God, Sex, and Politics: Homosexuality and Everyday Theologies (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780226535128)

God, Sex, and Politics examines both sides of the church controversy over homosexuality to consider the ways in which people develop, in everyday thought and interaction, their beliefs about God and justice. Dawne Moon explores how members of Protestant congregations determine what is just and what is not, what is right and what is wrong, what is loving and what is sinful.

Through this compelling work we learn that the considerable turmoil surrounding homosexuality in churches has less to do with homosexuality than with the fear of weakening the church's spiritual, communal solidarity. We learn too how the church mirrors the secular world-the fear of division and politics leads members to avoid conflict in the congregations Moon examines. And so, the Protestants who are the subject of her study avoid debating the key issue of whether homosexuality is sinful because of its potentially polarizing effects. The religious culture Moon uncovers is ultimately critical of politics and of the intense moral and social discord that members believe it entails.

God, Sex, and Politics will be of enormous value to sociologists of religion and anyone interested in religious controversies over sexuality.

Author: Dawne Moon
ISBN-10: 0226535126
ISBN-13: 9780226535128
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Language: English
Published: 07/01/2004
Pages: 292
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 9.04h x 6.22w x 0.67d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 02/15/2004 pg. 148
Lambda Book Report 11/01/2004 pg. 33
Choice 03/01/2005 pg. 1268