The question of homosexuality
By Simon Vibert
Orthos Series No. 14 (Fellowship of Word and Spirit). 36 pages. £2.50. ISBN 1 87 4694 03 6
The booklet is available from http://www.fows.org
This booklet addresses the current debate on homosexuality, especially interacting with views being ex-pressed by some within the Church of England.
It is divided into two distinct sections. The first looks at some of the textual questions concerning same-sex acts, but is also concerned to put the matter into the wider biblical-theological framework of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Return. It seeks a way forward that reflects a biblical definition of a God-honouring lifestyle as a whole.
The second part reports an interview between the author and Martin Hallett (founder of the True Freedom Trust - an organisation seeking to give biblically-based ministry to homosexuals). An honest account is given of some of the struggles a Christian coming away from a homosexual background may have as new life in Christ is lived out. It also contains some thoughtful comments on the ways in which all Christians must think more clearly and live obediently in the realms of sex, sensuality and sexuality.
The two sections contrast in style as well as content. The first requires some degree of awareness of the personalities involved in the debate, and of the theological and technical issues connected to it. The second is very personal, conversational and concerned to promote greater understanding of, and support for, those seeking help. This combination means that a good overall introduction to the issue is given.
How useful it might prove to those who are stridently 'pro Christian-gay' is hard to say, but to any concerned for an understanding and biblical approach it should prove to be most valuable.
