Grounded in a lifetime of biblical study, New Testament scholar Willard M. Swartley takes a fresh look at the Scriptures and what they would teach on the current and controversial subject of homosexuality. In a spirit of love and generosity, Swartley presents all sides of the issue, drawing from contemporary scholarship and cultural analysis. He concludes with a model for congregational discernment and suggestions for the path forward.

1. My Journey on Homosexuality ... 15
2. Old Testament and Early Judaism ... 25
3. Jesus and the Gospels ... 39
4. Understanding Paul on Homosexual Practice ... 50
5. Analysis of Contemporary Western Culture ... 74
6. Hermeneutical Analysis and Reflection ... 93
7. The Church's Belief and Response ... 114
8. A Model for Congregational Discernment ... 123
9. Concluding Remarks: The Path Forward ... 132
10. Appendices ... 140
    • Interpretations of Genesis 19
    • Clarity Regarding the Use of the Word "Homosexual"
    • A Day of Gloom: Dying from Love
    • Sexuality, Marriage and Singleness, Family and Community
    • Review of Stephen C. Barton's Life Together
    • Biblical Theological Framework for Mennonite Church Belief
    • The Wider Use of the Bible: Ephesians as Model

"Because of both the content and how it's presented, I believe this book can facilitate informed discussion and debate." —Henry Paetkau, Conrad Grebel University College