The Widening of God's Mercy

Sexuality Within the Biblical Story

By: Christopher B. Hays, Richard B. Hays

Narrated by: Simon Kerr

A fresh, deeply biblical account of God’s expanding grace and mercy, tracing how the Bible’s narrative points to the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in Christian communities

Discussions of the Bible and human sexuality often focus on a scattered handful of specific passages. But arguments about this same set of verses have reached an impasse, two leading biblical scholars believe; these debates are missing the forest for the trees.

In this learned and beautifully written book, Richard and Christopher Hays explore a more expansive way of listening to the overarching story that scripture tells. They remind us of a dynamic and gracious God who is willing to change his mind, consistently broadening his grace to include more and more people. Those who were once outsiders find themselves surprisingly embraced within the people of God, while those who sought to enforce exclusive boundaries are challenged to rethink their understanding of God’s ways.

The authors—a father and son—point out ongoing conversations within the Bible in which traditional rules, customs, and theologies are rethought. They argue that God has already gone on ahead of our debates and expanded his grace to people of different sexualities. If the Bible shows us a God who changes his mind, they say, perhaps today’s Christians should do the same. The book begins with the authors’ personal experiences of controversies over sexuality and closes with Richard Hays’s epilogue reflecting on his own change of heart and mind.

©2024 Christopher B. Hays and Richard B. Hays (P)2024 Yale University Press

Well thought out and eye-opening

A Thoughtful Exploration of this important topic through the Lens of Biblical Truth and Christ-like Love

This is a scholarly, deeply insightful work that upholds biblical authority while addressing the complex issues surrounding this topic of inclusion. The author’s commitment to staying true to Scripture is evident on every page, grounding their arguments in a profound respect for God’s Word. With a tone that reflects both compassion and integrity, they approach difficult questions with a level of care and sensitivity that mirrors Jesus’ teachings.

This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to engage thoughtfully and respectfully on this topic. The author does not shy away from challenging passages or difficult interpretations but instead invites readers into a journey of sincere reflection and understanding. Their ability to balance theological depth with accessible language makes this book not only informative but also inspiring.

A must-read for anyone who wants to approach this topic seriously, with a heart tuned toward love and a mind anchored in truth. It’s a remarkable resource that speaks to both the head and the heart, helping readers grow in both knowledge and Christ-like compassion.