Last month I read another book of the same topic but with a differing view. I couldn't get both books read in one month so I continued the exploration of this controversial topic this month. For my thoughts on last month's read of this same topic search for Same-Sex Marriage by Sean McDowell and John Stonestreet.

While Vines doesn't make any claims that his book is a thoughtful approach to same-sex relationships, it is. He presents his views without vitriol, with respect, and with a sincere desire to live within the truth of God's word. Vines is part of a group of Christians who truly and honestly love God and are also gay. He is committed to God's design of sex for marriage so until he marries he remains celibate. You may have winced when you read that statement just now, the one about him marrying. That wince is one of the many reasons Vines wrote this book studying the Bible's take on same-sex relationships.
What is very clear to me after the book I read last month and now this one is that when people are behaving kindly and with level heads, this is definitely an issue of perspective and how scripture is interpreted. As the Church has seen with other topics of debate, people hold different perspectives and interpretations of God's word.
Here's the thing I want to say first. There is zero doubt in my mind that Matthew Vines loves God deeply and is most interested in following the words of God. So he and I get along, so to speak, because those are also my inclinations.
Matthew dives into the history of sex, both opposite and same, in the ancient times. He then applies that history to the biblical texts that Christians who are against same-sex relationships use for their argument. He also studies, as did the book I read last month, the basis of biblical marriage. His study of marriage differed in very significant ways than the definition offered by the authors of last month's book. I'm inclined to lean more into Vines more complete definition rather than the rather limited one offered in Same-Sex Marriage.
Vines makes compelling arguments, using the Bible as his foundation for those arguments. I became especially thoughtful while reading chapter 3, The Gift of Celibacy. His research on when certain scripture passages started to be translated as sexual orientation rather than sexual behavior was very interesting as well. As with the other book, lest you take anything I say in this review out of context I would encourage you to read the book for yourself. It is disheartening that the Church at large has treated people who have same-sex preferences as less than human. As Vines states early on in his book, "This debate is not simply about beliefs and rights; it's about people who are created in God's image." Unfortunately the Church as a whole seems to have forgotten that or have redefined the "qualifications" for who is in the image of God. The image of God is not defined in gender or sexual orientation terms but in characteristics and qualities. Therefore, all humans carry the image of God in them, regardless of sexual orientation.
This is such a complicated and hurtful topic that has been debated and misunderstood. Deep wounds now exist in many people because of the thoughtless actions and words of people who think they need to take up defending God and his word. Newsflash: God doesn't need our help, he can take of himself just fine, better than any of us ever could. Both the authors of last month's book and Vines prove that we can have a thoughtful, respectful, God-honoring conversation about topics of debate - we just have to be willing to be thoughtful, respectful, and God-honoring.
I highly recommend this book, Vines does an excellent job of researching and communicating his interpretation of scripture in regards to same-sex relationships.