Bücher von C. Norman Kraus

Too often the biblical passages governing sexual morality are interpreted in simplistic, proof texting ways that take no account of the cultural gap between ancient Israel and the modern world. And too often the official positions of churches are determined by opinion polls and majority votes rather than a sober theological and ethical assessment of the issues involved. A third way is called for that avoids the errors of both naive fundamentalism and the Bible-dismissing zeitgeist--a way that puts theological reflection at the forefront. This little book aims to provide a theologically informed, biblical approach to help Christians find a new way forward in their dialogue over questions surrounding homosexuality. It deconstructs the Augustinian theological tradition that has defined, evaluated, and regulated sexual behavior in the western Christian traditions. Kraus maintains that the doctrine of the creation (rather than the doctrine of sin) must be the framework for understanding sexuality and sexual desire. He argues that the basic justification for erotic physical intimacy is the fulfillment of God's original intention for human community (shalom).Beginning with the definition of ""the image of God"" as a social symbol that mirrors the Trinity, Kraus calls the church to reflect that trinitarian image as it is seen in Christ. He argues that this stance at the very least calls the church to empathetic inclusion of the GLBTQ community in its ongoing discernment conversation, which, of course, means full participation in its life.

This book analyzes this popular religious phenomenon from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective. It considers the origins of Evangelicalism, its various branches, its positive and negative contributions, its sociopolitical context, and its theological emphases. The authors of Evangelicalism and Anabaptism include such well-know writers as Ronald J. Sider, J.C. Wenger, Wes Michaelson, and C. Norman Kraus. The essays offer thoughtful lay persons careful discussions of the biblical inerrancy controversy, Hal Lindsey's popular eschatology, born-again politics, the charismatic movement, and the radical New Evangelicals. The book provides historical and biblical perspectives from which to critique both Evangelicalism and contemporary Mennonitism.