Peace Theology Books, 2016. xv + 252 pages
To purchase:
From Amazon [Includes a preview] (paperback—$20.00)
Amazon Kindle—$8.00
From Barnes and Noble (paperback—$15.58)
Directly from the author—in person $10.00
Directly from the author—via mail $15.00 postpaid [email ted.grimsrud@emu.edu for details]
Book description:
In this book, Grimsrud (Senior Professor of Peace Theology at Eastern Mennonite University) gathers essays written over the past fifteen years that have sought to influence the Mennonite community to be more welcoming of sexual minorities.
Included are writings that make the biblical case for inclusion, that reflect on the history of the Mennonite struggle to be welcoming, and that critique many of the recent books on Christianity and welcome.
Endorsing blurb:
“I have appreciated Ted Grimsrud’s writing over the years and especially his persistent way of carefully, rationally, and compassionately working to set out a biblical based theology of inclusion. I am delighted that he has put his essays together into a cohesive, historical record.”——Carol Wise, Executive Director, Brethren Mennonite Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests
Table of Contents:
Introduction
SECTION ONE: Background
1.The evolution of my views
2.Hermeneutics, biblical teaching, and “homosexuality”
SECTION TWO: Bible
3.What did Jesus do?
4. A basic Christian argument for affirming gay marriage
5. Does the Bible condemn same-sex intimacy as sin?
6. A biblical theology of welcome
SECTION THREE: Mennonites
7. Hospitality and faithful community
8. The logic of Mennonite Church USA’s teaching position
9. The survival of Mennonite Church USA
10. The moral crisis of Mennonite Church USA
SECTION FOUR: Critiques
11. The “homosexuality” debate
12. A critical response to Robert Gagnon
13. A critique of a restrictive Mennonite view
14. Reflections on recent writing: The restrictive approach
15. Reflections on recent writing: The inclusive approach
Appendix: Behind Mennonite same-sex sexuality debates
Peace Theology 