Excavating for truth and order. (Featured Reviews).

Wold, D.J. (1998).

Out of order: Homosexuality in the Bible and the ancient near east. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. Paperback. 238 pp. $19.99. ISBN 080-1021146.

Donald J. Wold earned his M.Div. degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his Ph.D. degree in biblical and Judaic studies from the University of California at Berkeley. He has served as pastor, counselor, and professor of Near Eastern Studies.

As one of society's most hotly debated issues, homosexuality tends to bring a spirit of division within professions, churches, communities, and families. After reading a number of scholarly works aimed at understanding and explaining the social, political, and cultural aspects of the homosexual debate, I found myself swimming in a sea of conclusions based on various interpretations of biblical and scientific suppositions. Not believing myself to be unique in my grappling with this subject matter, I began to engage colleagues in an ongoing conversation, a discourse that became characterized by familiar tones and questions. What does the Bible actually have to say about homosexuality? Why are there so many interpretations of the biblical passages? What does this have to do with mental health, and what are the implications of this debate for my profession?

Although Wold does not address all the questions being raised in the debate regarding homosexuality, he does offer a stimulating scholarly journey through the biblical texts of the Old and New Testaments as well as various historical data on the ancient Near East. As a psychology student, I must admit I was initially overwhelmed by the prospect of studying biblical passages in such an in-depth manner. However, my fears were allayed within the first few chapters of Out of Order. Wold does an extraordinary job of constructing his arguments. From his premise through his conclusions, Wold concisely unfolds the material so the reader is afforded, not only his traditional perspective of biblical interpretation, but also a critical yet respectful response to some modern commentators who write from a revisionist perspective.

According to Wold, "a proper understanding of the Bible concerning homosexual relations rests on the successful completion of two objectives: (1) the study of Hebrew and Greek expressions regarding homosexual relations in their respective biblical contexts and (2) the enhancement of this study by referring to ancient Near Eastern sources that touch on same-gender sex" (p. 21). While attempting to accomplish this substantial task, Wold highlights two concepts throughout his work--order and fertility. He offers these within the context of his arguments and provides examples from ancient Near East and biblical history. According to Wold, a concern for order was paramount to the people of the ancient Near East. To speak of disorder was to speak of danger and chaos. Wold further maintains that an understanding of fertility within the context of biblical history is foundational to an appropriate interpretation of biblical passages related to homosexuality.

Out of Order is divided into three sections: Homosexuality in the Ancient Near East, Homosexuality in the Old Testament, and Homosexuality in the New Testament. This division of the material is quite helpful because it not only provides structure for Wold's arguments, but it also provides foundational information essential for the reader to grasp the conclusions he presents later in the book. In the ancient Near East section, Wold provides a glimpse of Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and other ancient Near East cultures; their concepts of order and fertility; and their laws, customs, and practices related to homosexuality. In addition, he contrasts Hebrew customs, laws, and practices with those of neighboring peoples. This review is highly informative and especially revealing in regard to the beliefs, customs, and practices related to sexuality held by the peoples of the ancient Near East.

In the Old Testament section, Wold examines biblical passages about Noah and his sons, as well as those about Lot and the city of Sodom. Essential to his discussion of the Old Testament text, Wold emphasizes the concepts of order and purity, highlighting several passages in Leviticus. Wold also analyzes specific terms related to crucial verses (Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13), as well as the rationale for prohibitions of same-sex relations and the legal consequences. He thereby affords the reader an expanded biblical view of biblical legislation against homosexuality. Throughout his discussion, Wold addresses contrary views, often providing evidence and justification for a traditionalist perspective of Scripture.

Finally, Wold reviews biblical passages related to homosexuality in the New Testament, the concepts of order and fertility viewed against the Old Testament backdrop and with Christ as Image Bearer and Redeemer. In his conclusion, Wold states, "same-gender sexual relations are categorically forbidden in the Bible. This is not a new conclusion but it is the dominant historical position of the church and the synagogue" (p. 210). I found Wold's critique of the pro-gay commentaries of Mel White and John Boswell to be respectful, yet unyielding in regard to his standard of biblical truth.

Due to the concise manner whereby Wold teases apart original biblical texts and offers detailed accounts of customs, practices, and laws, some might find this work challenging to read. However, this should not keep one from diving into this fascinating account of the rich ancient Near Eastern culture. As with any worthy excavation, it may take a little digging before reaching the jewel. Out of Order is an exceptional book and a welcomed addition in the Church's ongoing debate regarding homosexuality.

BURKETT, LORI A., MA, is a doctoral candidate at Regent University, School of Psychology and Counseling. Her current interests include spiritual interventions, integration, human sexuality, sexual abuse, and trauma survivors.