This news is music to the ears of Mark Achtemeier. Dr. Achtemeier, a PC(USA) pastor and seminary professor, led the way in his denomination's barring of gays and lesbians from ordination, but after years of reflection and study, led the denomination to reverse that stand. Now, in The Bible's Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, he describes his journey and provides a biblical defense of same-sex marriage.
Unlike many who have a similar change of heart and mind, neither Dr. Achtemeier nor anyone in his family has come out as gay. As he has met and counseled with gay Christians over the years, he was struck by the fact that many gay Christians feel constrained by the choices offered by most churches: live a life of celibacy, or attempt to change what they see as a basic part of their nature. Some leave the church altogether, while others choose to accept their orientation and lead fruitful Christian lives. Dr. Achtemeier sees fruit in the lives of many openly gay Christians, and misery in the lives of gay Christians who struggle with hiding or trying to change their nature.
His study of scripture led him to the conclusion that while homosexuality is condemned in several places in the Old and New Testaments, in every case it refers to violent, exploitative, idolatrous, or otherwise forbidden behaviors. Homosexuality in the context of a loving relationship is not forbidden, he argues. The purpose of marriage, he writes, is for two people to experience and share self-giving love, after the model of Christ, a purpose that can be accomplished in gay marriage as well as straight. His bottom line: "God stands ready to graciously bless and affirm same-sex relationships in the same way the god bestows blessing on heterosexual ones."
Dr. Achtemeier writes with a pastoral heart, a reasonable tone, a love of scripture, and a respect for the traditions of the church. But I just can't buy his argument. Marriage between a man and a woman, the model established in the first chapters of the Bible and demonstrated and affirmed throughout the Bible and human history, is God's ideal for marriage. If God's ideal included same-sex marriage, it seems that God would have established it sometime before now, when our overly permissive culture has come to accept it. Dr. Achtemeier argues that this lack is due to the fact that there has never been a cultural acceptance of same-sex marriage until recently. Further, I don't like the logical extension of his argument. Loving, self-giving relationships are possible between unmarried people who are committed to one another. Given the increasing acceptance and practice of cohabitation, are we to find God's yes to shacking up in the Bible, too?
I will admit that his arguments are strong and difficult to contend with. As his perspective continues to gain acceptance among more and more churches, those of us who would maintain that a marriage between one man and one woman is the historical and biblical ideal for Christians will need to study up and continue to provide a reasonable defense of traditional marriage. More importantly, we need to face the reality of gay individuals in our congregations and communities. What a tragedy that they feel condemnation and rejection, rather than finding a place of acceptance and healing in our churches. Pastoral care for gay Christians has been clearly lacking. That's my bottom line: it is possible to defend the primacy of heterosexual marriage while loving homosexuals.
The Bible's Yes to Same-Sex Marriage is a well-written, well-argued book which gay Christians and defenders of same-sex marriage will find compelling, useful, and affirming. Christians who reject same-sex marriage may not be convinced, but they will be forced to reflect on and carefully consider their views.
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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
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