17AR22-43

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AR 22:43 - Ancient Jewish tradition versus same-sex activity

In this issue:

HOMOSEXUALITY - "Is it possible to be Christian without being queer?"

+ arguing against accepting same-sex activity based upon Jewish tradition in biblical times

ORIGINS - the models used by Intelligent Design leaders versus "real evolution"

Apologia Report 22:43 (1,363)

November 29, 2017

HOMOSEXUALITY

Queer Christianities: Lived Religion in Transgressive Forms, by Kathleen T. Talvacchia and Mark Larrimore (eds.) [1] -- reviewer Dawne Moon notes that it is Larrimore <www.goo.gl/Hhyeyd> who explains how the volume "'explores the living worlds of queer Christianities.' The organization of the collection [is divided] into parts entitled 'Celibacies,' 'Matrimonies,' 'Promiscuities,' and 'Forward!,' [and] the book brings together diverse scholarship and writing about queerness in Protestantism and Roman Catholicism."

Interestingly, Moon's summary of the topics covered reads simply "marriage, sexuality/gender embodiment, and power." In the final chapter, Kathryn Lofton <www.goo.gl/WJbWyn> "attentively situates the previous chapters in the past twenty years of scholarship on Christianity and queerness, arguing that if the question of the 1990s was 'Can one be religious and gay, lesbian, or queer?', the question addressed in this volume seems to be 'Is it possible to be Christian without being queer?'" (emPHAsis in original).

Referring to what she strangely calls "the very recent elevation of marriage within Christianity," Moon notes how "Lofton reflects explicitly on the irony that many contemporary Christians see passionate heterosexual marriage as the ultimate - and indeed only - expression of Christian faith while being seemingly unaware of how strange that formation is to the history of Christian thought, faith, and practice. Chapters by David G. Hunter and William E. Smith III show the 'queerness' of the early church and explore medieval experiences of marriage." Reader beware. Sociology of Religion, 77:2 - 2017, pp223-4.

To see search results for "queer/queering" in back issues of AR, visit <www.goo.gl/y1rQZF>

Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church, Preston Sprinkle, ed. [2] -- in his substantial review, Brian Neil Peterson <www.goo.gl/UAmwfC> explains that Sprinkle <www.goo.gl/zXXgLz> "draws together four scholars from biblical and theological persuasion for the purpose of exploring how Christians should respond to the current trends within modern sexual ethics related to the inclusion/acceptance of practicing same-sex couples within the church." Peterson works to "briefly outline the main points of each author's essay followed by the strengths and/or weaknesses of the arguments. ... In full disclosure, I write this review from a traditional non-affirming position.

"In the opening essay, [William] Loader draws upon his vast reservoir of published works related to sexuality in an early Jewish context and systematically works through a number of the key biblical texts related to the same-sex debate. To this he adds the teachings of several intertestamental Jewish texts. Surprisingly, over the span of twenty-two pages Loader offers the most sustained argument within the book against accepting same-sex activity based upon Jewish tradition and the biblical text [emphasis in original]. While some scholars may take issue with Loader's reading of how Paul understood same-sex activity in Romans 1, the fact remains that Loader concedes that in no way do the Scriptures or Jewish tradition open the door for affirming same-sex activity in any setting. Instead, he comes to his affirming position based upon his personal reflections and experience with same-sex people and through the assertion that the church has moved beyond what the Bible teaches, at least on this issue. In support of this changing trajectory, Loader marshals to his defense Jesus' rejection of strict Sabbath observance and food laws; Gentile inclusion within the church and Paul's rejection of circumcision; and the relatively recent movement of the church to abolish slavery, to reevaluate women's issues, and to open the door for divorce and remarriage.

"I applaud Loader's scholarship and honesty about the clear teaching and unchanging witness of the Jewish tradition when it comes same-sex issues. For his extensive scholarship alone, scholars owe Loader a debt of gratitude. Nevertheless, many non-affirming scholars will find his leap from the clear biblical prohibitions of same-sex activity to full acceptance problematic and troubling. ... [A]rguments related to the changing dynamics of the early church rooted in old and new covenant requirements is not the same as discussing clear and consistent moral teachings related to sexual ethics within the Bible. Similarly, the church's movement on issues of slavery, women's rights, and divorce and remarriage are already founded upon biblical precedents. I, along with a number of other scholars, have handled these topics in detail elsewhere and have shown that these types of arguments amount to false dichotomies." Peterson cites multiple examples.

In conclusion, Peterson adds: "While some will find it a fitting introduction to the topic of same-sex marriage for contemporary evangelicalism, unfortunately, I do not see it as advancing the dialogue in what some may call a 'conservative' or 'traditional' bent. ... Even though the arguments are irenic and well written, I felt that the proverbial deck was stacked against a traditional view of marriage. Some may even see Zondervan's willingness to publish these types of books as not holding the 'line,' but rather blurring it as the evangelical sexual ethic continues to erode. Indeed, the editor himself notes in his introduction that a book like this would not have been possible ten or even five years ago at Zondervan. In light of these and the other obvious deficiencies noted above, I cannot with a clear conscience recommend this book for a general audience, especially for those who do not know the nuances of the arguments." Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 60:3 - 2017, pp669-674.

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ORIGINS

Introduction to Evolutionary Informatics, by Robert J. Marks II, William A. Dembski, and Winston Ewert [3] -- Randy Isaac, Executive Director Emeritus of the American Scientific Affiliation <www.goo.gl/82hrA8> begins: "In this monograph, William Dembski joins his successors in the intelligent design movement to summarize three decades of publications. Their conclusion remains the same as in each of those publications: analysis of computer models of evolution show that evolution can succeed only with the input of 'active information,' which can come only from an external intelligent agent. ...

"The first chapter is a six-page introduction with some general observations on the nature of science and the role of models and probability analyses.

"The second chapter is an introduction to the concept of information. ...

"The third chapter discusses the role of search algorithms and design in evolution." Isaac goes on to discuss the differences between "the models used by the authors and real evolution" (emphasis ours - RP).

With his substantial invited response, Marks observes that "Isaac concludes that those 'seeking insight into biological or chemical evolution are advised to look elsewhere.' We agree. But if you are looking for insights into the models and mathematics thus far proposed by supporters of Darwinian evolution that purport to describe the theory, our book is spot on." Marks explains why.

Isaac's rejoinder merely makes an effort to "underscore several points." Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 69:2 - 2017, pp99-108.

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SOURCES: Monographs

1 - Queer Christianities: Lived Religion in Transgressive Forms, by Kathleen T. Talvacchia and Mark Larrimore (NYU Press, 2014, paperback, 256 pages) <www.goo.gl/q7Wt2M>

2 - Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church, Preston Sprinkle, ed. (Zondervan, 2016, paperback, 240 pages) <www.goo.gl/ZpQsPQ>

3 - Introduction to Evolutionary Informatics, by Robert J. Marks II, William A. Dembski, and Winston Ewert (World Scientific, 2017, paperback, 350 pages) <www.goo.gl/zBntjF>

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