Darrin W. Snyder Belousek - Marriage, Scripture, and the Church: Theological Discernment on the Question of Same-Sex Union

This extraordinary book offers a comprehensive engagement with the current arguments favoring same-sex marriage from a Christian perspective. Snyder Belouseks tone is balanced and charitable, and his judgments are well reasoned and persuasive. Ultimately, its greatest contribution may consist in recentering the eschatological marriage of God and creation in Christian theology and pastoral practice, thereby teaching all of us, of whatever sexual orientation or state of life, to conceive our vocations in a fresh and striking light. This is the one book on this topic that everyone should read.

Matthew Levering , Mundelein Seminary

Marriage, Scripture, and the Church is a must-read book. Snyder Belousek presents an irenic, wholistic, and refreshing reminder of marriages three facetsprocreation, partnership, and prefiguring Christ and the churchand celibacys prefiguring of the resurrection age, which are not present in same-sex unions.

Ada Besanon Spencer , Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; coeditor of Marriage at the Crossroads and Christian Egalitarian Leadership

Would you like a well-written, carefully researched study of marriage in the Christian tradition, intended as the basis for contemporary discussions about sexual practices and longings? Snyder Belouseks irenic study engages the reader from the start, without making heterosexual monogamy an idol and without denigrating those who struggle with the cogency of his presentation.

J. Andrew Dearman , Fuller Theological Seminary

The account of biblical marriage advanced in this volume is remarkable. Snyder Belousek maintains fidelity toward Scripture while highlighting the need to frame our doctrines in ways that address all manner of contemporary challenges. In particular, he is equally honest about challenges that exist within traditionalist faith communities as he is about the challenge of doctrinal innovations that do not remain faithful to Scripture. For example, Snyder Belousek is intentional about framing his account of biblical marriage in ways that are compelling to sexual minorities who adhere to a traditionalist perspective on marriage. For some of these individuals it is not always clear that the historic Christian account of marriage is truly good for all people. Snyder Belousek takes this challenge seriously, and with abundant care he outlines a theology of marriage that is both biblically faithful and pastorally sensitive for all believers, whether gay or straight. I look forward to adding this volume to my short list of recommended resources on the topic of biblical marriage.

Nate Collins , president and founder of Revoice

Those of us who write and teach about sexuality are well aware that there is a dearth of books offering a solid theological rationale for marriage. This is particularly true if what we are wanting is a current, well-written, thoroughly researched book, deeply rooted in scriptural teaching and the riches of the Christian tradition. And it is almost too much to hope for that this traditional view will be infused with the gospel, with the compassion, of Jesus Christ. Yet this is precisely what Snyder Belousek offers us in this wonderful book on marriage.

Mark Thiessen Nation , Eastern Mennonite Seminary

Like no other book, Marriage, Scripture, and the Church brilliantly frames our current disagreements on sexuality in terms of the doctrine of marriage. It carefully guides the reader through Scripture, church history, doctrine, and current arguments to highlight the different rationales for changing our doctrine and the consequences of doing so. It offers a positive vision and model of how the church might discern Gods truth.

Andrew Goddard , Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and Westminster Theological Centre

In the wide mix of books and articles on these interrelated topics, Marriage, Scripture, and the Church will make a much-needed contribution. Scholars from every position will need to take Darrins work into consideration. I highly recommend it.

Willard Swartley , Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary

Snyder Belousek deals with the question of same-sex union in a way that is not only judicious and fair but also generous and kind. His careful and thorough review of both Scripture and church tradition emphasizes the importance of understanding this issue within the context of a robust Christian theology of marriage.

Christina S. Hitchcock , University of Sioux Falls; author of The Significance of Singleness

Marriage, Scripture, and the Church is a significant step away from lobbing Bible verses at the opposition like grenades, where, after the dust settles, all that seems left are damaged psyches and broken relationships. Snyder Belousek offers a rigorous treatment of Christian Scripture, theology, and history in an effort to discern, along with the larger church, what marriage can be and not just what type of sexual activity is allowed or forbidden.

Dennis R. Edwards , North Park Theological Seminary