The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 4, No. 1, Spring 1992.

Homophobia and the Judeo-Christian Tradition. Michael L. Stemmler and J. Michael Oark, editors. Monument Press, 1991. Paper. $20.00 (ISBN 0-930383-18-4)

This is volume I of two volumes of essays relating to gay men’s issues in religious studies. It covers varied topics from the Leviticus 18:22, to the social policy of gays in Nazi Germany. It is a realistic look at the basis of homophobic attitudes which dominate both Christian and Jewish thought. It explores many of the misconceptions which prevail in biblical translations and their relationship to the “homosexual act”. Some of the viewpoints and conclusions drawn by the authors present a pessimistic outlook of changing established theological beliefs to accept homosexual love, but offer a tremendous amount of hope and need for the development of a “gay theology”. (See review of volume II following.)

Hope is the strength and thrust of this volume as it seems to draw the reader to the conclusion that gays and lesbians must, to use John Fortunato’s words, “embrace the exile” of being gay within a straight dominated world. By “coming out” as Christians and Jews, gays and lesbians can begin to develop their own liberated theology which can be a witness to their own spiritual paths. A good preparatory work for volume II.

Reviewed by Charles Whitlow 
AT&T Tax Librarian
Morristown, NT