Overview

A scholarly examination of same-sex sexuality in the Bible in the context of the ancient world Scriptural prohibitions of same-sex sexual acts (so-called ""clobber passages"") are often used as prooftexts to support the oppression of LGBT communities in the West today. However, such interpretation of these scant references ignores critical sociohistorical context from the ancient world. Analyzing a wealth of primary sources, Thomas Kazen brings biblical studies into conversation with the sexual norms and practices of the ancient world. Near Eastern, Greek, and Roman texts, including the Old and New Testaments, exhibit ancient concerns about hierarchy in sexual relationships. Examining references to sexuality through the lenses of power and subordination, honor and shame, and purity, Kazen sheds light on homophobic passages in the Bible. Special attention is given to the Levitical laws and the Pauline epistles. Ultimately, Kazen calls us to renegotiate the balance between our ancient heritage and our contemporary values. Carefully researched and accessibly presented, Dirt, Shame, Status lends readers insight into the diverse cultural influences on the Bible. Kazen's work offers an informed and important perspective on a controversial topic of perennial interest. Scholars, students, and all curious readers of Scripture will find this volume to be an indispensable resource for understanding complex ancient texts and contexts.

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9780802884343

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Reviews

"""Although much of the ground covered here will be familiar to biblical scholars, classicists, and ethicists, what makes this book especially powerful is its relentless insistence on the sheer strangeness of the past. How can ancient scriptures guide contemporary faith and ethical life? If readers have never grappled seriously with the complexity of that question, this book will make it impossible to downplay it any longer."" --Wesley Hill, associate professor of New Testament, Western Theological Seminary ""With his broad expertise in biblical studies, but also in cognitive research and evolutionary biology, Kazen has a perfect background to write a book on same-sex sexuality in antiquity with a special focus on biblical traditions. The result is an insightful and convincing study. No special prior knowledge of biblical texts is required. Instead, the reader is gradually introduced to the historical-critical perspective that is characteristic of modern biblical scholarship. It is clear that a reading of the material from a modern perspective is completely misleading. Instead, one needs to understand ancient values about sex, not only regarding same-sex sexuality but sexual relationships in general. Kazen shows how norms around sex are largely about confirming hierarchies and power structures in relationships between people and in society at large. This is a brilliant book that offers a fascinating read about same-sex sexuality in the ancient world."" --Cecilia Wass�n, associate professor of New Testament exegesis, Uppsala University"

""Although much of the ground covered here will be familiar to biblical scholars, classicists, and ethicists, what makes this book especially powerful is its relentless insistence on the sheer strangeness of the past. How can ancient scriptures guide contemporary faith and ethical life? If readers have never grappled seriously with the complexity of that question, this book will make it impossible to downplay it any longer."" --Wesley Hill, associate professor of New Testament, Western Theological Seminary ""With his broad expertise in biblical studies, but also in cognitive research and evolutionary biology, Kazen has a perfect background to write a book on same-sex sexuality in antiquity with a special focus on biblical traditions. The result is an insightful and convincing study. No special prior knowledge of biblical texts is required. Instead, the reader is gradually introduced to the historical-critical perspective that is characteristic of modern biblical scholarship. It is clear that a reading of the material from a modern perspective is completely misleading. Instead, one needs to understand ancient values about sex, not only regarding same-sex sexuality but sexual relationships in general. Kazen shows how norms around sex are largely about confirming hierarchies and power structures in relationships between people and in society at large. This is a brilliant book that offers a fascinating read about same-sex sexuality in the ancient world."" --Cecilia Wassén, associate professor of New Testament exegesis, Uppsala University

""Written for a wider readership and richly well informed and informative, this is a splendid resource on issues widely misunderstood and contentious."" --The Expository Times Theology ""Kazen's work here is wide-ranging, detailed, and presents an overall compelling case that, by all rights, should affect how the Bible is interpreted on same-sex sexuality."" ""Although much of the ground covered here will be familiar to biblical scholars, classicists, and ethicists, what makes this book especially powerful is its relentless insistence on the sheer strangeness of the past. How can ancient scriptures guide contemporary faith and ethical life? If readers have never grappled seriously with the complexity of that question, this book will make it impossible to downplay it any longer."" --Wesley Hill, associate professor of New Testament, Western Theological Seminary ""With his broad expertise in biblical studies, but also in cognitive research and evolutionary biology, Kazen has a perfect background to write a book on same-sex sexuality in antiquity with a special focus on biblical traditions. The result is an insightful and convincing study. No special prior knowledge of biblical texts is required. Instead, the reader is gradually introduced to the historical-critical perspective that is characteristic of modern biblical scholarship. It is clear that a reading of the material from a modern perspective is completely misleading. Instead, one needs to understand ancient values about sex, not only regarding same-sex sexuality but sexual relationships in general. Kazen shows how norms around sex are largely about confirming hierarchies and power structures in relationships between people and in society at large. This is a brilliant book that offers a fascinating read about same-sex sexuality in the ancient world."" --Cecilia Wassén, associate professor of New Testament exegesis, Uppsala University

Author Information

Thomas Kazen is professor and research chair of biblical studies at Stockholm School of Theology, University College Stockholm. He has authored numerous books and articles in English and Swedish, including Moral Infringement and Repair in Antiquity and Impurity and Purification in Early Judaism and the Jesus Tradition.

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