Have the Conversation
This book is the most complete presentation of an Adventist perspective affirming same-sex marriage and transgender identity. It’s also the only book on the subject that strives to understand and respect both positions. By reading this book, you will come to understand both sides better and be empowered to study the Bible for yourself, coming to your own conclusions.
Topics covered…
Is the Bible Is Clear?
Is the Bible so crystal clear on this subject that we shouldn’t entertain any other perspective? Many had said as much. This chapter explores the reasons why Seventh-day Adventists in particular should keep an open mind. It’s our heritage as Adventists.
Marriage, Sabbath, & Creation
Didn’t God create marriage in Eden? Wasn’t it created for a man and a woman? If marriage can be changed, what about the Sabbath? This chapter looks carefully at the structure of Genesis 1-2, the meaning of marriage, and the meaning of the Sabbath.
Did Jesus Define Marriage?
Since Jesus said marriage was “male and female,” doesn’t this exclude same-sex couples? Isn’t this a definition? This chapter explores the meaning and context of Jesus’ words. Was Jesus’ intention to define marriage to exclude same-sex couples?
God’s Law
Don’t those who affirm same-sex marriage want to throw out the Torah? Don’t they also throw out the dietary laws and the Sabbath? These chapters explore the meaning of those levitical prohibitions by comparing scripture with scripture. The Bible is its own interpreter when we look closely and carefully.
God-Given Gender
Didn’t God create gender “male and female”? Aren’t we playing with fire when we seak to redefine ourselves according to our own impulses? This chapter looks at the meaning of gender in the Bible, especially in Genesis 1. It also helps us learn more about who intersex and transgender people are.
The Biblical Model
Opposite-sex marriage is modeled in the Bible and in nearly all known cultures, so how can same-sex marriage be justified? This chapter looks at the meaning of marriage in the Bible and in society. How have definitions both changed and stayed the same? What about biblical gender roles?
“Homosexuals” in the Bible
Twice Paul says explicitly that “homosexual practice” is a sin, so shouldn’t Christians oppose it? The word “homosexual” never appeared in any Bible until 1946. This chapter explores why that is. What are the translation issues behind these two texts?
Unnatural Exchange
Wasn’t homosexuality accepted in Rome? Didn’t Paul speak plainly against this? These chapters explore Paul’s words. What did he say and why? What were Paul’s moral concerns? Can we understand these texts the way the original audience did?
Biblical Inclusion
It’s often been said that LGBTQ people can be accepted even if their behavior is not. Is this true? Are there times when rejection of a behavior amounts to rejection of a person? This chapter explores a biblical example in which the answer was ‘yes.’
"This book is an answer to prayer. Among the many strengths of Alicia’s approach is that it does not require readers to agree with her conclusions to find it beneficial. Although her persuasive arguments further clarified my own affirming theology, I am confident it will help any Adventist reader to better appreciate why many of us believe that LGBTQ affirmation is a biblical imperative. I am eager to share the book with fellow Adventists because I am convinced it will elevate the conversation about LGBTQ affirming theology and help us reorganize our theological priorities around what matters most."
— An Anonymous Adventist Pastor