Further Reading
Concern over safeguarding is not dependent upon any particular reading of the Biblical texts that speak directly to sexuality or gender. All traditions share a concern and love for those who are vulnerable or subject to harm.
Having said that, some may be unaware that there are different views about how to read and interpret those texts that do speak about sexuality or gender. Generally, what may be called the ‘conservative’, ‘traditional’ or ‘non-affirming’ readings are well known. Those who wish for a basic summary can find them in Resources for Church Leaders: Biblical and Pastoral Responses to Homosexuality, by Goddard, Andrew, and Dan Horrocks.
There are a variety of affirming readings of scripture. These are some of the many resources available:
Ideal for participants
The Possibility of Difference: A Biblical Affirmation of Inclusivity.
Marcus Green makes three startlingly honest confessions. His first, that he is an Anglican; his second, that he is an evangelical; and finally, his third, that he is gay. It is these uncompromising and at times conflicting standpoints that make the basis for this compelling, compassionate, perhaps controversial but absolutely crucial book on attitudes towards homosexuality in the Christian faith.
Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church
Homosexuality is one of the most hotly debated topics in the evangelical church today. In Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church four contributors, two defending a traditional view and two defending an affirming view, address not only biblical and theological questions, but also the pressing pastoral questions for the church.
God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships
God and the Gay Christian is a game changer. Winsome, accessible, and carefully researched, every page is brought to life by the author’s clear love for Scripture and deep, persistent faith. With this book, Matthew Vines emerges as one of my generation’s most important Christian leaders, not only on matters of sexuality but also on what it means to follow Jesus with wisdom, humility, and grace. Prepare to be challenged and enlightened, provoked and inspired. Read with an open heart and mind, and you are bound to be changed.”
For Ministers, Church Leaders, and those who want to go deeper
Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships
Brownson aims to grapple with the moral logic lying behind gender and sexuality in Biblical texts. He aims to present both sides of the argument fairly, but by focusing on the moral logic to help move beyond existing debates at the time. He argues that although the Bible assumes one-flesh unions are male-female, faithfulness to the Biblical witness does not require this.
Amazing Love: Theology for Understanding Discipleship, Sexuality and Mission
A fairly short book aimed a popular audience, from an inclusivist standpoint. It was put together as a resource for the Church of England debates. The book has a range of contributors, but these are not separated out. The book covers discipleship, the scientific background to the debate, biblical arguments and missional arguments. It is generally well argued, but inevitably too brief to deal with real points of contention in any depth. Thus, for the biblical material, particularly the New Testament texts are only dealt with sketchily, and the reader is signposted to other authors for more detail. This is a good introduction to some of the arguments made for inclusion.
Reasonable and Holy: Engaging Same-Sexuality
Reasonable and Holy addresses the conflict over homosexuality within the Anglican tradition, demonstrating that the church is able to provide for and support faithful and loving relationships between persons of the same sex, not as a departure from that tradition, but as a reasonable extension of it. It offers a carefully argued, but accessible means of engagement with Scripture, the Jewish and Christian traditions, and the use of reason in dealing with the experience and lives of fellow-Christians. Unlike most reflections on the topic of homosexuality, Reasonable and Holy examines same-sex relationships through the lens of the traditional teaching on the "ends" or "goods" of marriage: procreation, union, the upbuilding of society, the symbolic representation of Christ and the Church, and the now often unmentioned "remedy for fornication." Throughout, it responds to objections based on reason, tradition and Scripture. Based on a series of popular blog posts, it includes a number of independent, but related resources in the form of side-bars and single-page expansions of particular themes, suitable for reproduction as handouts. Read a review from Anglican Theological Review.
Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships
Keen notes the current debates over the texts in scripture that appear to condemn homosexuality, reviewing the approaches taken. She suggests that there is currently a stalemate, and looks to resolve it by using scriptural principles that all can adhere to in applying biblical teaching to this issue. Thoughtful, imaginative, careful and non-judgmental.
Paul among the People: The Apostle Reinterpreted and Reimagined in His Own Time
Ruden gives an accessible account of the violent, shaming sexual culture of much of the ancient world, helping to put Paul’s statements into his contemporary context.