Homosexuality: The Use of Scientific Research in the Church’s Moral Debate
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
How prevalent is homosexuality? What causes it? Is it a psychopathology? Can it be changed?
Questions like these often accompany discussions of homosexual behavior. For answers we naturally look to scientific studies. But what does the scientific research actually show? More important, what place should this research have in shaping the church’s response?
Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse help us face these issues squarely and honestly. In four central chapters they examine how scientific research has been used within church debates—in particular within Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopal contexts. They then survey the most recent and best scientific research and sort out what it actually shows. Next they help us to interpret the research’s relevance to the moral debate within the church. In a concluding chapter they make a strong case for a traditional Christian sexual ethic.
Church groups considering these complex issues will find helpful discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This book is essential reading for anyone involved in the church’s debate over homosexual behavior.
- Provides a helpful resource for anyone involved in the church’s debate over homosexual behavior
- Surveys the most recent and best scientific research
- Examines how scientific research has been used within church debates
- Research, Reason Religion
- How Prevalent Is Homosexuality?
- What Causes Homosexuality?
- Is Homosexuality a Psychopathology?
- Can Homosexuality Be Changed?
- Toward a Christian Sexual Ethic
Christians who take seriously the authority of the Scriptures to direct all of life will find Jones and Yarhouse very helpful and challenging.
—Harold Jantz, Mennonite Brethren Herald
This is a brilliant book of common sense, reasoned analysis and biblical wisdom. A must read for every Christian who wants more light than heat on what may be the watershed issue of Christ and culture in this generation.
—Timothy George, Dean, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University
Carefully written, impeccably researched, biblically attuned, sensitive and thought-provoking, this is a masterful treatment of a vitally important topic. The book is certain to have great relevance for counselors, church leaders, students, researchers and all who have an interest in the complex issues surrounding homosexuality
—Gary Collins, Clinical Psychologist