Finished second book

I finished The Bible, Christianity, & Homosexuality by Justin R. Cannon yesterday.

It was a very quick read, and a great overview of the seven passages typically referred to in arguments about homosexuality within Christianity. Cannon gave a brief explanation and overview of the Greek words encountered in places where English translations of the Bible use "homosexual" or "sodomite" or some such. Having had Greek in college, I greatly enjoyed this bit, but I wanted to dive further into the exploration of the language. I'll be doing that on my own, of course. :)

Cannon also gave a brief explanation of the context of the verses. He included not only historical context, but also passage context--that is, he didn't use isolated verses, but situated them within the overall 'story' being told. Furthermore, Cannon associated the biblical context with Christian tradition (Augustine) and linked it to contemporary Christian thought. Again, these links were brief--the book itself is only 25 pages long, after all--but well-explained.

I did buy a second copy to pass around to friends who are interested in the topic/the language/the religion. Judging by the people I've seen pick up the book so far--one firm agnostic and one pseudo-Norse-pagan-spiritual friend--and by the people who've engaged in conversation with me upon hearing about the book, I think it's going to be a popular and informative read.

Finished one book

I finished The Skeptical, Passionate Christian on Tuesday.

Theologically, it was a good way for me to reconnect with my studies. I'm already pretty positive what I want to do with my life--that is, I'm sure of my vocation--and this helped reaffirm that for me. I also found myself laughing over certain sentences and passages, and sympathizing in other places. It was a very good read overall, very easy to understand, very well-explained, very thorough. But then, I would expect no less from one of my favorite theology professors.

I found myself underlining quite a few phrases and passages in the book, and I made some notes in it for future reference, too, particularly as regards the historical Jesus, polyamory, marriage, and the nature of God. The first three were things that occurred to me as I read; the last is something that Duffy briefly covered and that gives a good starting-point for questions and study.

I then promptly ordered The Bible, Christianity, and Homosexuality by Justin R. Cannon--partially because it was very cheap and very short, and partially because it has been on my wish list for a while. I have only begun to read it, but already my roommate--not a religious person herself--cannot put it down. I very much enjoy the quote, from the book itself, on the front cover: "There is no word in biblical Greek or Hebrew that is equivalent to the English word homosexual. The word was coined only about 100 years ago and first appeared in the Bible in the 1946 Revised Standard Version (RSV)." ("The Bible, Christianity, & Homosexuality by Justin R. Cannon. Copyright 2008 All rights reserved. Justin R. Cannon. Used by permission.")

I look forward to finishing this text within the week, as well as making my way through the next Surah in the Qur'an.