A Review of The Widening of God's Mercy by Christopher Hays and Richard Hays
Sep 5, 2024
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In this discussion, Christopher Hays, an emerging voice on God's mercy, joins Richard Hays, a renowned theologian who has shifted his perspective on same-sex marriage. They explore the provocative themes of their upcoming book, emphasizing evolving interpretations of biblical texts related to LGBTQ inclusion. The conversation tackles the complexities of sexual ethics, the need for recognizing marginalized voices, and critiques traditional views linking sexual norms to tragic outcomes. It's a rich dialogue pushing for a more inclusive theological understanding.
The book 'The Widening of God's Mercy' argues that God's acceptance of marginalized groups sets a precedent for LGBTQ inclusion today.
The authors emphasize the importance of direct engagement with their text, urging readers to form their own informed opinions rather than relying solely on summaries.
Critiques of the book highlight the lack of a cohesive definition of marriage and insufficient biblical support for their claims about sexual ethics.
Deep dives
Overview of 'The Widening of God's Mercy'
'The Widening of God's Mercy' is a forthcoming book by Christopher and Richard Hayes that proposes a major shift in understanding regarding sexuality within the biblical context. The authors argue that God’s acceptance and inclusion of marginalized groups, such as eunuchs and foreigners in the Old Testament, establishes a precedent for accepting LGBTQ individuals today. This argument is based on the premise that God's views on certain groups have evolved over time within Scripture, allowing for broader inclusion in the New Testament. The book is structured with sections on both the Old and New Testaments, with significant emphasis on the authors’ claim that God’s mercy extends to same-sex relationships, promoting a narrative of expanding divine acceptance.
The Call for Authentic Engagement
The author emphasizes the importance of engaging with 'The Widening of God's Mercy' directly by reading the book instead of relying solely on reviews or summaries. In highlighting this point, the author claims that it's crucial for readers to form their own informed opinions based on the actual texts, as understanding any work requires direct interaction with the material. Furthermore, the moral responsibility of accurate representation in reviewing is underscored, urging readers to avoid misrepresentation or superficial understandings. This perspective highlights the role of personal study in providing a richer understanding of theological arguments, particularly surrounding complex issues like sexuality.
Pros of the Argument Presented
Among the strengths identified in the book is the authors' genuine desire to advocate for the well-being of LGBTQ individuals, reflecting a compassionate approach to those who have been historically marginalized. The authors effectively illustrate their points through compelling biblical narratives, making complex scholarly arguments accessible to a wider audience. Particular chapters by Richard Hayes on Jesus' interactions with marginalized figures, such as foreigners and outcasts, resonate strongly and support the authors' assertion that Jesus' ministry exemplifies the essence of inclusion within the church. The book's readability, achieved despite its scholarly depth, is also highlighted as an important feature that invites broader engagement.
Critique of Theological Foundations
Significant critiques arise concerning the authors' arguments related to marriage and sexual ethics, suggesting that the book lacks a cohesive definition of marriage. The absence of a clear biblical foundation for the proposed change in understanding sexual ethics is noted, as the authors frequently reference popular sentiments about inclusion without grounding them in scriptural definitions. This perceived gap leads to a weak argument structure, raising critical questions about how traditional views of marriage are redefined in light of claims of inclusion. The critique emphasizes that a robust theological understanding is essential for a valid argument concerning sexual ethics and that merely citing popular phrases falls short of theological rigor.
Problems with the Use of Trajectory Arguments
One methodological concern highlighted is the authors' reliance on trajectory arguments to justify the inclusivity of same-sex relationships, a stance that lacks adequate scriptural support. Critics argue that while historical changes in biblical law and practice are acknowledged, the authors fail to convincingly demonstrate that sexual ethics have similarly evolved. The assertion that God’s mind changes regarding the acceptance of various groups is called into question, particularly in relation to how this notion is applied to discussions about sexual orientation and marriage. Such claims require a deeper engagement with the historical and theological issues at hand, which the authors do not adequately address, limiting the effectiveness of their argument.
In this episode, I review the forthcoming book (releases Sept 10th): The Widening of God's Mercy by Christopher B. Hays and Richard B. Hays. The book made quite a splash when it was announced last winter, since the book shows how Richard Hays changed his mind about same-sex marriage. He used to believe in traditional marriage, and has published well-known articles and book-chapters on it, but he now believes that God blesses same-sex marriage and this new book shows why. I recieved a pre-released copy of the book and have spent the last few weeks combing through it. This podcast review follows my written review, which you can find here: https://www.centerforfaith.com/blog/review-of-the-widening-of-god-s-mercy-by-christopher-b-hays-and-richard-b-hays
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