What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality? by Kevin DeYoung

DeYoung early on identifies his book as a Christian book, with a narrow focus, defending the traditional view of marriage.

The first task we must do, he says, is to determine what the Bible says about homosexuality. Once we have determined that, many questions will be easy to answer. This book is not a 500 page tome (although he says those are needed). This is a book for lay leaders, college students, parents, high school teachers, etc.

The first part of the book is a collection of five chapters, each on one of the most relevant and debated Bible texts on the subject. The second part of the book focuses on the most common objections to the traditional view of sexual morality. He concludes with a chapter on what is at stake in this matter.

DeYoung includes an Appendix on the political aspect of the discussion and the impact on the definition and concept of marriage. A second Appendix deals with meanings of terms and their use. A third Appendix gives suggestions on how Christians should speak about homosexuality. At the end is an Annotated Bibliography.

DeYoung writes, “...that homosexual practice is a serious sin and a violation of God's created order.” And, “The biblical teaching is consistent and unambiguous: homosexual activity is not God's will for his people.”

I highly recommend this book for those looking for a concise yet well written investigation into and defense of the traditional (historical) views of marriage and homosexual behavior. He takes to task those who would revise what the Bible says. He answers those who use ancient nonbiblical writings, something I was very happy to read. DeYoung has written this book knowing how volatile this subject is. I really feel he has spoken the truth, yet with love.

Kevin DeYoung has been the senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan, since 2004. He is a graduate of Hope College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife have six children. You can read his blog here.

Crossway Books, 160 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.