Same-Sex Marriage

It's natural to look for one controversy to define the age, one topic that provides a lens through which to understand all others. In 21st century United States, few are as likely candidates as the issue of same-sex marriage. It presents problems of human rights, religious liberty, social integrity, and many more, all of them connected to deeply held beliefs by those for and those against.

Sean McDowell and John Stonestreet, both Christian apologists, have taken the lead in addressing the issue in their bookSame-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God's Design for Marriage. For those in favor of same-sex marriage: this is no screed against the gay community, no hateful manifesto, no extended rant. For those against: McDowell (son of Josh) and Stonestreet encourage their Christian brothers and sisters to love above all.

The approach of this book can only be described as eminently biblical. The authors are opposed to same-sex marriage and homosexual sex because God is opposed to it. But they aren't "anti-gay"—that is, they love those who are lost, be they gay or straight, and their goal is to demonstrate that love through an adherence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There's no evasion here, yet there's also no in-your-face belligerence of the kind that too often colors discussions of this topic. The authors are pastorally kind, clearly put a lot of thought and effort into every line so that none of them come off as strident or ill-informed, and define every term to avoid as much as possible misinterpretation.

Part One traces the history of the homosexual movement, how our society changed so rapidly into one that embraced same-sex marriage as normal, and what's really at stake. The next few chapters look at what marriage is, why same-sex marriage is dangerous for society (both from a Christian and a secular standpoint), and the purposes of marriage.

In Part Two, the authors turn to practical issues presented by the societal and looming political embrace of same-sex union. We cannot and must not ignore the difficulties, but we must also remain gracious and loving. In order to put their suggestions into context, McDowell and Stonestreet investigate how the gay movement gained ascendancy and what that means for our efforts to promote a biblical understanding of marriage.

Other duties of Christians include preaching repentance, cleansing the church of sexual sin and broken marriages, presenting the world with God's ideal of marriage, and answering the questions that will inevitably come our way. Two invaluable appendices address "What Followers of Jesus Who Struggle with On-Going Same Sex Attraction Need from the Church" and "Answering Common Questions About Same-Sex Marriage."

There are probably few who will agree with everything in this book (including us). But it is Christian, biblical, and gracious, and if we can't put our stamp of approval on all the particulars we can highly recommend the book as a whole. We'd encourage all readers, no matter your perspective, to read carefully and with an open mind, not looking for places to disagree.

ThroughoutSame-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God's Design for Marriage, the authors remind us that they don't hate homosexuals, want to legislate against them as people, or think that homosexuality is the only sin (far from it!). But their convictions as Christians demand that they take a stance widely unpopular, but one that is ultimately loving. We affirm the same things here, and hope this book brings many opportunities for charitable discussion, as we're sure it will.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he is a husband and father, teaches adult Sunday school in his Presbyterian congregation, and likes weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur.Read more of his reviews here.