Book Description[] How prevalent is
homosexuality? [] What causes it? [] Is it a psychopathology? [] Can it be
changed?
Questions like these often accompany discussions of homosexual
behavior. For answers we naturally look to scientific studies. But what
does the scientific research actually show? More important, what place
should this research have in shaping the church's response?
Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse help us face these issues squarely and
honestly. In four central chapters they examine how scientific research
has been used within church debates-in particular within Methodist,
Presbyterian and Episcopal contexts. They then survey the most recent and
best scientific research and sort out what it actually shows. Next they
help us to interpret the research's relevance to the moral debate within
the church. In a concluding chapter they make a strong case for a
traditional Christian sexual ethic.
Church groups considering these complex issues will find helpful
discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Essential reading for
anyone involved in the church's debate over homosexual behavior.
"How grateful I am to Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse for this book. As
one engaged now for over twenty-five years in the church's moral debate
about homosexuality, it is refreshing to read the results of scientific
research that elevates the level of discussion and dispels many rhetorical
myths. This is an important read!" John Huffman, St. Andrew's Presbyterian
Church, Newport Beach, California
"This is a brilliant book of common sense, reasoned analysis and
biblical wisdom. A must-read for every Christian who wants more light than
heat on what may be the watershed issue of Christ and culture in this
generation." Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University
"Both liberal and conservative Christians are ignorant about scientific
studies of homosexuality. Furthermore, most do not understand the
contributions and limits of scientific claims to theological-ethical
reasoning about Christian morality. This new book by Jones and Yarhouse
provides significant insights into both issues and will benefit greatly
all sides to the contemporary debate." Don Browning, University of Chicago
Divinity School
"Carefully written, impeccably researched, biblically attuned,
sensitive and thought-provoking, this is a masterful treatment of a
vitally important topic. The book is certain to have great relevance for
counselors, church leaders, students, researchers and all who have an
interest in the complex issues surrounding homosexuality." Gary R.
Collins, author and psychologist
"Professors Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse have tackled a crucial
question in the debate about homosexuality. Both highly qualified
scientists and moral theologians, they have made a thorough study of the
interaction of scientific research and theological ethics, and in an
appropriately dispassionate way. To have serious science and serious moral
theology undertaken in one volume is a major resource to all those engaged
in the debate. . . . Churches and scientists will be grateful to the
authors for this careful book." Timothy Bradshaw, Regent's Park College,
Oxford
About the Author
Stanton L. Jones, Ph.D., is
provost of Wheaton College and coauthor of Modern Psychotherapies.
Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D., is assistant professor of psychology at
Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Cart Your Lists Help
based on 4 reviews. (
.gif){kind=small}