God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality

by Michaelson, Jay

• ISBN13: 9780807001479
• ISBN10: 0807001473
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-05-08
• Publisher: Beacon Press

Summary

The myth that the Bible forbids homosexuality-the myth of "God versus Gay"-is behind some of the most divisive and painful conflicts of our day. In this provocative, passionately argued, and game-changing book, scholar and activist Jay Michaelson shows that not only does the Bible not prohibit same-sex intimacy, but the vast majority of its teachings support the full equality and dignity of gay and lesbian people, from the first flaw it finds in creation ("It is not good for a person to be alone") to the way religious communities grow through reflection and conscience. In short, Michaelson observes, religious people should support equality for gays and lesbians-not despite their religion, but because of it. With close readings of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, the latest data on the science of sexual orientation, and a sympathetic, accessible, and ecumenical approach to religious faith, Michaelson makes the case that sexual diversity is part of the beauty of nature and that the recognition of same-sex families will strengthen, not threaten, the values religious people hold dear. This is an important book for anyone who has wrestled with questions of religion and homosexuality: parents and pastors, believers and skeptics, advocates of "gay rights" and opponents of them. Whatever your views on religion and sexual diversity, God vs. Gayis a plea for a more compassionate, informed conversation-and a first step toward creating one.

Author Biography

Jay Michaelson is the author of three books and numerous articles about the intersections of religion, sexuality, and law. A leading activist on behalf of LGBT people in faith communities, Michaelson and his work have been featured in the New York Times and on NPR and CNN. He is the founder of Nehirim, the leading national provider of community programming for LGBT Jews and their allies, and lives in upstate New York. 

Table of Contents

A Note from the Series Editor
Introduction

Part One Why our fundamental values support, rather than oppose, equality for sexual minorities

Chapter 1 “It is not good for a person to be alone”
Intimate relationship heals the primary flaw in creation
Chapter 2 “I am asleep but my heart is awake: the voice of my beloved knocks”
A loving God could never want the “closet”
Chapter 3 “Love your neighbor as yourself”
Love demands authentic compassion for others
Chapter 4 “By the word of God were the heavens made”
Sexual diversity is natural and part of God’s creation
Chapter 5 “Thou shalt not bear false witness”
Honesty and integrity are sacred; “coming out” is a religious act
Chapter 6 “Justice—justice shall you pursue”
Inequality is an affront to religious values

Part Two What the “bad verses” really say about homosexuality

Chapter 7 Leviticus
One form of male intimacy is related to worship of foreign gods
Chapter 8 Sodom
Cruelty and inhospitality are the “sins of Sodom”
Chapter 9 The Gospels
What Jesus didn’t say about homosexuality
Chapter 10 Romans
Men not being dominant is a consequence of turning from God
Chapter 11 Corinthians and Timothy
Christians should not mingle with a pagan, idolatrous, lascivious society
Chapter 12 David and Jonathan
Love between men in the Bible
Chapter 13 Sexual diversity in Christian theology
How did we get here from there?

Part Three Why inclusion of sexual minorities is good, not bad, for religious values

Chapter 14 “You shall be holy, for I am holy”
Equality for LGBT people is good for families, marriage, and sexual ethics
Chapter 15 “When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me”
The growth of religious values is good for individuals and religious communities
Chapter 16 “Everyone whose spirit moved him brought an offering to God”
Sexual diversity, like other forms of diversity, enriches religious lives and communities
Chapter 17 “And I have filled him with the spirit of God . . . to devise subtle works in gold, silver, and brass”
What is homosexuality for?
Chapter 18 “For nothing in creation can separate you from the love of God”

Postscript
Acknowledgments
Table of Scriptural Authorities
For Further Reading
LGBT Religious Organizations
Notes
Bibliography
Index