Study New Testament for Lesbians, Gays, Bi, and Transgender

Title: Study New Testament for Lesbians, Gays, Bi, and Transgender
Author: Ann Nyland
Publisher: Smith and Stirling Press, Australia
Year: 2007
Available: Amazon.com and at Gay and Lesbian Bible

Additional information about the Study New Testament for Lesbians, Gays, Bi, and Transgender can be found on the web site Gay and Lesbian Bible

The queer Christian community has come a long distance. The focus used to be on trying to get churches to treat gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans-identified congregants with limited acceptance. There was a time when the focus was on queer apologetics. Gay, bisexual, and trans-identified Christians spent much of their time defending their Christian spirituality, and showing that God does not damn people based on their sexual orientation or gender identification. Now we see theologians interpreting the Bible from the perspective of the queer community. And queer understandings of the Word are blessing straight Christians. This study Bible has valuable information, and it represents a coming of age of queer Christians.

This study Bible is based on The Source New Testament translation. The Source New Testament is a very refreshing read. The Source is one of the most refreshing translations since James Moffatt finished translating the entire Bible in the 1920s. Some passages feel so unique one wants to read more. One must read the translation to appreciate how much life it gives the Word. Three short quotes, to wet your appetite, appear below:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27 - Instead, I beat my body black and blue and enslave it, so that, when I have proclaimed the Good News to others, I myself won't fail to pass muster!

  • Colossians 3:15 - And let God's peace be the umpire of your minds. God's peace is the reason you were chosen to be members of one body - and be thankful for it!

  • Colossians 4:2 - Presist obstinately when you pray, being stirred up about it, and thank God.

When comparing well-written study Bibles, there is one easy way to distinguish between a good and an excellent study Bible. A good study Bible has short notes of explanation. Excellent study Bibles have long commentaries and notes of explanation. Study New Testament for Lesbians, Gays, Bi, and Transgender has extensive notes. The notes are very academic, in some cases citing contemporary theologians. The quality of notes, the insightful comments made, the explanation of key Greek words, and the amount of commentary given make this one of the best study Bibles in this reviewer's personal collection. That is saying something, because this reviewer has over two shelves of study Bibles!

This Bible could be have any or all of these titles - Gay Study Bible, Lesbian Study Bible, Bisexual Study Bible, Transgender Study Bible. None of those titles, however, do justice to the study Bible. The queer New Testament study Bible is not just about queer spiritual interpretations of the Bible. In fact, few of the study notes have anything to do with homosexuality. This study Bible has outstanding notes on the Greek meanings of key words in the New Testament. Because of the excellent Greek language notes, this study Bible is a must for pastors and theologians. Even pastors and theologians who are strongly opposed to same-gender sexual relationships will find the commentary and the explanations of Greek good enough to justify having this book in their reference shelves.

Those wanting additional information about the Study New Testament for Lesbians, Gays, Bi, and Transgender are encouraged to check the Gay and Lesbian Bible web site. A free chapter can be downloaded for reading. People wanting to purchase this study Bible can do so on the Amazon.com web site.






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