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Reviews.
Of the major divisions and conflicts currently occupying the minds, hearts and physical might of people around the world, none is more contentious than the division and conflict over variant sexual orientation (gay, lesbian and bisexual) and divergent gender identity (transgender). Whether the specifics debated are gay marriage, gays in the military, the efficacy of ex-gay therapies or transgender lavatory accommodations, at the root of the conflict is the question of whether variant sexual orientation and divergent gender identity are sinful choices or further evidence of the genius of the source of all Creation. Circumscribing this existential debate is the Bible, which both sides cite to support their respective positions. However, as a highly debated work itself, the Bible has not proved persuasive in resolving the division and conflict around variant sexual orientation and divergent gender identity.
In Study New Testament for Lesbians, Gays, Bi and Transgender, Dr. Ann Nyland analyzes the contextual and lexicographic accuracy of the New Testament. With the logic that has escaped so many who have tackled this same task, Dr. Nyland avoids the error of attempting to ascertain the Bible’s accuracy by interpreting the interpretations of others. Wisely, she goes straight to the source, the original, Greek, writings from which the Bible was constructed. The result is an expose of centuries-old inaccurate interpretations of the original writings, the implications of which are staggering on so many levels – for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and heterosexuals alike. I expect there to be a loud outcry in response to this myth-shattering, clarifying work, most especially from the political-religious establishment that is so fully invested in denying an accurate interpretation of the Bible to the masses. Kudos to Ann Nyland for her daring, brilliant work! Study New Testament for Lesbians, Gays, Bi, and Transgender is not a quick or easy read; it is, definitely, a must read.
--Rod Brannum-Harris, author of The Pharisees Amongst Us.
"The Source is a bridge over troubled waters. It is real, relevant and astonishingly faithful to the Greek texts. It connects with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people as no other translation ever has ever done. Pick it up, settle back in a comfortable chair, and be prepared to be enraptured by the radical love that God has for all people. It is my translation of choice."
--David Bruce, webmaster, www.HollywoodJesus.com
The Gay and Lesbian Study Bible, translated from the Greek by Dr Ann Nyland, is a timely contribution to the spiritual needs of gay and lesbian followers of Christ. Dr Nyland's close examination of the source materials shows beyond doubt that there is no textual basis in the Bible for the exclusion of same sex relations. The Gay and Lesbian Study Bible will give heart to many who feel that sexual orientation is irrelevant to spiritual communion, and it does so by paying meticulous scholarly attention to the true meanings of the source text of all Christian faith.
-- Dr William McDonald, University of New England.
The Enemy is Ignorance,
August 31, 2009
I think it's a shame that a number have sort to discredit Dr Nyland's
work with emotional and sometimes hateful reviews. Possibly these
reviews say more about their own prejudices than a genuine appraisal of
the work.
Those of us who are gay or lesbian from strong biblically-based
Christianity are very familiar with the six passages assumed to speak
about homosexuality. Not only from our own reading of English
translations but also that we hear them consistently quoted by
well-meaning Christians and Christian right wing extremists. The journey
to reconciliation of the perceived conflict of our faith and sexual
orientation can be long and painful. So intense is this internal
conflict, many have walked away from faith believing that God and the
church have condemned them. Tragically some are no longer with us
because of suicide. This demonstrates the seriousness of gaining as much
knowledge as possible. The Gay and Lesbian Bible is an important
contribution to more enlightened perspectives about not only what the
scriptures say, but more importantly, what they mean. Had this
information been available to me and many others in our formative years
it would have saved us many years of unnecessary suffering.
I believe my journey is similar to many and goes something like
this. Firstly we read an English translation and make assumptions that
certain verses are speaking about us. Basically that is, homosexuals
along with slanders, adulterers and drunkards will not inherit the
kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9). This interpretation is made with no
knowledge of the historical and cultural contexts or the original
language. When we begin delving deeper we question if we might be just
trying to justify ourselves. The new knowledge gained by reading may
even make us think we are possibly being deceived. If we continue to
study we realise that things are not as cut and dried as we originally
thought or were taught. If we persist in our reading however, eventually
the evidence is overwhelming that those six passages are not referring
to same-sex-orientation as we know it today but to temple prostitution,
exploitive relationships, idolatry and rape.
The Gay and Lesbian Bible draws not only on past historical data,
but more importantly, on recent discoveries of culture and language.
This has not always been the case with other translations however as is
explored in the work. This is a book by a scholar who documents new
discoveries well. I wonder though if the title is a little misleading as
I believe it would be enjoyed by anyone with a passion for biblical
truth and accurate translation, whether they are GLBT or not. It would
be most unfortunate if people missed out on all this work has to offer
because of the title.
In the end the thing that is the enemy to us all is ignorance. Dr
Nyland's work helps overcome that.
Anthony Venn-Brown
Author of A
Life of Unlearning: a journey to find the truth
Co-founder and Convenor of Freedom 2 b[e]
Voted one of the 25 Most Influential Gay & Lesbian Australians
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Gay and Lesbian Bible
