That there should even be a book by this title is a sign of the times we live in! Moral corruption and deviant lifestyles have always existed on the underside of the fabric of society, but ours is probably the first literate culture to couple two such antithetical terms in so casual a manner.  The responses of Christians vary.  Some become activists, marching and picketing and politicking. Some withdraw into protected enclaves and attempt to ignore the issues.  And some of us find ourselves faced suddenly with the problem at the family dinner table when a young child asks innocently, “What’s same-sex marriage?”

Erwin W. Lutzer, senior pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago, felt sure that the church ought to take action in some way.  He was disturbed by the “jubilation of same-sex couples who were ‘married’” (p. 9), but he quickly learned that many Christians were not sufficiently aware of the problem to respond—or even to clearly articulate their beliefs.   Concerned about the implications for the family, for the church, and for society in general, Lutzer began a serious study of both the Scriptural view of marriage and our culture’s increasingly divergent perspective. The result was his book, The Truth about Same-Sex Marriage. 

Lutzer’s research is thorough; he is neither a novice in the Scriptures nor a conspiracy theorist cobbling together dubious bits of information from Wikipedia.  He summarizes the development of the gay-rights movement in America as well as documenting what has happened in other countries more “progressive” than ours.  A lengthy introduction reviews how this “frightful social experiment” began to establish itself as an alternate but acceptable way of life, followed by a challenge to the church to speak.  It is possible, says Lutzer, to “maintain…biblical standards without wavering, but also speak with a healing and redemptive voice.”  (48)

The second chapter treats the subject of God’s design for marriage and purposes for gender diversity.  Without discounting the calling to singlehood, Lutzer states that God’s image is more fully embodied in the “community of male and female.” (58)  He describes a variety of “alien bonds” that violate the original design of marriage and are contrary to God’s intentions.  Proponents of sinful lifestyles point to the undeniable adhesive power of such relationships as a rationale; however, these bonds only lead to frustration and brokenness.

Chapter 3 continues the assessment of God’s original design, focusing on what happens to children who do not see masculinity and femininity modeled in a committed relationship.   Even in primitive cultures, some natural sense of family has always been at the heart of societal structure.  Are there really no adverse effects to children raised by same-gender parents, as its advocates claim?  While so far the evidence is scarce, one significant outcome may very well be an increased reluctance to define morality and an actual lack of ability to judge between right and wrong.

Arguments presented by radical homosexual-rights activists can be persuasive and relentless.  Even if they do not convince us, they may cause us to back off, feeling inadequate to respond.  In an excellent chapter on resisting this pressure, Lutzer evaluates some of the leading arguments and shows how research invalidates them. 

Lutzer outlines several positive strategies for church action in the next chapter.  He is undoubtedly more politically-activist than conservative Anabaptists, but the section on political participation is marginal.  He advises first that we address our responsibilities within the church, strengthening our families and celebrating singleness.  We must also repent of hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes, cultivating instead a spirit of openness and honesty about our own failures. The book closes with a rousing challenge to seek God and ask for His mercy on us and on our nation.

While Lutzer’s stance on Biblical principles is uncompromising, his compassion for those who find themselves caught in “alien bonds” is obvious.   Radical advocates of homosexuality tend to lump all Christians together as intolerant, hate-filled and discriminatory; regrettably, says Lutzer, some of us do give this impression.  “We must fight like Christians,” he says, “or, more accurately, we must fight like Christ.” (113)

Same-sex marriage and its related complications are unpleasant issues that are not about to go away.  As we search the Scripture for answers, it is also helpful to access the insights of men like the “men of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (I Chron. 12:32).  Whether you hope to educate yourself, your children, or your church, this book will be a valuable tool!