Although some studies clearly encompass a number of areas, for ease this bibliography divides material into the following sections:
Wider Debates: Science, Society, History etc.
'Best Buys':
- Theology: Grenz [trad];Moore [rev]; Bradshaw [all views]
- Scripture: Gagnon [trad[, Via & Gagnon [debate]
- Pastoral: Hallett [trad], Coward [rev]
- Science: Jones&Yarhouse ; Stein
For further web resources and information on Christian groups see here.
Banner, M. C. (1999). Christian ethics and contemporary moral problems. Cambridge University Press.
Collection of important articles by leading UK Christian ethicists whose last three pieces are on family & sexual ethics including discussion of recent church statements (252-68) and an outline of his own approach (269-309).
Bradshaw, T. (2003). The way forward? : Christian voices on homosexuality and the church. SCM.
Very important collection of articles articulating different views on the issue, originally published in 1997. All are responses to the St. Andrew's Day Statement. If you want just one book get this one. Good articles representing the full spectrum of views. [176.3BRA]
Childs, J. M. (2003). Faithful conversation : Christian perspectives on homosexuality. Fortress : Roundhouse.
A helpful collection of papers by American Lutherans, reflecting different views.
Dunnam, M. D. and H. N. Malony (2003). Staying the course : supporting the church's position on homosexuality. Abingdon Press.
A collection of articles by United Methodists defending their church's 'traditional' position and covering a range of areas. Some excellent pieces including summary of his biblical study by Richard Hays and articles by Abraham & Long.
EvangelicalAlliance (1998). Faith, hope & homosexuality. Paternoster/ACUTE.
Short book from a group of evangelicals restating "traditional" views but calling for more acceptance of gay Christians and an end to homophobia.
Goddard, A. (2004). Homosexuality and the Church of England. Grove Books.
Although focussed on CofE and its recent report, this offers a 'traditionalist' perspective on the debate, biblical texts, orientation and identity, and same-sex relationships and unions.
Goddard, A. W., Peter (2003). True union in the body? A contribution to the discussion within the Anglican Communion concerning the public blessing of same-sex unions. [PDF] Grove Books.
Commissioned by Archbishop Drexel Gomez of the West Indies, a defence of Lambeth I:10 in dialogue with those who disagree with its conclusions, covers theology of marriage and singleness, biblical texts, pastoral issues and political discussions within Anglicanism.
Grenz, S. (1998). Welcoming but not affirming : an evangelical response to homosexuality. Westminster John Knox Press.
Short, clear defence of welcoming gay people but holding traditional rejection of homosexual conduct and relationships. Could become standard evangelical text.
Hamilton, C. S. (2003). The homosexuality debate : faith seeking understanding. ABC Pub.
A collection of excellent articles representing different views from mainly Canadian Anglicans; Edith Humphrey on Scripture particularly good.
Holben, L. R. (1999). What Christians think about homosexuality : six representative viewpoints. Bibal Press.
One of the best overviews which raises 12 important questions and sympathetically maps out how six Christian viewpoints (condemnation, promise of healing, call to costly discipleship, pastoral accommodation, affirmation and liberation) respond to these.
Jewett, P., K. (1996). Who we are : our dignity as human : a neo-evangelical theology. William B. Eerdmans.
Major "neo-evangelical" (ie sympathetic to Karl Barth) approach covering male-female and most areas of sexual ethics; important extended addendum (pp290-350) on homosexuality.
John, J. (2000). "Permanent, Faithful, Stable": Christian Same-Sex Partnerships. DLT.
Major defence of same sex unions as marriage by high church Anglican clergyman (whose appointment and withdrawal as Bishop of Reading in 2003 causes a crisis in the CofE) & NT scholar. Summary of his case is found in the Bradshaw volume.
Lawler, R. D., M. Boyle Joseph, et al. (1998). Catholic sexual ethics : a summary, explanation & defense. Our Sunday Visitor.
Best and most accessible account and explanation of orthodox (ie conservative) Roman Catholic teaching, covering all main areas including homosexuality
Leal, D. (1996). Debating homosexuality. Grove Books.
Gets under the surface of the debate to think through deeper questions.
Macourt, M. (1977). Towards a theology of gay liberation. SCM Press.
First book-length collection of articles (1977) arguing for a "revisionist" position on the subject. Some now dated but some important texts.
Moore, G. (2003). A question of truth : Christianity and homosexuality. Continuum.
An important posthumously published argument for a revisionist viewpoint from a philosophical and biblical-theological perspective by a leading Roman Catholic writer; likely to become a classic critique of the traditionalist argument.
Rogers, E. F. (1999). Sexuality and the Christian body : their way into the triune God. Blackwell.
Important recent scholarly study; builds on Orthodox views of marriage and technical study of Aquinas and Barth; particular focus on nature of eros and on defending same sex partnerships as marriage but of much wider significance. There are interesting responses by Cahill and Wannenwetsch (and a reply from Rogers) in Modern Theology 16.3 (July 2000) and a strongly critical review article by Farrow in IJST 5.3 (Nov 2003). Also discussed by Stout (JRE, 31.2, June 2003)
Rogers, E. F. (2001). Theology and sexuality : classic and contemporary readings. Blackwell.
Selection of historical and contemporary readings on marriage and sexuality including many relevant to homosexuality debate; tendency to favour "non-traditional" approaches.
Schmidt, T. (1995). Straight & narrow? : compassion & clarity in the homosexuality debate. Inter-Varsity.
NT expert's study of the issue from a traditional viewpoint which quickly became standard evangelical text (although Grenz may come to rival it and Gagnon now most thorough on Scripture).
Stott, J. (1998). Same sex partnerships? : a christian contribution to contemporary debate. Marshall Pickering.
A short study helpfully outlining the "traditionalist" view and its pastoral implications by this leading evangelical Anglican. Also to be found as chapter in latest edition of "Issues Facing Christians Today
Stuart, E. (1995). Just good friends : towards a lesbian and gay theology of relationships. Mowbray.
Catholic lesbian author on what we can learn from same sex relationships and their possible value for understanding marriage and sexuality more broadly.
Stuart, E. (2002). Gay and lesbian theologies : repetitions with critical difference. Ashgate.
An excellent survey and (at times stinging) critique of gay and lesbian theologies from revisionist writer who now major contributor to 'queer theology'.
Thatcher, A. (1993). Liberating sex : a Christian sexual theology. SPCK.
Extensive account of a contemporary sexual ethic from "liberal"/"liberationist" theologian including defence of same sex relationships.
Thielicke, H. and J. W. Doberstein (1964). The ethics of sex. James Clarke & Co.
Famous Lutheran evangelical ethicist who was among first (this was early 1960s) seriously and sympathetically to address many issues which grew in importance including homosexuality
Townsend, C. (1994). Homosexuality: Finding the Way of Truth and Love. Cambridge Papers. 3.
Helpful, short & sensitive "traditionalist" position. Reprinted in Schluter, Michael – "Christianity in a Changing World" (2000, Marshall Pickering).
Vasey, M. (1995). Strangers and friends : a new exploration of homosexuality and the Bible. Hodder & Stoughton.
Most important study from respected gay evangelical which argues for a change in the traditional Christian stance drawing on historical, sociological, biblical and ethical arguments.
Wink, W. (1999). Homosexuality and Christian faith : questions of conscience for the churches. Fortress Press.
Recent collection of articles from "revisionist" position (including evangelicals such as Peggy Campolo and Lewis Smedes) which probably best compilation from this viewpoint.
Balch D. L. (2000). Homosexuality, science, and the "plain sense" of Scripture . W.B. Eerdmans Pub.
An important but quite heavy recent collection reflecting a spectrum of views and focussing on Scriptural exegesis and application with some input on science and its relevance
Bonnington, M. and B. Fyall (1996). Homosexuality and the Bible. Grove.
Good, short Grove booklet on Scriptural teaching from traditional viewpoint.
Brooten, B. (1996). Love between women : early Christian responses to female homoeroticism. University of Chicago Press.
The definitive study of biblical and early Christian attitudes to female same-sex love with a detailed study of Rom 1.
Countryman, L. W. (1989). Dirt, greed and sex : sexual ethics in the New Testament and their implications for today. SCM Press.
Influential re-reading of NT texts by American Episcopalian.
Fisher, G. (1996). Homosexuality and the Church: Biblical & Pastoral Issues. Privately by author.
The fruit of an Anglican parish priest's study leave this contains much good material including the best, short balanced survey of biblical passages I've seen.
France, R. T. (2000). A slippery slope? : the ordination of women and homosexual practice : a case study in Biblical interpretation. Grove.
A defence from leading evangelical NT scholar of the view that re-reading Scripture on the role of women does not entail a "revisionist" position on homosexuality.
Gagnon, R. A. J. (2001). The Bible and homosexual practice : texts and hermeneutics. Abingdon Press.
The most detailed and thorough survey of the biblical material reaching traditionalist conclusions. His non-biblical discussion of subject much weaker. Summary versions and other texts available on his website
Goddard, A. (2001). God, Gentiles and gay Christians : Acts 15 and change in the church. Grove Books.
Short study of Acts 15 and its relevance to both the conduct and content of the current debate especially whether we can learn from how the early church welcomed Gentiles.
Moberly, W. (2000). "The Use of Scripture in Contemporary Debate about Homosexuality." Theology(July/August): 251-8.
A helpful survey of recent discussions from an evangelical Old Testament scholar.
Nissinen, M. (1998). Homoeroticism in the biblical world : a historical perspective. Fortress Press.
A useful careful account of homosexuality in ancient cultures and a reading of relevant biblical texts in that light with some application to today.
Schmidt, Thomas (1994). The Hermeneutics of Homosexuality: Some Recent Trends, Catalyst, Nov 1994.
Via, D. O. and R. A. J. Gagnon (2003). Homosexuality and the Bible : two views. Fortress Press.
Helpful short summary of two views from biblical scholars in dialogue with each other.
Wright, David F. (1992). Homosexuality: Reflections On The Current Controversy, Catalyst, Feb 1992.
Bergner, M. (1995). Setting love in order.
A largely biographical account which through one's man story addresses how homosexuals may be able to find healing and changes in their sexual orientation and behaviour.
Comiskey, A. (1990). Pursuing sexual wholeness. Monarch.
Personal account of one man's struggles with homosexual attraction
Coward, C. (1998). "The Other Way" ?: Anglican Gay and Lesbian Journeys. Changing Attitude.
Powerful collection of fourteen short and often moving personal testimonies from lesbian and gay Anglicans both lay and ordained seeking to persuade the wider church to listen and to change its attitude
Gill, M. (1994). Free to love : sexuality and pastoral care. HarperCollins.
Author is Christian psychosexual counsellor; mainly pastoral;recently revised (1999) esp chpt 9 on homosexuality and same sex friendships which now more affirming than earlier work.
Green, T., B. Harrison, et al. (1996). Not for turning : an enquiry into the ex-gay movement. T. Green B. Harrison J. Innes.
A critical but not polemical study of the motives and methods of those UK groups which seek to help people seeking healing from homosexuality and support in living a celibate life.
Hallett, M. (1996). Out of the blue : homosexuality and the family. Hodder & Stoughton.
More pastoral than biblical/ethical but good guide from leading traditionalist gay Christian about how to respond to homosexual people.
Hallett, M. (1997). Sexual identity and freedom in discipleship. Grove Books.
Grove booklet from True Freedom Trust leader about homosexuality and sexuality more widely; practical and pastoral
Hopper, G. (1997). Reluctant journey-- : a pilgrimage of faith from homophobia to Christian love [text online].
Personal story of evangelical Methodist who, through getting to know gay Christians, moved from traditional viewpoint to become a supporter of LGCM and how he now reads Scripture on the issue
LGCM (2000). Christian homophobia : the churches' persecution of gay and lesbian couples.
Report of Commission set up by LGCM to discover homophobia among Christians, its effects and how it may be combatted.
Sullivan, A. (1999). Love undetectable : reflections on friendship, sex and survival. Vintage.
Volume of three powerful and thought-provoking essays from gay RC journalist on the effect of AIDS, groups claiming to heal homosexuality, and the nature of friendship; much more biographical and open about his own Christian faith and homosexuality than his earlier book (eg pp39ff).
White, M. (1994). Stranger at the gate : to be gay and Christian in America. Simon & Schuster.
A powerful biography of a leading US evangelical who struggled for years with his homosexual orientation and finally left his wife (amicably - she writes the Foreword !) for a same sex relationship and a life campaigning for gay people.
Yancey, P. (1997). What's so amazing about grace? Zondervan.
All round brilliant book and for homosexuality chapter 13 tells of Yancey's friendship with Mel White [see above] and the struggle to combine grace and truth in relation to the homosexuality debate in American churches.
(1979). Homosexual relationships : a contribution to discussion . CIO Publishing for the General Synod Board for Social Responsibility.
First BSR report (The Gloucester Report) in the 1970s and more conservative response to it from BSR.
(1991). Issues in human sexuality. Church House Publishing.
Teaching Document from House of Bishops. Last official CofE statement.
(2003). Some Issues in Human Sexuality. Church House Publishing.
An excellent study guide from House of Bishops based on teaching of Issues in Human Sexuality and setting out main views and areas of debate.
CEEC (1995). The St. Andrew's Day Statement .
An important statement from a group set up by the Church of England Evangelical Council, chaired by Tim Bradshaw.
Doe, M. (2000). Seeking the truth in love : the Church and homosexuality. DLT.
The former Bishop of Swindon and now General Secretary of USPG develops a "revisionist" case based on Scripture, tradition and reason in response to Lambeth.
Harries, R. (2000). Same Sex Relationships – The Unresolved Questions.
A helpful personal overview of the issues from the Chair of the House of Bishops Working Party on the subject.
Lambeth (1998). Resolution on Human Sexuality .
The resolution passed by the 1998 Lambeth Conference of bishops of the Anglican Communion.
Synod (1987). General Synod Motion on Sexuality.
Last official Church of England Synodical statement: ''This Synod affirms that the biblical and traditional teaching on chastity and fidelity in personal relationships is a response to, and expression of God's love for each one of us, and in particular affirms (1) that sexual intercourse is an act of total commitment which belongs properly within a permanent married relationship, (2) that fornication and adultery are sins against this ideal, and are to be met by a call to repentance and the exercise of compassion, (3) that homosexual genital acts also fall short of this ideal, and are likewise to be met by a call to repentance and the exercise of compassion, (4) that all Christians are called to exemplary in all spheres of morality, including sexual morality, and that holiness of life is particularly required of Christian leaders." Carried 403-8 with 13 abstentions.
Wider debates: Science, Society, History etc.
Boswell, J. (1980). Christianity, social tolerance, and homosexuality : gay people in Western Europe from the beginning of the Christian era to the fourteenth century. University of Chicago Press.
Key "revisionist" writer's important and controversial study; history of gay people and Christian attitudes to them from ancient to medieval period
Boswell, J. (1995). Same-sex unions in premodern Europe. Vintage Books.
Another important and contested "revisionist" work arguing for historic liturgies blessing same sex unions.
Bray, A. (2003). The friend. University of Chicago Press.
Important study of different historical patterns of male friendship recognised by the church and wider society.
Burr, C. (1996). A separate creation : how biology makes us gay. Bantam.
A helpful and readable survey of recent studies in genetics and neuroanatomy and the scientific and popular debate about causes of sexual orientation; defends view that causation biological
Foucault, M. (1986). The history of sexuality: Introduction, The use of pleasure, The care of the self . Viking.
Major thinker's work on sexuality which shaped much secular debate and modern "queer theory" and constructionist views of human sexuality.
Gill, S. (1998). The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement : campaigning for justice, truth and love. Cassell.
Part LGCM history, part documents from their publications, part essays on their future. A helpful and illuminating guide to this pressure group and its work.
Greenberg, D. F. (1988). The construction of homosexuality. The University of Chicago Press.
Major historical and cross-cultural survey of patterns and understandings of homosexuality, setting out a strong 'constructionist' case.
Hazel, D. (2000). Witness : gay and lesbian clergy report from the front. Westminster John Knox Press.
Sympathetic account of attempts in US churches to secure full acceptance of gay and lesbian clergy.
Jones, S. L. and M. A. Yarhouse (2000). Homosexuality : the use of scientific research in the church's moral debate. IVP.
A helpful survey addressing issues of prevelance, cause and change from two traditionalist Christians.
Moberly, E. (1983). Homosexuality : a new Christian ethic. James Clarke.
Christian psychoanalyst's explanation of the causes of homosexual attraction - highly influential in groups offering "healing" and also therefore controversial
Stein, E. (1999). The mismeasure of desire : the science, theory, and ethics of sexual orientation. Oxford University Press.
Important recent study of science, philosophy and ethics of sexual orientation questions. Nothing Christian in it but a very helpful guide to wider debates.
Sullivan, A. (1996). Virtually normal : an argument about homosexuality. Picador.
Young conservative gay RC journalist offering an influential defence of gay rights in society
Vasey, M. (1991). Evangelical Christians and gay rights. Grove.
Evangelical liturgist speaking up for gay people and critiquing common evangelical attitudes.
Whitehead, N. and B. Whitehead (1999). My genes made me do it! Huntington House Publishers.
A critique of biological based theories of causation from traditionalist US Christians.
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