Marriage, Scripture, and the Church: Theological Discernment on the Question of Same-Sex Union - Paperback

by Darrin W. Snyder Belousek (Author), Wesley Hill (Afterword by)

This book takes a distinctive approach to the same-sex-union debate by framing the issue as a matter of marriage. Darrin Snyder Belousek demonstrates that the interpretation of Scripture affects whether the church should revise its doctrine of marriage for the sake of sanctioning same-sex union. Engaging charitably yet critically with opposing viewpoints, he delves deeply into what marriage is, what it is for, and what it means as presented in the biblical narrative and the theological tradition, articulating a biblical-traditional theology of marriage for the contemporary church. Afterword by Wesley Hill.

Back Jacket

A Theology of Marriage for the Contemporary Church

Darrin Snyder Belousek takes a distinctive approach to the same-sex-union debate by framing the issue as a matter of marriage and articulates a biblical-traditional theology of marriage for the contemporary church.

"Finally, a book about same-sex sexuality that refuses to rehearse the tired discussion about the prohibition passages and instead reorients our focus where it should have been all along--on the meaning of marriage. Snyder Belousek has written a theologically robust, exegetically responsible, and pastorally compassionate tour de force on one of the most important topics facing Christians today. Anyone who wants to engage this topic must read this book."
--Preston Sprinkle, president of the Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender

"I was immediately prejudiced in favor of this book because it starts in such a wise and illuminating place. It starts with the nature of marriage itself as the Scriptures see it and as theologians and the church's teaching have seen it. And it stays with that framework all the way through. If your heart sinks at the thought of yet another discussion of same-sex relationships, make an exception for this one."
--John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary

"With exegetical precision, theological acumen, and historical depth, Snyder Belousek makes a compelling case that the nature of marriage is really the key issue in same-sex-union debates. He demonstrates that conviction, civility, and compassion can be held together. This is a highly significant work, and I heartily recommend it."
--Dennis P. Hollinger, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"By placing the question of same-sex union within the larger context of a theology of marriage, Snyder Belousek reminds us that marriage and sex are not primarily for our own pleasure or purposes but were designed by God to orient our lives toward him and toward his great work of salvation. Ultimately, this book reminds all of us, no matter our sexual orientation, that we do not belong to ourselves; we belong to God."
--Christina S. Hitchcock, University of Sioux Falls; author of The Significance of Singleness

"All people interested in Christian teaching regarding marriage will find Snyder Belousek's analysis to be thoughtful and thorough, no matter what position they might hold regarding same-sex unions."
--Dennis R. Edwards, North Park Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Darrin W. Snyder Belousek (PhD, University of Notre Dame) teaches philosophy and religion at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, and has taught at various church-related colleges. He has served the church through the Mennonite Mission Network and is the author of several books.