The Widening of God's Mercy - Print

The Widening of God's Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story

By Christopher B. Hays; Richard B. Hays

A fresh, biblical exploration of how God’s grace expands to embrace LGBTQ people, offering a deeply theological and personal account of inclusion in Christian communities.

Benefit

This book:

• Offers a new and compassionate biblical perspective on sexuality.
• Explores the overarching biblical narrative of expanding grace and inclusion.
• Provides thoughtful insights from two leading biblical scholars.
• Helps readers reframe traditional interpretations of key scripture passages.
• Encourages churches and individuals to rethink their stance on LGBTQ inclusion.
• Engages with personal experiences of changing perspectives within faith.
• Fosters open, loving dialogue on challenging theological issues.

Features

• Co-authored by father and son scholars Christopher and Richard Hays.
• Explores the biblical theme of God’s expanding grace through scripture.
• Includes personal reflections on changing views about sexuality.
• Addresses current debates on LGBTQ inclusion in Christian communities.

Hard cover 288pp
2.8cm H x 22.1cm L x 14.7cm W (0.43 kgs)
ISBN 9780300273427
Yale University Press (2024)

[Allow 4 weeks]

Description

The Widening of God’s Mercy by Christopher B. Hays and Richard B. Hays presents a transformative exploration of sexuality within the context of the Bible’s overarching narrative.

In this deeply theological and compassionate book, the authors – father and son biblical scholars – trace how scripture shows a dynamic God whose grace continually expands to embrace those previously considered outsiders, offering a fresh perspective on LGBTQ inclusion.

While much of the debate surrounding the Bible and sexuality revolves around a small set of specific passages, the Hayses shift the conversation to the broader story that the Bible tells.

They reveal how God, throughout scripture, rethinks boundaries and expands his grace to include more people, challenging today’s Christians to do the same. Through their careful analysis of the biblical text, they argue that God’s mercy is far wider than we often imagine, extending to all people, regardless of their sexuality.

The book blends scholarly insights with personal stories, including a reflection on Richard Hays’s own change of heart over time.

This accessible, beautifully written work invites readers to approach scripture with an open mind and encourages Christian communities to reconsider their approach to LGBTQ inclusion. 

The Widening of God’s Mercy is a powerful resource for those seeking to engage in thoughtful and compassionate dialogue on faith and sexuality.