"Humans have the capacity to relate with God, who is a relational spirit, but we also are created to relate with fellow humans in the same spirit the creator God relates with us."
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Validating Committed Partnerships:
A Still More Excellent Way by Jim Bowden Trafford Publishing
book review by RJM Terrado
Human sexual orientation is a complex, hot-button issue. Given the interests and debates this topic generates, it should be of no surprise that many would conduct scientific studies and research to determine the cause of diverse sexual orientations. It should be pointed out that the issue of homosexuality has received the most attention from researchers, and Validating Committed Partnerships is not an exception.
In the book, Bowden utilizes the Bible and the seven biblical passages that address same-gender sexual activity to give his take on the topic. He posits that same-gender sexual practices considered abominations in the Bible are limited to rape, pagan cults of prostitution, pederasty (the sexual abuse of boys by adult males), and adultery. Thus, he makes an exemption for committed, monogamous same-gender relationships. Bowden rationalizes his stand by zeroing in on God's will, which according to Him is for all people to enjoy committed and faithful relationships inclusive of same-gender partnerships.
Human sexual behavior is such a controversial topic that it is often avoided, and more often by a former minister such as Bowden. Bowden's courage to discuss it positively in the name of love ethic is a rare-find. He maintains a professional tone all-throughout the book indicating his intention to deal with the issue directly, rather than just stir up trouble for the religious community. His approach may not necessarily convert any of those on the opposite political and biblical spectrum. Nevertheless, it has the capacity to ease negative stereotypes associated with same-gender partnerships.