“God, Sex, and Politics: Homosexuality and Everyday Theologies”
Dawne Moon
University of Chicago Press, 2004, 292 Pages

At A Glance: “God, Sex, and Politics: Homosexuality and Everyday Theologies” examines the debate over homosexuality in Protestant churches, revealing that concerns about church unity and avoidance of conflict significantly influence congregational attitudes more than the issue of homosexuality itself.

Overview: “God, Sex, and Politics: Homosexuality and Everyday Theologies” by Dawne Moon is a nuanced exploration of the debate over homosexuality within Protestant congregations. Moon investigates how individuals in these communities formulate their beliefs about God, justice, and morality in relation to homosexuality. The book reveals that the intense controversy in churches is less about homosexuality itself and more about fears of weakening the church’s unity and spiritual bonds.

Moon’s research shows that congregation members often avoid direct conflict about whether homosexuality is sinful, as such debates can be deeply divisive. This avoidance mirrors a broader reluctance to engage in what is seen as the contentious politics of moral and social issues. The book is a significant contribution to the understanding of how religious beliefs intersect with social issues, particularly valuable for sociologists of religion and those interested in the interplay between religion and sexuality.

Thoughts from Readers: