What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? by Kevin DeYoung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Listened to this book on audio. Very careful, very thoughtful, DeYoung does a masterful job walking through the Bible’s teaching on the subject of homosexuality. Really well done. If I had to muster a complaint, it would be that he is sometimes too courteous to his opponents, and gives them the benefit of the doubt (with regard to motivations) where perhaps a good deal less ought to be given, but he doesn’t flinch anywhere in outlining what the actual teaching of the Bible is. There are many believers who are dealing with the ramifications of same sex behavior in their families and extended circles and this book would be an indispensable place for them to get oriented. Wonderful introduction to this subject.
What about the flawed analogy in the same-sex attraction chapter? I think he confused same-sex recognition with same-sex attraction. Bahnsen gives a far better analysis on the ‘neutral’ stance.
Hi J — could you share where one might find the Bahnsen analysis? And also — what is meant by same-sex recognition?
De Young says same-sex attraction is neutral because it is the same thing as, say, a daughter recognising her father is handsome (if I remember right?). I think that is to confuse attraction with recognition. Same could be said of a son who thinks his father is handsome. He ain’t attracted to him but he can recognise him as handsome. See Bahnsen’s book “Homosexuality” for a critique of drawing distinction between SS attraction/desire and practice, which is what de Young is trying to do. I was hoping Doug would critique the fallacious analogy in the chapter on SSA. Come on… Read more »
Superb comment.
That “attraction” is a misplaced yearning for complementary fulfillment, not an appreciation of qualities.
Adam was moping around the garden till he found whom was just enough like himself and just enough the reverse.
SSA fears and disdains somewhat needing the reverse.
It is heterophobic.
Doug — did you listen to Verner’s narration?
Great job, much more pleasing voice than DeYoung’s it’s true (not that DeYoung’s is bad), but wouldn’t you have wished to hear this in DeYoung’s voice?
The point — can we get you in the studio to read your previous stuff? (also would revitalize sales, but I speak as capitalist there)
More Audio Books!
I think this complaint is reasonable. It is difficult because I think DeYoung is attempting an irenic approach so that those who are against his position or are undecided may take less offense, or at least only offense at what he shows the Bible to be saying and no reason for people to call him a hater for his lack of grace. Some will still call him that but I guess he would hope it is because of what he tries to reveal from Scripture. It is a difficult situation in a culture that insists of being offended even by… Read more »
Good thoughts. if we’re in our Bible circle (and I do NOT usually go there for those who don’t want anything to do with a Bible circle), then those I know that have have been in and then rejected homosexuality (i.e. those that don’t believe they are born this way) say this is not the stage to get it wrong or be misinformed or excuse away…this is where the personal fight starts. i mean there has to be some line between acknowledgment and attraction…there is a difference between acknowledging or noticing that someone is handsome and then pursuing or being… Read more »
I think the born-this-way discussion is diverting. I think it is unlikely that gay people are born like this, our feelings are not the blank slate we think that they are, our feelings are significantly shaped by our actions. But even if one was born with this tendency, we all have desires that tempt us to sin from young ages. The point being that we need to curb our actions and our reign in our desire. This is the point of looking with adulterous eyes. We can notice that a girl is beautiful without sinning, but we need to not… Read more »
Don’t look now, but another prominent Christian leader has decided that gay marriage being legalized is no big deal, and nothing Christians should get worked up about. I won’t say I told ya so. That would be rude.
http://www.towleroad.com/2015/08/td-jakes-gay-marriage/
Oh, come now. Don’t be so surprised, because ya know: “There’s been prayer. We’ve listened to a
variety of voices from our constituencies and stake holders. There have
been legal changes.”
http://www.christianpost.com/news/two-christian-colleges-allow-hiring-of-gay-married-professors-goshen-board-sought-guidance-in-prayer-before-final-decision-141754/#sZ62czc9ySljWO6G.99
and it’s all part of a “caring community”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/07/08/why-baylor-universitys-sexual-conduct-policy-no-longer-calls-out-homosexual-acts/
and we need “thoughtful and sincere conversation about challenging issues,”
http://www.christianpost.com/news/two-christian-colleges-extend-employment-benefits-to-same-sex-spouses-141404/#AgtmPv1DaGfVQg0U.99
cuz doncha know, apologies are never enough…
http://www.thecollegefix.com/post/21872/