Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology)

No issue is more divisive or more pressing for the church today than homosexuality. Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church brings a fresh perspective to a well-worn debate. While Christian debates about homosexuality are most often dominated by biblical exegesis, this book seeks to give much-needed attention to the rich history of received Christian tradition, bringing the Bible into conversation with historical and systematic theology. To that end, both theologians and biblical scholars—well accomplished in their fields and conversant in issues of sexuality and gender—articulate and defend each of the two views:

Affirming view

• William Loader
• Megan K. DeFranza

 Traditional view

• Wesley Hill
• Stephen R. Holmes

Unique among most debates on homosexuality, this book presents a constructive dialogue between people who disagree on significant ethical and theological matters, and yet maintain a respectful and humanizing posture toward one another. Even as these scholars articulate pointed arguments for their position with academic rigor and depth, they do so cordially, clearly, and compassionately, without demeaning the other.

The main essays are followed by exceptionally insightful responses and rejoinders that interact with their fellow essayists with convicted civility. Holding to a high view of Scripture, a commitment to the gospel and the church, and a love for people—especially those most affected by this topic—the contributors wrestle deeply with the Bible and theology, especially the prohibition texts, the role of procreation, gender complementarity, and pastoral accommodation.

The book concludes with general editor Preston Sprinkle’s reflections on the future of discussions on faith and sexuality.

Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a biblical scholar, speaker, and a New York Times bestselling author, who’s written more than a dozen books. He's also the co-founder and president of The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, and the founder and host of the "Theology in the Raw" podcast. He earned a Ph.D. in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland, and has taught Bible and Theology at Cedarville University (OH), Nottingham University (U.K.), and Eternity Bible College (CA).

William Loader is professor emeritus at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, and has written an extensive and highly acclaimed five-volume series on sexuality in the ancient world. Bill concluded the series by publishing a popular level summary of these volumes titled Making Sense of Sex: Attitudes towards Sexuality in Early Jewish and Christian Literature (Eerdmans, 2013)

Megan K. DeFranza received her PhD from Marquette University, Wisconsin, and is the author of the recently published, Sex Difference in Christian Theology: Male, Female, and Intersex in the Image of God (Eerdmans, 2015).

Wesley Hill (PhD, Durham University, UK) is assistant professor of biblical studies at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. He is the author of Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality (Zondervan, 2010), Paul and the Trinity?: Persons, Relations, and the Pauline Letters? (Eerdmans, 2015), and Spiritual Friendship: Finding Love in the Church as a Celibate Gay Christian (Brazos, 2015). He is on the editorial board for Christianity Today and writes regularly for that magazine as well as for Books & Culture, First Things, and other publications.

Stanley N. Gundry is executive vice president and editor-in-chief for the Zondervan Corporation. He has been an influential figure in the Evangelical Theological Society, serving as president of ETS and on its executive committee, and is adjunct professor of Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is the author of seven books and has written many articles appearing in popular and academic periodicals.