God vs. Gay The Religious Case for Equality [Paperback]

Does the Bible prohibit homosexuality? No, says Bible scholar and activist Jay Michaelson. But not only that: Michaelson also shows that the vast majority of our shared religious traditions support the full equality and dignity of LGBT people. In this accessible, passionate, and provocative book, Michaelson argues for equality, not despite religion but because of it.A Note from the Series Editor
Introduction

Part OneWhy our fundamental values support, rather than oppose, equality for sexual minorities

Chapter 1“It is not good for a person to be alone”
Intimate relationship heals the primary flaw in creation
Chapter 2“I am asleep but my heart is awake: the voice of my beloved knocks”
A loving God could never want the “closet”
Chapter 3“Love your neighbor as yourself”
Love demands authentic compassion for others
Chapter 4“By the word of God were the heavens made”
Sexual diversity is natural and part of God’s creation
Chapter 5“Thou shalt not bear false witness”
Honesty and integrity are sacred; “coming out” is a religious act
Chapter 6“Justice—justice shall you pursue”
Inequality is an affront to religious values

Part TwoWhat the “bad verses” really say about homosexuality

Chapter 7Leviticus
One form of male intimacy is related to worship of foreign gods
Chapter 8Sodom
Cruelty and inhospitality are the “sins of Sodom”
Chapter 9The Gospels
What Jesus didn’t say about homosexuality
Chapter 10Romans
Men not being dominant is a consequence of turning from God
Chapter 11Corinthians and Timothy
Christians should not mingle with a pagan, idolatrous, lascivious society
Chapter 12David and Jonathan
Love between men in the Bible
Chapter 13Sel“m