that most biblical scholarship has come from universities and denominations that are now clearly liberal in their views.
The first book written on homosexuality took this view, and many others have followed in the same vein.
“Interestingly, the majority of books written by historians and Bible scholars… concluded the Bible’s prohibition of same-sex relations does not address or condemn consensual, monogamous, same-sex marriages.” Pg. 10
Being an academic theology book, these authors must take a wide view of biblical interpretation. As a result, they touch on many liberal theories of biblical exegesis that will confusing and off-putting to a lay evangelical audience.
However, if you are dealing with arguments about homosexuality at an academic or denominational level, this book is a good resource. However, it will not be very helpful for those seeking clear answers to their questions.
The project editor, Preston Sprinkle, has written his own book, Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say, which is much more accessible.