Review from the Episcopal New Yorker

ENGAGING SAME-SEXUALITY
BY TOBIAS STANISLAS HALLER, BSG

SEABURY BOOKS, 180 PAGES
Reviewed by the Rev. Gawain de Leeuw
Episcopal New Yorker Vol 85 No 3 September/October 2009
(pdf version of issue)

In Reasonable and Holy: Engaging Same-Sexuality, the Rev. Tobias Haller has written a theologically grounded, scriptural defense of same-sex marriage.

Initially a series of blog posts, this book addresses the principles that undergird the most quoted credible objections. Haller charitably assumes that objectors do so because there are important conceptual issues at stake.

The defense of same-sex marriage has generally been located in the vocabulary of justice. The argument is, briefly, as follows. As both straight and LGBT people become baptized, it is implicitly wrong to withhold other sacraments from any who are faithful Christians. The rejoinder is that marriage is not a right, but a representation of what matters to the church and God: fidelity to scripture, families, law, holiness.

Few scholars are strong in both theology and scripture. Yet armed with powerful philosophical skills and rigorous biblical scholarship, Haller offers a convincing defense for opening Christian marriage to same-sex couples. He investigates the consequences of prioritizing complementarity (the idea that fit between men and women is intrinsic to God’s favor of marriage) and the importance of procreation to the traditional description of marriage. He also clarifies how the words “to’evah” (abomination) and “porneia” (sexual immorality) are used, examining the confusing taxonomical issues around their definitions. He explains the conditions by which laws and customs change throughout church history, and how the presenting issue is similar.

Haller explains, for example, that the Genesis story of sexual differentiation is a story about beginnings, not about purposes. We do not return to the Garden but are marching to the heavenly city. He successfully argues that mutual joy, companionship, and other fruits of the spirit are prior to procreation. He shatters the “prongs and holes” theory explaining that men and women are each individually— and not together as a unit—made in the image of God. It is not, then, our sex that makes us in the image of God, but our agency, our ability to choose.

The book has many useful sidebars that illuminate its arguments, and each chapter ends with questions for discussion. The chapter “WWJD” discusses how Jesus read scripture, while the last chapter comprises an excellent question and answer section. It is suitable for church study groups.

Reasonable and Holy may not convince those who intuitively find the varieties of sexual attraction sinful. It may, however, help individuals who are willing to examine their own conceptual presuppositions. Haller has written a book that honors the Word of God, the faith once delivered, and moves it into our cultural context. He shows how the church can continue to maintain a high standard for faithful relationships. This is no small feat.

Haller does not discuss the relationship between property, sex and imperialism. Homosexuality is sometimes portrayed as a sign of American greed and empire. It becomes linked, for example, to violating third world countries, rather than being bourgeois, Victorian idyll of a pair gardening in the twilight. More work revealing how media and capital have framed the current debate might illuminate how we got here, and how we might move forward.

Furthermore, that the discussion reached a feverish pitch in cyberspace is, I believe, a relevant element of the issue. Perhaps the problem itself is that we do not always discuss this in person, with real faces and real lives before us, but as disembodied entities, without commitment, in the non-existent location of cyberspace, where actions have few consequences.

de Leeuw is the rector of St. Bartholomew’s, White Plains.

---

A Review

Reasonable and Holy was a series of blog posts by the author. In an age where biblical scholars are not logicians, and theologians find the bible incoherent, Fr. Haller brings theology and scripture together. This is applied Willi Marxen.

Fr. Haller notes that liberals and conservatives seem to talk past each other. For this reason he carefully builds a coherent conservative position. He examines the concept of complementarity; the purpose versus the ends of marriage. He demonstrates the fragility of the view that procreation is necessarily primary to the bonds of joy.

Fr. Haller interrogates the concept of "abomination" and what constitutes "porneia." He also convincingly shows that liberals do not "cherry pick" but that the foundational law is the one by which all other laws are judged.

Haller reminds us that the purpose of scripture is to save; not to close people from the Gospel.

His strongest chapter is his chapter on Jesus: WWJD. Here he is completely convincing. On page 139 he offers a powerful paraphrase of Jesus' commands. His last chapter would be useful enough to offer those who still can't understand the progressive position.

This is the most important contribution to the subject since Countryman's Dirt, Greed and Sex.

G. F. de Leeuw (at Amazon.com)

Review

Another review at Amazon: Amos Lassen writes

Continuing the Discusson
Tobias Haller looks at the conflict over homosexuality in the Anglican Church and shows that the church is "able to provide for and support faithful and loving relationships between persons of the same sex". He looks at scripture as well as the traditions of the Jewish and Christian religions and uses reason in looking at and dealing with fellow-Christians. Taking into account marriage, procreation, union, and society as well as Christ and the church, he gives an argument for the inclusion of the GLBT community.

Everything Haller writes is sound and reasonable. He maintains that inclusion is consistent with the Anglican tradition and this is seen if we examine scripture closely.

One does not have to agree with Haller but no one can deny that he brings a fresh and thoughtful approach to the subject. Nor does Haller avoid the sensitive as he writes about sexuality, sexual acts and the reality of same-sex couples. He is sensitive and honest but this is not an easy read. It says a lot and it is quite thorough. The book is slim but it is packed full of information. It is a scholarly and spiritual discussion that brings together theology, scripture, anthropology and law and above all else, reason.

Reviews

Some new reviews have appeared at Amazon.

John P. Plummer writes:

Tobias Haller's regular readers know they can reliably expect careful argument and beautiful prose. In this book, Father Haller does not disappoint, and provides a crucial contribution to the debates over same-sex relationships(and the full sacramental inclusion of those in such relationships) in the Anglican Communion, and in Christianity more broadly. Father Haller argues persuasively that an inclusive position is consistent with the church's tradition, and can be the result of taking our engagement with scripture seriously. All Christians, whether members of communities that have already taken steps toward inclusion or those still struggling, will benefit from this fine volume. With questions for discussion and other aids, it is appropriate for Sunday School classes and the like.

and Karekin M Yarian had this to say:

Reasonable and Holy could not be more aptly titled. Father Haller has created a monumental work with cogent argument, pastoral sensitivity, and a clear and logical framework. In the ongoing discussion of same-sexuality and the Church, too much is written from the same old biases using Scripture out of context and the reassertion of the same ill-formed arguments. Haller succeeds in bringing new energy and insight into dismantling these old arguments. Whether or not you agree with Haller's conclusions, there is no denying that he has contributed a fresh, sensitive and thorough approach. Bringing a concise and unflinching eye to Scriptural witness, he has illuminated details and nuances often overlooked in the ongoing debates.

This book is no easy read. It is dense and says much in it's few chapters. But a careful reading will prove extraordinarily rewarding. It is a work that I am certain to return to over and again. If you think you know what the Scripture has to say about same-sexuality, especially in the context of faithful long-term relationships between same-gendered partners, prepare the rethink your assumptions.

Father Haller's discussion of the subject of same-sexuality does not shy away from difficult topics nor from specifics about sexuality, sexual acts, or the realities of same-sex couples. It is uncompromising in its honesty and generous in its sensitivity. Yet if we in the Church are to develop a coherent theology in response to the issues of same-gender oriented individuals and/or couples, we cannot fail in such close examination. The author has surely succeeded in moving this discussion into a new and healthier place.

Reasonable and Holy will change hearts and minds. Of this, I have little doubt. But equally, it will quicken the hearts of those who already support the conclusions reached by Haller. This book will convince many that there is little substance left in the arguments against the inclusion and celebration of same-sex couples in the full life of the Church.

Finally, Ginny in DC/NVa said:

Is it "reasonable" to think that Christians can accept same-sexual relationships as "holy"? Tobias Haller says yes - and he tells you why without resorting to shallow, angry or emotional dialog. This is exactly what I expected from Fr. Haller, for all the reasons provided by earlier reviewers.

Tobias Haller presents this book as a resource for the Anglican "listening process" on same-sexuality, and quite a gift it is. If your parish church is divided about these issues, or living in a tenuous don't-ask-don't-tell truce, this little book is organized for meaningful, adult spiritual education and discussion. If you don't think your parish is ready for a full series of classes, consider a seminar based on chapter 12, "Heirs of the Promise," with a couple of copies of this book available in the church lending library. Fr. Haller's scholarly approach to the usual questions and oft-quoted scripture won't fail to inform even the most radical on both sides of the same-sexuality debate.

As other reviewers have noted, this book isn't an easy read, even if you are familiar with the arguments and and modern biblical scholarship. The text is thoroughly readable - and the humor quite lovely - but you will stop to ponder many, many issues. And best of all, you will probably stop and think about the LGBT people in your life, and how they can be blessed and loved by God and the Christian community.

Now that you have the thoughtful comments, I'll add this pithy aside: if you support the LGBT community, Fr. Haller has provided you with a lot of well-researched information to combat biblical literalism and pull-quoting. You can even support one argument by citing the venerable Augustine of Hippo!

Reviews

I will post links to reviews, excerpts from longer ones and shorter reviews in toto under this heading.

A Feather Adrift: Reasonable and Holy — Sherry

...The book itself is less than 200 pages, but it is literally bursting with excellent exegetical scholarship. It is most clear that Tobias Haller is an excellent mind, and has thoroughly, carefully, and with great insight examined the biblical field as it relates to this subject.

I suspect that it will go down as one of the “classics” in the field, and will be used by countless colleges and universities as a primary text for discussion. I know that it has served me well in deeply enlightening me on the nuances of argument to be made. I have always felt slightly unsatisfied by the arguments so far, and Tobias has given me a real sense of feeling grounded in truth here.

It can serve as well for a text in our various churches when and if we choose to address the issue. And I submit, that we must address it. We are faced with a deep unfairness here. Our lesbian and gay sisters and brothers are enormous assets to our ecclesial life, and we squander their gifts and talents at our peril. It is what Jesus would do I submit. This book helps us get where we need to be, and does so with gentle tenderness.

Father Gregory writes:

This appears to be a slim paperback that should make easy reading. Except that it doesn’t. Fr Tobias has written one of those increasingly rare (and annoying!) books that inspires questioning and demands reflection. Every time I begin to read more of it I find myself stalled at a word, a phrase, a question which requires thoughtful consideration, even some research in other works or, worse, some serious critical thinking. It’s not at all the standard theologically and historically quasi- or semi- or totally illiterate case for the prosecution or the defence which the subject usually seems to inspire. Nor, like the standard works, is it mind-numbingly dull. Its approach is not only scholarly but spiritual, almost meditative. It blends theology and Scripture and history and anthropology and law with deep pastoral concern, and is pleasantly spiced with gentle wit. It applies gentle reason to a subject that more than many requires it.

General Index

I've added a link to a pdf of the General Index to the sidebar supplemental resources. I decided not to run it here, as it will be more useful printed out. I chose a trim size which will fit into the book.

Errata

It is the stuff of life to find that things one missed in proofs will survive to print. Herewith errata found. Please post any other typos to this post, and I will amend as time permits.

page 6 line 31: for principle read principal
page 94 line 30: for conclusion read inclusion
page 112 box line 3: add closing quotation mark after transgression of the law
page 115 line 1: for Galatians 3:25 read Galatians 3:28
page 116 line 16: for Turllo read Trullo
page 128 line 26 for later read latter
page 130 box text line 4: delete the first a at the end of the line
page 130 box text line 5: add a comma after man
page 149 line 13: for it read is

General Comments

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Comments on Chapter 1: Where the Division Lies

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Comments on Chapter 2: Pro-Creation

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Comments on Chapter 3: True Unioni

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Comments on Chapter 4: Double Vision

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Comments on Chapter 5: Pairs and Mates

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Comments on Chapter 6: Clash of Symbols

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Comments on Chapter 7: Remedial Reading

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Comments on Chapter 9: Perplexity and Guidance

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Comments on Chapter 10: Entrusted with the Oracles of God

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Comments on Chapter 11: WWJD

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Comments on Chapter 12: Heirs of the Promise

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Index of Scriptural and Other References

(as I await news from the press and bindery, here to whet your appetite, the index of biblical and other sources and references cited)

Biblical

Genesis

1 (9, 12-14, 29, 43, 46, 47)

1:27 (15, 25, 33, 34, 107)

1:29 (105, 115)

2 (9, 26, 29, 37, 38, 42, 46, 47, 75, 104)

2-4 (13)

2:15 (114)

2:16–17 (105, 115)

2:18 (36)

2:23 (75)

2:24 (15, 25, 36, 107, 146)

3 (65)

4 (29)

4:1 (12)

4:1012 (100)

6:1–4 (29)

6:4 (168)

9 (116)

9:1–6 (105)

9:2–4 (115)

9:3–4 (105)

9:24–26 (112)

9:4 (100)

9:6 (33, 100)

18:11 (44)

18:20 (91)

19 (91, 167)

19:7,9 (92)

19:14 (92)

34:3,8 (146)

34:4 (146)

38:8 (76)

43:32 (87)

46:34 (87, 88)

Exodus

8:22 (87)

20:1 (97)

20:4 (99)

20:4–5a (87)

31:14 (86)

Leviticus

3:17 (115)

6 (104)

7:25,27 (85)

11 (103, 109)

11:10–12 (90)

12 (104)

13 (104)

17:7 (128)

17:10–14 (115)

17:15 (90)

18 (74, 88, 126, 127, 130, 131, 173)

18/20 (63, 91, 98, 102, 126)

18:1 (169)

18:2 (102)

18:3 (99)

18:6–18 (129, 172)

18:8 (74, 131)

18:14–16 (74)

18:16 (76, 79, 82, 160)

18:18 (79)

18:19 (169)

18:22 (63, 64, 76, 77, 87, 89, 94, 128, 168)

18:24–28 (169)

18:24–29 (99)

18:25 (103)

18:26f (87, 103)

18:29f (87)

19 (104)

19:18 (75, 94, 104, 146)

19:19 (75)

19:26 (104)

19:29 (128)

19:36 (87)

20:3–6 (85)

20:5–6 (128)

20:10 (109)

20:13 (77, 87, 169)

20:14 (63)

20:17,18 (85)

20:17–18 (99)

20:21 (82)

20:22 (94)

20:22–26 (99)

20:25 (99)

21:7,14 (28, 128)

21:9 (128)

21:9–10 (84)

25 (102)

25:18 (94)

25:44–46 (112, 113)

26:34–35 (102)

Numbers

26 (106)

27 (106)

27:5–11 (106)

31:17,18,35 (77)

31:17–18 (63)

36 (106)

36:10 (106)

36:59 (106)

Deuteronomy

5.22 (93)

5.27 (93)

7:25 (89)

7:25f (87)

7:26 (90)

7:3–4 (163, 175)

12:1 (94)

12:31 (87)

13:13–15 (87)

14:21 (90)

14:3 (86)

14:3f (87)

14:3ff (89, 90)

17:1,4 (87)

17:7 (139)

18:9–12 (87, 89)

20:18 (87)

21:10–14 (23)

21:15–17 (159)

22:22–27 (109)

22:28–29 (23, 128)

22:5 (87, 89)

22:9 (75)

23:1 (19)

23:1–2 (133)

23:14 (107)

23:18 (127)

23:18f (87)

23:18–19 (88)

23:19 (89)

24:1 (93)

24:1–3 (107)

24:1–4 (76)

24:4 (86, 87)

25:5 (76, 79, 82, 160, 163)

25:5–6 (15)

25:14-16 (87)

27:1 (94)

27:15 (87, 89)

32:16 (87)

Joshua

9:22–26 (112)

Judges

20:5 (168)

21:11 (77)

1 Samuel

1:8 (16)

17:38–39 (174)

18:1–3 (144)

18:1–6 (144)

18:2 (146)

18:4 (174)

18:10 (144)

19:10 (144)

19:13 (144)

20:11 (145)

20:30 (144)

20:33). (144)

20:41 (145)

21:5 (137)

2 Samuel

1:26 (143, 144)

13:15 (144)

1 Kings

14:24 (87, 88, 145, 168)

15:12 (88, 168)

22:46 (88, 145)

2 Kings

9:22 (127)

16:3 (87)

21:2,11 (87)

23:13 (87)

23:7 (88)

2 Chronicles

28:3 (87)

33:2 (87)

34:33 (87)

36:8,14 (87)

Ezra

9:1,11,14 (87)

Esther (175)

Job

19:22 (167)

24 (134)

24:16 (134)

Psalms

19:5–6 (152)

59:6 (134)

62:3 (134)

88:8–9 (87)

100:3 (12)

Proverbs

3:32 (87)

6:16 (87)

8:7 (87)

11:1,20 (87)

12:22 (87)

13:19 (87)

15:8,9,26 (87)

16:5,12 (87)

17:15 (87)

20:10,23 (87)

21:27 (87)

24:9 (87)

26:25 (87)

28:9 (87)

29:27 (87)

30:18–19 (43)

Ecclesiastes

4:9–11 (41)

Song of Solomon

2:16 (v, 146)

6:6 (146)

7:12 (145)

Isaiah

1:13 (87)

14:1–2 (114)

41:24 (87)

44:19 (87)

56:3b–5 (18)

56:4–6 (147)

Jeremiah

2:7 (87)

3 (54)

6:15 (87)

7:10 (87)

8:12 (87)

16:18 (87)

32:35 (87)

44:4, (87)

Ezekiel

5:9,11 (87)

6:9,11 (87)

7:3f,8f,20 (87)

8:6,9,13,15,17 (87)

9:4 (87)

11:18,21 (87)

12:16 (87)

14:6 (87)

16:2,22,36,43,47,50f,58 (87)

16:49 (91)

16:50 (133)

18:10-13 (111)

18:12 (133)

18:12f (87)

18:13 (152)

18:24 (87)

20:4 (87)

22:2,11 (87)

23 (54)

23:36 (87)

33:26,29 (87)

36:31 (87)

43:8 (87)

44:6f,13 (87)

Daniel

3:8 (167)

6:2425 (167)

Hosea

2:16 (114)

2:18 (54)

3 (54)

Amos

2:7 (131)

Micah

4:5 (97)

Malachi

2:11 (87)

Tobit

8:6 (29, 47)

Wisdom of Solomon

7:2 (16, 43)

12–16 (172)

13:1–10 (66)

14:12 (126)

14:8–14,22–30 (66)

15:6–8 (66)

15:7 (67)

16:1 (66)

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)

13:15–16 (46)

23:16–17 (130)

3 Maccabees

2:1–5 (132)

Matthew

1:19–20 (126)

5:20–48 (108)

5:21–22 (109)

5:28 (109)

5:29–30 (109)

5:31 (101)

5:31–32 (107)

7:1 (124)

8:5–13 (136)

13:13 (119)

15:17 (27)

15:19 (127, 172)

15:22 (123)

15:22–28 (146)

16:19 (94)

18:8–9 (109)

18:18 (94)

19:3–9 (107)

19:4–5 (15, 25)

19:7 (101)

19:12 (17)

19:16–22 (125)

19:19 (94)

22:30 (53)

22:37-40 (11)

23:4 (142)

23:27–28 (137)

26:6–13 (140)

26:54 (10)

Mark

6:36 (147)

7:19 (109)

7:21–22 (127)

8:16 (43)

9:38 (147)

9:43–48 (109)

10:6–9 (15, 25)

10:13 (147)

10:19 (94)

12:25 (53)

12:33–34 (94)

14:3–9 (140)

Luke

4:21 (10)

6:37 (124)

7:1–10 (136)

7:36–50 (140)

10:27–28 (94)

11:11–12 (147)

11:27–28 (38)

13:31 (124)

14:26 (108)

17:1–2 (119)

18:10–11 (108)

18:20 (94)

20:34–35 (53)

20:35 (53)

20:35–36 (15)

22:25–26 (115)

24:25,27 (122)

24:25–29,41–49 (93)

24:27 (10, 81)

24:41-49 (11)

24:44–45 (122)

John

3:12 (42)

3:4 (43)

4:18 (143)

4:46–54 (136)

5:39 (10, 122)

7:24 (137)

8:1–11 (139)

8:41 (129)

12:1–8 (140)

12:25 (108)

13 (115)

13:5–17 (55)

13:34 (11)

15:13 (143, 173)

16:12–13 (13)

20:9,20 (93)

20:23 (94)

Acts

1:20 (126)

5:34–39 (124)

8:30–39 (93)

8:32ff (19)

8:35 (10)

10 (90, 93, 108)

10:26 (125)

11:1–18 (10, 93)

13:46–48 (10, 93)

13:46–49 (93)

15 (100, 115)

15:5 (124)

15:20 (100)

15:28 (118)

17:6 (55)

17:22f (97)

18:28 (10)

21:17–29 (124)

Romans

1 (60, 62, 67, 170, 172)

1:10 (66)

1:19–20 (171)

1:20 (98)

1:23 (171)

1:24–25 (171)

1:25 (66)

1:26 (63, 66, 73, 171)

1:27 (171)

1:32 (98)

2 (67, 172)

5:13 (100)

8:6 (29)

8:11 (29)

8:15,21 (11)

9:21 (67)

11:24 (171)

13:9 (47)

1 Corinthians

3:7 (12)

5 (173)

5:1–2 (130)

6:2–3 (124)

6:6 (131)

6:9 (63, 70, 89, 126-128, 170)

6:9–20 (131)

6:13–18 (25)

6:16 (28)

7 (68)

7:1–6 (66)

7:1–9 (58)

7:7–8 (17)

7:8–9 (18)

7:9 (62)

7:10 (123)

7:12 (123)

7:14–15 (74)

7:19 (142)

7:25 (123)

7:28 (68)

7:28–31 (17)

7:39 (74, 163)

7:39–40 (123)

8:4 (88)

10:19 (88)

10:25–33 (124)

11:12 (30)

11:7 (33)

13:11 (46)

15:39 (28)

15:8 (122)

2 Corinthians

3:3–11 (104)

6:14 (74)

6:14–16 (163)

Galatians

2:14f (140)

3:24 (14)

3:28 (14, 56, 115)

5:22–23 (69, 142)

5:23 (175)

6:8 (29)

Ephesians

1:9–10 (25)

1:22–23 (25)

2:14–16 (25)

2:20–22 (25)

3:6 (26)

4:11–16 (26)

4:17–5:20 (26)

5:21–33 (26)

5:25–33 (25, 28, 114)

5:28 (28, 56)

5:28–29 (146)

5:29 (54)

5:32–33 (27)

5:33 (47)

6:1–4 (26)

6:5–9 (26, 28, 114)

Philippians

2:13 (142)

Colossians

1:15 (35)

2:21–23 (90, 138)

1 Thessalonians

4:4 (171)

4:6 (131)

1 Timothy

1:10 (63, 126, 127, 129, 170)

2:15 (65)

4:3 (68)

4:3–5 (138)

2 Timothy

3:14-17 (80)

3:16 (80, 81)

Hebrews

1:1 (14)

1:1–2 (121)

7:9–10 (43)

12:2 (125)

James

1:27 (19, 57)

1 Peter

3:7 (67)

4:8 (142)

2 Peter

2 (167)

2:5 (132)

3:16 (123)

1 John

4:16 (142, 176)

4:7 (142)

Jude

5 (132)

7 (28, 64, 74, 132, 133, 167)

11 (132)

Revelation

2:14,20 (123)

Pseudepigrapha

Enoch

12:4 (29)

Jubilees

7:21 (29)

Test Benjamin

9:1 (132, 168)

Test Levi

14:6 (168)

Test Naphtali

3:4-5 (168)

3:5 (64)

Test Reuben

1:6 (129)

Qumran

1qPHab

5:7 (131)

4QNahumPesher

4.ii.7 (131)

Damascus Document

2:16 (130)

2:18 (130)

4:16 (130)

4:20-21 (130)

5 (130)

7:1-2 (130)

8 (131)

19:17 (131)

Rabbinic

mBikkurim

4.2 (26)

mHagigah

1:7 (129)

1:8 (129, 130)

mPirke Aboth

5.10 (91, 133)

5:19 (143)

mSanhedrin

10 (132)

4:5 (37)

mYebamoth

4:13 (129)

6.5 (128)

6.6 (15, 16)

bBaba Batra

12b (91)

bBerakoth

19b (102)

bGittin

38b (113)

bHullin

92a (101)

bKiddushin

41a (146)

82a (13, 67)

bNedarim

20b (65)

bSanhedrin

15a (78)

51a (128)

54a (64)

54b (88)

55a (78)

56 (100)

56a (99, 101)

56b (99)

58a (28)

109a (91)

109a–b (134, 135)

bTemurah

29b (131)

30a-b (88)

30b (131)

bYebamoth

56b (64)

61b (128)

76a (64, 132)

Mekilta on Exodus

19:3 (99)

Sifra Aharei Mot

8:9 (99)

Sifre, Deuteronomy

40 (99)

Tosefta

13 (132)

13:8 (91)

Maimonides

Mishneh Torah (Issurei Bi’ah 21:8) (64, 99)

The Eight Chapters, VI (98)

Classical

Aristotle

De Gener Anim, II.3 (41)

Philo

De Abrahamo 135–137 (133)

Spec Leg 1:325-326 (133)

Spec Leg 3:37–49 (63)

Plato

Laws I.636 (63, 65, 170)

Symposium (13, 37, 60, 62)

Patristic / Scholastic

Augustine

Contra Faustum 32 (117)

Contra Faustum 32.13 (116)

De Trinitate XII (34)

Gen ad lit. iii, 22 (34)

Letter 211.14 (68)

On Marriage and Concupiscence 2.20 (66, 67)

On the Good of Marriage 11–12 (67)

Clement of Alexandria

Paedogogus II.10 (150)

Paedogogus II.87.1 (66)

Stromata II.23.139 (150)

Eusebius

Ecclesiastical History 5.1 (116)

John of Damascus

Of the Orthodox Faith, III.2 (16)

Lactantius

Divine Institutes 6.23 (151)

Tertullian

To His Wife II.2 (29, 74)

Thomas Aquinas

Summa I.Q92.1 (41, 42)

Summa I.Q93.4 repl obj 1 (34)

Summa I.Q93.6. repl obj 2 (34)

Summa I.Q93.6d (54)

Summa II.2.Q152.2 (38)

Summa III.Q31 .5 (16)

Canonical

Apostolic Canons

63 (116)

Laodicea

29 (85, 97)

Trullo (Quinisext)

67 (116)

Trent

SessionXXIV Canon X (35)

Code of Canon Law (RC, 1983)

1084.3 (6)

1096 (6)

1101 (6)

Anglican

Articles of Religion

VI (10)

VII (10, 11)

XIX (10, 11, 116)

XX (10, 11, 174)

XXV (58)

XXXIII (58)

Hooker, Laws

I.15.3 (109, 110)

II.7.6 (xi)

II.7.8 (9)

II.8 (83)

III.5 (91)

III.8.10f (83)

III.9.6 (84)

III.10.1 (118)

III.10.2 (118, 119)

III.10.7 (104)

III.11.6 (93)

V.70.9 (84, 85)

BCP 1662 (57)

363 (18, 19)

BCP 1789 (18, 57)

BCP 1928

303 (18)

BCP 1979 (57)

336 (iv)

370 (11)

423 (18, 19, 24)

424 (166)

845 (34)

853 (10)

864 (30)

868 (10)

Almost in Production

An Update: after a few last minute typographical corrections, R&H is set to go to press next week (the first week of March). This should keep it on schedule for release.

In the meantime, I am working on the Index of Scriptural and Other References which I will post here soon. I will also generate a pdf version suitable for printing out and tucking in the back of the published volume. A regular subject/name index is also in the works. I was happy to discover that I have the font in which the book was set on my system, so I can generate indices and "add-ons" that resemble the printed publication.

Then too there will be the undoubtedly necessary Errata sheet, which I hope will be minimal!

—TSH

The Purpose of this Blog

This blog is dedicated to continuing the conversation begun in Reasonable and Holy: Engaging Same-Sexuality, due off press from Seabury Books within a month or so. Pre-publication orders can be placed at the CPI website. The volume itself is intended in part as a fulfillment of the “Listening Process” mandated by Lambeth 1998.1.10, and as a response and rebuttal to the familiar arguments raised against the morality of faithful, life-long, monogamous same-sex relationships.

I welcome comments or questions here, in particular to further the discussion. I also hope to offer an index and source index for the volume, and additional resources.

Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG