Homoeroticism in the Biblical World: A Historical Perspective
Martti Nissinen
(Author)
Kirsi Stjerna
(Translator)
Description
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, Israel-Nissinen concisely and readably introduces 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.
Product Details
Price
$33.35
Publisher
Augsburg Fortress Publishing
Publish Date
April 01, 2004
Pages
216
Dimensions
6.08 X 8.98 X 0.6 inches | 0.7 pounds
Language
English
Type
Paperback
EAN/UPC
9780800636456
BISAC Categories:
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Martti Nissinen is Reader and Professor in Old Testament Studies, University of Helsinki, Senior Researcher of the Finnish Academy.