Description
Book SynopsisThis book takes a distinctive approach to the same-sex-union debate by framing the issue as a matter of marriage. Darrin Snyder Belousek demonstrates that the interpretation of Scripture affects whether the church should revise its doctrine of marriage for the sake of sanctioning same-sex union. Engaging charitably yet critically with opposing viewpoints, he delves deeply into what marriage is, what it is for, and what it means as presented in the biblical narrative and the theological tradition, articulating a biblical-traditional theology of marriage for the contemporary church. Afterword by Wesley Hill.
Table of ContentsContents
Living in the Midst:
A Personal Introduction
Part 1: Surveying the Situation: Where We Are
1. Stand at the Crossroads:
Taking a Bearing
2. Where I Start:
Approach and Assumptions
Part 2: Framing the Question: A Matter of Marriage
3. A Great Mystery:
Marriage in Scripture and Tradition
4. From the Beginning:
Jesus, Marriage, and Genesis
5. Admiring Virginity, Honoring Marriage:
Early Church Debate
6. Coupled Together Otherwise:
Alterations and Implications
Part 3: Evaluating the Case: Assessing Arguments for Marriage Innovation
7. Hasn't the Church Changed Before?
Considering Historical Precedents
8. Might Scripture Provide Support?
Considering Biblical Warrants
Part 4: Seeking a Direction: Which Way to Walk
9. Testing the Spirits:
Considering Paths to Innovation
10. It Seemed Good to the Holy Spirit:
Guidance for Discernment
Afterword by Wesley Hill
Indexes
