homosexualty and the Bible - introduction

a for and against presentation
The debate surrounding the ordination of homosexual leaders and ministers is a a tough one. Some denominations are even close to splitting over the issue. Religion still plays a role in forming social attitudes either supporting or undermining those attitudes already formed. So what we in the churches teach about homosexuality affects the lives of more people than just our own members.

We have here two presentations by Biblical scholars who can help us think about the question question of homosexuality in relation to the Bible. Many people think of Bible scholars as obsessed with small sections of scripture and uninterested in contemporary social issues. Ulrich Mauser and Dr Wink do not fit this stereotype.

Ulrich Mauser, educated in Germany and Professor of New Testament at Princeton Seminary, has taught at three theological schools during his career, serving as academic dean at one of them. All along he has focused on the meaning of the scriptures for what we actually believe and do as a people of faith. His books and articles focus not on texts by themselves but on their theological meaning, often in relation to real world issues. His most recent book, for instance, is The Gospel of Peace: A Scriptural Message For Today's World. During the last two years, Professor Mauser has joined some of his colleagues at Princeton to issue public statements on burning issues in the church: one of these focused on the ordination of homosexuals. He is not the sort of Bible scholar who hides in the library.

Read Dr. Ulrich Mauser on The Bible and Homosexuality

Dr. Wink is Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn Seminary, an assignment that takes him to several dozen different cities each year to teach. Formerly he taught at Union Seminary and before that was pastor of a Methodist Church in Texas. He is well known for pioneering a method of Bible study for use in churches and for a three volume series of books on the principalities and powers. He not only writes about principalities and powers but mixes it up with them as well. He has been involved in movements for non-violent social change in this country, South Africa and other parts of the world, and written and spoken widely about non-violence, disabilities, homosexuality and other contemporary topics.

Dr. Walter Wink on The Bible and Homosexuality

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