Religion and Spirituality

What the Bible and organized religion have to say about homosexuality has been a hot topic in publishing in recent years. Whether you're looking for ammunition or are simply curious, the following titles should prove enlightening.

	The Bishop's Voice: Selected Essays 1979-1999, by John Shelby Spong Threaded throughout this collection of passionate and eloquent essays -- some highly personal, some defiantly political -- is solid, supportive thinking from a straight, now-retired Bishop of the Episcopal Church about how gay women and men fit into the fabric of Christian religious faith.
	Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality, by John Boswell Still as vital as when it was published nearly 20 years ago, Boswell's groundbreaking scholarship showed that same-sex partnerships were a part of both cultural and religious life in the earliest Christian era. His work opened academic doors to the field of gay studies and "queer theory."
	The Church & the Homosexual, by the Rev. John J. McNeill More than 25 years ago this book's message of a just God's profound love for lesbians and gay men gave queers of faith hope that they had a place in the Catholic Church. The Vatican eventually excommunicated the author from the Jesuits, but his call still resounds.
	Coming Out Spiritually: The Next Step, by Christian de la Huerta You're out, and comfortable about it. How, now, to incorporate your sexuality into your faith? That's the question answered in this ecumenical, user-friendly self-help guide to leading a spiritual life, which draws from the traditions of Taoism, Sufism, Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism.
	The Good Book: Reading the Bible With Mind and Heart, by Peter Gomes The Rev. Peter Gomes, noted theologian and openly gay minister at Harvard, attempts to rescue the Bible from its hijacking by the religious right. He addresses what the Bible really has to say about homosexuality, along with other issues such as race and gender.
	The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology, by Mark Jordan Picking up from Boswell's scholarship, this highly original work argues, among other things, that Christian dogma on homosexuality (particularly Roman Catholic teachings dating from the Middle Ages) is based on Arabic writings doctored to omit data suggesting a natural basis for sodomy.
	Journeys and Arrivals: On Being Gay and Jewish, by Lev Raphael Touching on the Holocaust, the state of gay life in Israel, the connections between homophobia and anti-Semitism, and how different branches of Judaism view homosexuality, Raphael's 13 artful essays explore where and why his twin identities come together and move apart.
	Our Tribe: Queer Folks, God, Jesus & The Bible, by Nancy Wilson A longtime member of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Los Angeles reflects on her many years in the trenches. MCC is the largest gay church in the world, founded by the Rev. Troy Perry at the time of Stonewall and committed to a ministry affirming religious faith for all queers.
	Queer Dharma: Voices of Gay Buddhism, ed. by Winston Leyland A pioneering anthology bringing together essays, poems, meditations, and memoirs by more than two dozen openly gay practitioners of Zen Buddhism. The popular book was followed a year after publication by the shorter Queer Dharma 2.
	Saving Jesus From Those Who Are Right: Rethinking What It Means to Be a Christian, by Carter Heyward A leading lesbian theologian frees the teachings of Jesus and his offering of salvation from the distortions of the right, then constructs a faith-based worldview that is all-inclusive, sacred, and passionate, with much to say about racial, economic, ecological, and gender justice.
	What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality, by Daniel A. Helminiak Here's a vital antidote to the poison spewed by fundamentalist thumpers who claim the Bible condemns all queers. It's a sound theological examination of the good book's relevant chapters and verses, undercutting the right's one-sided reading of the scripture.