“The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology”
Mark D Jordan
University of Chicago Press, 1997, 200 Pages

At A Glance: “The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology” investigates how medieval Christendom formulated the concept of sodomy, scrutinizing its lasting effects on Christian sexual ethics and its role in the complex relationship between homosexuality and the Christian faith.

Overview: In “The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology,” Mark D. Jordan provides a groundbreaking analysis of how medieval Christendom conceptualized Sodomy, impacting Christian sexual ethics from historical and contemporary perspectives. This work is crucial for anyone engaged in the debates surrounding moral judgments of same-sex eroticism within religious and broader societal contexts. The book delves into the complex relationship between homosexual men and the Christian religion, and more broadly, Western society, offering gay and lesbian individuals a reclaimed historical significance. Jordan’s detailed exploration exposes a history of fear, inconsistency, hatred, and oppression, challenging theologians and church leaders to confront these issues both intellectually and pastorally. His work also presents the argument that being gay and Catholic can be compatible, offering a compelling and informed perspective on this intricate subject.

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