Overview

A fresh, deeply biblical account of God's expanding grace and mercy, developing a theological framework for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in Christian communities Discussions of the Bible and human sexuality often focus on a scattered handful of specific passages. But arguments about this same set of verses have reached an impasse, two leading biblical scholars believe; these debates are missing the forest for the trees. In this learned and beautifully written book, Richard and Christopher Hays explore a more expansive way of listening to the overarching story that scripture tells. They remind us of a dynamic and gracious God who is willing to change his mind, consistently broadening his grace to include more and more people. Those who were once outsiders find themselves surprisingly embraced within the people of God, while those who sought to enforce exclusive boundaries are challenged to rethink their understanding of God's ways. The authors—a father and son—point out ongoing conversations within the Bible in which traditional rules, customs, and theologies are rethought. They argue that God has already gone on ahead of our debates and expanded his grace to people of different sexualities. If the Bible shows us a God who changes his mind, they say, perhaps today's Christians should do the same. The book begins with the authors' personal experiences of controversies over sexuality and closes with Richard Hays's epilogue reflecting on his own change of heart and mind.

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9780300273427

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Reviews

“This book is an event of historic significance. Senior New Testament scholar Richard Hays here renounces his very widely-quoted (and exploited) non-inclusive treatment of human sexuality from thirty years ago. His son, Old Testament scholar Christopher Hays, of Fuller Theological Seminary (!), here clearly and boldly embraces LGBT+ inclusion, surely at the risk of his employment. Their case is made based on biblical materials, notably a trajectory-type vision emphasizing the ever-widening range of God’s mercy across the canon. Traditionalists will not be convinced by the exegesis. Those who have been wounded by the church’s rejection, and their allies, will see this book as occasion for celebration.”—David P. Gushee, Mercer University “When I received an invitation to blurb a book by Richard Hays on the Bible and sexuality, my first reaction was to say, Absolutely not. But then I thought, just take a look. Twenty-five hours later, I’d read the whole thing. A distinctive argument that may help churches reconcile.”—Eugene F. Rogers, Jr. , author of Sexuality and the Christian Body and Theology and Sexuality

“This book is an event of historic significance.”—David P. Gushee, Mercer University “Quarrels regarding the Bible and human sexuality have ossified in recent decades, afflicting entire denominations and ostracizing many. In this remarkable book, Chris Hays and Richard Hays combine intelligence, humility, and generosity in a conversation that is instructive both within and beyond communities of faith. A most welcome contribution!”—Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Princeton Theological Seminary

Author Information

Christopher B. Hays is D. Wilson Moore Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He lives in Pasadena, CA. Richard B. Hays is George Washington Ivey Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Duke Divinity School. He lives in Nashville, TN.

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