Defusing the Sexuality Debate: The Anglican Evangelical Culture War

The book "Defusing the Sexuality Debate" examines the historical and cultural context of current debates about sexuality within the evangelical Anglican community, arguing that conflicts over sexuality are symbolic of deeper disagreements over the place of Christianity in the modern world. It offers suggestions for facilitating a more constructive conversation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: SCM Press

As discussions surrounding sexuality continue to intensify and become increasingly polarized within certain segments of the church, it is becoming increasingly crucial for both non-evangelicals and evangelicals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural backdrop that shapes these debates. In order to address this pressing need, Defusing the Sexuality Debate provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution, consolidation, and fragmentation of an evangelical Anglican consensus on sexuality. By delving into the historical roots of tradition and biblical scholarship within evangelical Anglicanism during the twentieth century, the book argues that conflicts over sexuality are, in fact, symbolic of deeper disagreements about the role of Christianity in the modern world.

The development of tradition and biblical scholarship within evangelical Anglicanism during the twentieth century played a significant role in shaping the current debates surrounding sexuality. The movement began with the Oxford Movement, which sought to bring the Anglican Church back to its biblical roots and emphasize the authority of Scripture. This movement led to the formation of the Anglican Communion, which includes a wide range of denominations and traditions.

During the twentieth century, evangelical Anglicanism experienced significant growth and consolidation. This was particularly evident in the United States, where the Southern Baptist Convention and the Evangelical Christian Church in America (ECCA) emerged as two of the largest Protestant denominations. These denominations were characterized by their emphasis on the authority of Scripture and their commitment to traditional Christian values.

However, the twentieth century also saw the emergence of new challenges and disagreements within evangelical Anglicanism. One of the most significant was the issue of homosexuality, which was widely condemned by many traditional Christian denominations. Evangelical Anglicanism, however, began to soften its stance on homosexuality, with some denominations allowing for the ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers.

Another challenge was the rise of postmodernism, which challenged the authority of Scripture and traditional Christian values. Many evangelical Anglican leaders began to embrace postmodernism, arguing that the church should be more open to different perspectives and traditions.

Despite these challenges, evangelical Anglicanism continued to grow and consolidate in the twentieth century. This was particularly evident in the United States, where the Southern Baptist Convention and the ECCA continued to be two of the largest Protestant denominations.

In conclusion, the development of tradition and biblical scholarship within evangelical Anglicanism during the twentieth century played a significant role in shaping the current debates surrounding sexuality. While the movement experienced significant growth and consolidation, it also faced challenges and disagreements, particularly around the issue of homosexuality and postmodernism. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural context in which these debates are happening, we can better understand why they are so intractible and offer suggestions as to how all sides could facilitate a more constructive conversation.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780334063544