Daniel A. Helminiak

One of the most honest examinations of the Bible and homosexuality I've read yet.

The book doesn't try to define exactly what the Bible does say on homosexuality, but rather what it doesn't. Sometimes Helminiak will come right out with his criticism of bad exegesis, i.e., in helping put to rest that useless myth about Sodom being destroyed for it's homosexual populace. It wasn't; only the more virulent anti-gay lynch mobs out there still insist it was. Other times, the author recognizes show more uncertainty, as in the translation of two Greek words found in, and oddly only ever in, the N.T.

Surely, a lot of people might mistake this as being in favor of a gay-positive Christianity. I don't think the book tries to go quite that far. What I took from it, is that the question of homosexuality in scripture is hardly worth mentioning, and that conservative movements to define it as a key moral issue are hopeless (Biblically speaking.) show less

I purchased this book in the late 90's, early 2000s at my first Gay Pride event. It is an author signed book (you can guess how I feel about those!!) and I can't imagine why it took me so long to read it. I read most of this with Lisa as devotional reading. I couldn't keep her awake with the descriptions of the original Greek, Hebrew, Latin meanings of words and the original intent of the Scriptures, but it was fascinating reading for me. I'm sure NO ONE who isn't already on the correct side show more of the debate would choose to read this one, but if they would read it, it is compelling.

I didn't bring the book with me (on my business trip) so I could reference, so I'm using my memory (God forbid). But Helminiak breaks the books into chapters based on the major passages that are used by right wing and the religious element to preach against homosexuality. Then he takes each passage, examines the original language used to explain the actual meaning THEN goes further to explain the social setting of the time to further describe what the Scriptures likely meant in that time -- NOT through the 21st century lens that the religious factions of our day use.

I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in seeing what the original language in the Bible intended to read from this scholar priest who has done a great deal of research, rather than the arguments we (me and my GLBTQ peers) are often pounded with.

For this Christian lesbian who has struggled with the juxtaposition between her faith and her personal life for over 20 years, this book resonated strongly with me. show less

This has a lot of detail and discussion on the topic of homosexuality within the Church itself. I found this detail and context behind various passages to be incredibly helpful, and overall liked this book. It does make some presumptions on what the reader already believes, which means that there will be some people who don't fall into the intended audience even if they are Christian and queer (I felt this way at times). It also references people being transgender but does not discuss it, show more and while that was not the premise of the book, some added discussion on that topic would have been nice. show less

Helminiak is a noted author of the best selling "What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality" and now on its heels, this powerful book, a remarkably honest reflection on our American culture, sexuality and church views. He is an ordained catholic priest, has a PhD in theology from Boston Collage and Andover Newton and has taught graduate school at the Oblate School of Theology, and has earned his nPhD in Psychology at U of T in Austin, so you can pretty well take to the bank that his show more views are somewhat validated to be researched and not from the back of the National Enquirer. If you have never been particularly close to your religion you will find enlioghtenment in this volume. After reading it you will feel better about yourself and your connection with God. In his honest and open self declaration he will address the spiritual challenges facing those millions of clergy and believer's...and non-beiever's...in how can we stay rooted in our Christianity and yet grow beyond it. Read this book and you will find a way to live an authentic life in a time of spiritual crisis. My copy is well marked and referred to often in retrospect and in conversation with friends. It has a prominent place on my shelves as one to definitely keep. It's message is timeless and it asks the right questions. show less