Virtually every scholar on both sides of the same-sex discussion
eventually addresses the account of Sodom found in Genesis 19. However,
in recent years, scholars have tended to downplay the importance of this
chapter in relation to this debate. This book challenges this trend and
seeks to demonstrate how the account of Sodom plays a key role in our
understanding of a God-ordained sexual ethic, especially in light of
Genesis as Torah--instruction for both ancient Israel and for the
Church.
""Peterson has written one of the best books to deal with the
contemporary issues surrounding homosexuality, lesbianism, gay rights,
and gay marriage. He convincingly shows that the arguments of both past
and contemporary defenders of same-sex behavior fall far short of both
Christian tradition and logical coherence. He affirms there is no
positive assertion anywhere in the Bible that God accepts same-sex
behavior, nor is there an exhortation that Christians or culture should
accept such behavior."" --James B. De Young, ThD, Author of
Homosexuality: Contemporary Claims Examined in Light of the Bible and
Other Ancient Literature and Law
""Peterson offers a thorough and
forthright assessment of one of the Old Testament's most hotly-debated
biblical passages. Regardless of one's position on the contemporary
issues related to this challenging text, all who are interested in the
relevance and application of scripture to the issue of human sexuality
will need to reckon with Peterson's analysis and argument."" --Brian P.
Irwin, Associate Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Scripture, Knox
College, Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto "
"In this
thorough treatment of biblical and other Sodom texts, Peterson makes a
vital contribution to the current debate about the Bible and same-sex
sex. The hot-button issue is never far removed from what otherwise could
on its own be merely 'dry' exegesis, making the book an interesting and
important read. This is good, careful, indispensable scholarship from a
good mind, and a brave one at that. Sodom is back on the docket."" --J.
Glen Taylor, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic
Languages, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto "
"In simple, readable
language, based on solid scholarship and careful research, Peterson has
written the definitive treatment of the sin of Sodom, making clear that
a key reason the city was destroyed was rampant sexual sin, manifest
specifically in homosexual acts. By refuting the pro-homosexual,
revisionist interpretations of Genesis 19, Peterson has done a real
service to the church and to all those who want to take the scriptural
account seriously."" --Michael L. Brown, PhD, Author of Can You Be Gay
and Christian?
Brian Neil Peterson is Assistant Professor of Old
Testament and Hebrew at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He is
the author of Ezekiel in Context (2012), The Authors of the
Deuteronomistic History (2014), and John's Use of Ezekiel (2015).