Summary: Emphasizing the radical inclusion and covenant integrity displayed in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, this guide takes readers on a journey through biblical settings and statements about sexuality. For those who seek biblical footing amid changing understandings of sexuality and intimacy, here are resources for conversation and discernment.

“Offering an insightful and distinctively Mennonite ‘angle,’ into contemporary debates regarding sexuality, this book identifies key themes worth talking about in fresh ways.” —James Brownson, Author, Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships

“For a church that has stumbled in its proclamation of good news for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, Carrie and Gerald Mast offer a refreshing, thoughtful and important Anabaptist biblical vision about sexuality, desire, power, and peace.” —Carol Wise, Executive Director, Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests (BMC)

“This guide is distinctively courageous as it raises issues of authority and power, conformity and nonconformity. These are topics Anabaptists too often avoid but which cannot be set aside in today’s discussions of sexuality and Christian discipleship. I highly recommend this book to all who seek to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ.” —Melanie A. Duguid-May, John Price Crozer Professor of Theology at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School

“There is so much wisdom in this study guide-biblically-grounded, faithful, relevant wisdom, rooted in a thoroughly Anabaptist understanding of the role of Scripture, Spirit, and community in discernment. Insights could be applied to any contentious issue before the church.” —Sheri Hostetler, Pastor, First Mennonite Church of San Francisco

The Editors: Carrie A. Mast assists with the administration of graduate programs in business at Bluffton University and serves on the board of directors of Central District Conference. Gerald J. Mast teaches communication at Bluffton University and is the author of numerous books and articles including Go to Church, Change the World: Christian Community as Calling. They are members of First Mennonite Church in Bluffton.

Human Sexuality in Biblical Perspective is based on a document prepared by the Human Sexuality Task Group of Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA: Loren Johns, chair; Ron Guengerich, Michael Miller, Kiva Nice-Webb, J. Alexander Sider, Regina Shands Stoltzfus

Market: Christian education and introductory college classes, small group discussions, anyone interested in joining with Holy Spirit to consider again what the Word of God is saying in the stories and teachings of Scripture about the goodness of bodies, the vulnerability of desires, and the reliability of covenants.

Shelving: Sexual ethics; LGBTQ; Bible studies; Theology—Anabaptist-Mennonite; BISAC: Religion, Social Sciences. RTM: 690 Religion/Ethics, 750 Sociology.

Publisher: Cascadia Publishing House LLC
Potential Copublisher: None
Publication date: December 2016
Tentative Pages: 128
Format: 5.5 x 8.5" trade paper with study questions, line drawings, appendix, bibliography
Prices: $12.95 US/Can. ISBN 13:  978-1-68027-006-8; ISBN 10: 1-68027-006-0