BOOK REVIEW - "WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY?" BY KEVIN DEYOUNG

 This book, "What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?" is on a subject where the majority of people have a strong opinion and a good number of which are unwilling to show tolerance for the other side. One question, though, is whether one believes the Bible is an authoritative, inerrant, infallible, and accurate source we're to consider the Word of God written so we can understand it or if fallible men (we all fall into that category) know what's best with a changing of minds from the traditional to the anti-traditional.

Author Kevin DeYoung points right off in the introduction states the book is a Christian book with a narrow focus to defend a traditional view of marriage. Thus, we should expect him to present that view as the best alternative.  

Part one of this book focuses on Scripture, with chapters 1-5 dealing with, respectively, Genesis 1-2, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18 and 20, Romans 1, and 1 Corinthians 6/1 Timothy 1, all of which deal with God's design for marriage and teachings on Homosexuality. The second part deals with answers to seven pro-LGBTQ+ arguments (one per chapter).

There are three appendices after Chapter 12. The first two address the issues of gay marriage and same-sex attraction. The third appendix is titled "The Church and Homosexuality: Ten Commitments." DeYoung points out the different groups of people we're dealing with - in other words, we wouldn't treat a person who's asking questions and possibly struggling with the issue, a sufferer who has been mistreated by the church, and an activist who has less tolerance for traditional Christians than they think the Christians have.

Allow me to offer some insights both from before reading this book and looking at negative reviews. One is that those who consider that the Bible is authoritative and opposes homosexuality is based on what the Bible says. Okay, maybe not much but what it says is consistent. On the other hand, I've seen inconsistency with the arguments of those who affirm that lifestyle - some say that the Bible doesn't mean what we think it means while others say it does mean what it says, but it is a reflection of the views of that time and not God's view. 

Also, I see the cliche that those oppose LGBTQ+ are hateful in the criticisms of this book. However, if we believe that lifestyle is leading a person to judgment, which is more loving? Allowing them to leap off lemming cliff and face condemnation? Or to warn them and plead with them to avoid the destruction they're headed to? If you read the whole book, you'll see it is focusing on the actions being wrong, but God desiring the person would turn and avoid destruction.