Homoeroticism in the Biblical World: A Historical Perspective

Nissinen's award-winning book surveys attitudes in the ancient world toward homoeroticism, that is erotic same-sex relations.

Focusing on the Bible and its cultural environment Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and Israel-Nissinen concisely and readably introduce the relevant sources and their historical contexts in a readable way.

Homoeroticism is examined as a part of gender identity, i.e., the interplay of sexual orientation, gender identification, gender roles, and sexual practice. In the patriarchal cultures of the biblical world, Nissinen shows, homoerotic practices were regarded as a role construction between the active and passive partners rather than as expressions of an orientation moderns call "homosexuality."

Nissinen shows how this applies to the limited acceptance of homoerotic relationships in Greek and Roman culture, as well as to Israel's and the early church's condemnation of any same-sex erotic activity.

For readers interested in the ancient world or contemporary debates, Nissinen's fascinating study shows why the ancient texts - both biblical and nonbiblical - are not appropriate for use as sources of direct analogy or argument in today's discussion.

Author: Martti Nissinen, Kirsi I. Stjerna
Publisher: Fortress Press
Published: 04/01/2004
Pages: 216
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.98h x 6.08w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780800636456

About the Author
Nissinen, Martti: -

Martti Nissinen is a Reader and Professor in Old Testament Studies, University of Helsinki a senior Researcher at the Finnish Academy.

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