Scripture, ethics, and the possibility of same-sex relationships

Gay and a staunch American evangelical Christian, Keen would seem to be a walking contradiction. But she is a keen student of Christian ethics who clearly and concisely argues for reconciliation between gays and biblically based Christianity. Acknowledging the failure of anti-gay ministries to make gays straight, evangelicals now largely accept homosexuality as innate. Moreover, reconsidering Paul's famous advice to marry rather than burn to apply generally, they increasingly recognize that asking lifelong celibacy of all gay Christians is unrealistic, perhaps even unnatural: humans were made to mate. Examining how the church has dealt with marriage and its problems, especially divorce and remarriage, Keen urges that gay relationships be similarly approached, keeping in mind Jesus' assertion that the law was made for humanity, not vice versa. Her hope and counsel are that the church allow covenant status for gay relationships, just as it now allows covenant straight marriages. Incidentally illuminating the history of biblical interpretation concerning sexuality and marriage, Keen contributes a work of great distinction to the literature of homosexuality and Christianity.--Ray Olson Copyright 2018 Booklist