Some of the most challenging theological discussions today surround issues of sexuality. For some time, biblical sexuality was simply assumed in our local church educational spaces. It can no longer be assumed.

If pastors are going to fulfill their God-given task of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry in a world undergoing sexual revolution, they will need to actively disciple their church to think biblically about sexuality. While the culture around us is working tirelessly to normalize sexual immorality of all kinds, we must labor to make clear the Bible’s teaching. We will need resources that speak to issues of sexuality simply, concisely, and convincingly. Kevin Deyoung’s book, What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?, is such a resource. This is an introductory work that is written in simple terms to provide the basic lines of argument for what the Bible teaches about homosexuality. It seeks to answer the following question,

Is homosexual activity a sin that must be repented of, forsaken, and forgiven, or, given the right context and commitment, can we consider same-sex sexual intimacy a blessing worth celebrating and solemnizing?

Kevin Deyoung, What Does the Bible Teach about Homosexuality? p.15

Deyoung is clear from the beginning that this is a Christian book written from a Christian perspective for Christians to better understand what the Bible teaches.

In part 1, he addresses God’s original design in creation. He beautifully articulates the Christian gospel, and makes the important point that the Bible is not primarily a book about homosexuality. Rather, the Bible is a book about God’s story to redeem a broken world. You have to first understand and believe the big gospel story of the Bible, before you can make sense of the Bible’s teaching on homosexuality.

After addressing God’s original design, Deyoung works through all six of the biblical texts that explicitly condemn homosexuality as sin. These chapters contain short and to the point expositions of biblical texts. He summarizes the historic, conservative, Christian interpretations that have been commonly agreed upon for 2,000 years. If you want a more thorough hermeneutical and academic argumentation, you will need to look elsewhere. (See The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics by Robert Gagnon)

In part 2, Deyoung answers common popular level objections to the Bible’s teaching on homosexuality. If part 1 is the basic presentation of a Christian worldview on homosexuality, part 2 functions like a conversation partner in which Deyoung anticipates possible objections, articulates them, and then graciously responds to them. Part 2 will be a tremendous help to the every day Christian who is preparing to dialogue with co-workers, family, or friends. If your looking for a clear and concise summary of what the Bible teaches on homosexuality, this is a great starting point.