Homoeroticism in the Biblical World: A Historical Perspective Contributor(s): Nissinen, Martti (Author), Stjerna, Kirsi (Translator) |
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ISBN: 0800636457 ISBN-13: 9780800636456 Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishing OUR PRICE: $27.55 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: April 2004 Annotation: Award-winning book surveys attitudes in the ancient world toward erotic same-sex relations and how biblical and nonbiblical ancient texts are not appropriate for today's discussion. |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Religion | Reference |
Physical Information: 0.6" H x 6.08" W x 8.98" (0.70 lbs) 216 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Nissinen's award-winning book surveys attitudes in the ancient world toward homoeroticism, that is, erotic same-sex relations. Focusing on the Bible and its cultural environment-Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Israel-Nissinen concisely and readably introduces the relevant sources and their historical contexts in a readable way. Homoeroticism is examined as a part of gender identity, i.e., the interplay of sexual orientation, gender identification, gender roles, and sexual practice. In the patriarchal cultures of the biblical world, Nissinen shows, homoerotic practices were regarded as a role construction between the active and passive partners rather than as expressions of an orientation moderns call "homosexuality." Nissinen shows how this applies to the limited acceptance of homoerotic relationships in Greek and Roman culture, as well as to Israel's and the early church's condemnation of any same-sex erotic activity. For readers interested in the ancient world or contemporary debates, Nissinen's fascinating study shows why the ancient texts - both biblical and nonbiblical - are not appropriate for use as sources of direct analogy or argument in today's discussion. |