God and the gay Christian

Short Review: The biggest surprise I had about the book was that it was not horrible. I had an impression that it would be pretty bad and so maybe it is the case of low expectations. But it isn't horrible. I do think Vines is a bit out of his depth. But he is telling his own story, and attempting to be honest with scripture and there is room for that.

What I think he succeeds in best, is demonstrating that the modern conception of sexual orientation, where there are only a few that are solely same sex attracted while the majority are opposite sex attracted is not what the biblical writers were writing about. Vines illustrates well that ancient writers as well as biblical writers were operating under the idea that same sex activity was the result of having too much passion or undisciplined passion. Same sex activity wasn't about orientation because everyone could have same sex activity. Same sex activity is primarily about dominance. There was sexual gratification as well, but only the dominant partner was could participate without shame.

I think that is just one of the cultural conceptions that is speaking into the original culture of the text. But it is present. And the modern conception is absent. There is no evidence of a wide spread understanding of an equitable, monogamous, long term same sex relationship that was based on convenient like marriage.

This method then relies on an argument from silence. And I think that is where the book's weakness comes in.

I also think the end of the book, where Vines is primarily speaking to same sex Christians that are not supported is the type of rhetoric that many christians that are not supportive of gay marriage are concerned about. Vines talks about a third way. But his conception of a third way is between two options that I don't see a lot of people holding. Vine's two primary ways are complete rejection of the bible (and probably christianity) so that you can accept gay marriage. (Which does exist, but isn't what most Christians that I know that are accepting gay marriage are doing.)

His alternative is a complete rejection of not only gay marriage but all gay people in order to uphold scripture. That position exists, but it is not the best expression of those that are against gay marriage in the church. There are many Christians that say that scripture rejects gay marriage as an option, but up hold the full dignity and imageo dei people that are gay.

So I think both of the points that Vines is pushing off from, while they exist, are not the best examples of places where people are coming from. At the same time, Vines is asking for all churches to accept the full inclusion of not only gay people as people, but gay marriage as blessed by the church. A bit more openness to disagreement, asking gay Christians to seek out supportive congregations, not just try to change all congregations I think would tone down the rhetorical problems of the book.

I think this is worth reading. But it isn't a book that I can really say I highly recommend as a good example of making a case for gay marriage in the church.

My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/god-and-the-gay-christian/

I found myself quite impressed with this book. Vines makes thoughtful and reasoned arguments for his belief that committed, same-sex relationships are not condemned by the Bible. I specifically appreciated how clear it was that this is a man who has a deep respect for the Biblical text, and has carefully studied to find an answer he believes to be true, not just the answer he wants to be right. Will it still be a hard sell for most conservative Evangelical Christians? Certainly. But I think Vines has earned the right to be heard, and his clear and well-researched thesis deserves a place at the table. Important stuff, this. (To be clear - I agree with Mr. Vines' conclusions, and am grateful to him for his work.)