I. Introduction
II. Five Early Theologians
III. Augustine
IV. Bernard of Clairvaux
V. Thomas Aquinas
VI. Luther
VII. Karl Barth
VIII. John Paul II
IX. Three proposals for the insignificance of sexual difference
X. Conclusion
This book articulates often latent and under-examined, but nonetheless significant, beliefs about sexual difference in the theology about marriage which has been dominant in the Christian west.
Christopher Roberts is Catherine of Siena Ethics Teaching Fellow at Villanova University. Prior to this position, Roberts spent several years as Bill Moyers' research assistant and as a reporter for the PBS show Religion and Ethics Newsweekly.
"With this book, Roberts has tried to raise the standard of
theological argument about same-sex unions, and in this he succeeds
admirably." -Commonweal
*Guy Mansini in Commonweal*
...Clear and compelling style befitting a former
journalist...Roberts has taken his opponents seriously and has
mostly treated them charitably...
*Christian Century*
This is a brave and welcome publication....The book is written in
an accessible and interesting style. Its tone is sensitive and
balanced. The real strength of this study lies in the kind of
questions it asks and in the author's commitment to finding out
‘facts' before offering answers - it is an example of honest and
valuable scholarship.
*Anna Abram, Journal of the The International Academy for Marital
Spirituality*
Creation & Covenant: The Significance of Sexual Difference in the
Moral Theology of Marriage addresses some questions of Christian
identity and morality which are extremely pressing in some
developed societies in the present day.
*Ecclesiology 7*
"The question of the significance of sexual difference is at the
heart of many divisions within contemporary society. It is
producing hurtful tensions within all of the major Christian
Churches....Roberts' contribution to the debate is forceful and
scholarly, while always charitable. This powerfully argued case for
the abiding importance of our sexual identity shows how rich can be
the contribution of the Christian tradition to our society's
present search to understand the meaning of our lives. Even those
who do not accept all of the author's conclusions should be
grateful for this beautifully written and profound book. It will
help us all in our journey towards understanding who we are in
Christ." Timothy Radcliffe, OP, former Master General of the
Dominican Order
*Timothy Radcliffe, OP, former Master General of the Dominican
Order*
'In Creation and Covenant, Christopher Roberts has done both church
and society a great service. Not only does he brilliantly
investigate the history of the meaning and importance of
sexual difference in Christian thought, he shows its relevance for
debates over same-sex marriage, ordination, inclusive language, and
feminist claims about the distinctive experience of women. We
cannot go forward with any of these issues in the future without
Roberts' excellent guide to the past.' Don Browning, University of
Chicago and author of Marriage and Modernization
*Don Browning, University of Chicago and author of Marriage and
Modernization*
'Sexual ethics and gay marriage - Creation and Covenant is
essential reading for anyone who wants to think about these issues
in light of the Western Christian tradition. Roberts helps us see
and resist the Gnostic temptation that so dominates the moral
imagination of modern culture...A very fine book - just the sort of
patient survey of the classical tradition we need, and absolutely
on target as far as the core theological issue is
concerned. It's the sort of book that will be very helpful for
teaching a seminar on sexual ethics.' R. R. Reno, Creighton
University, and editor of the Brazos Theological Commentary on the
Bible.
*R. R. Reno, Creighton University, and editor of the Brazos
Theological Commentary on the Bible.*
"Christopher Roberts explores with clarity and precision of
argument... an important contribution to present debates... done
with care but critical sharpness" "I am very grateful for this
book, for its positive argument which will make any reader think
again. It is a first class work of strong theology" Brian
Haymes, The Baptist Times, October 2007
*Baptist Times*
'Roberts's analysis of the theological status of sexual difference
addresses arguments about same-sex-partnerships that range well
beyond academic boundaries.' The Revd Penny Seabrook, Church
Times
*Church Times*
"In a short review, all one can offer is a taste of the 'banquet of
wisdom' that Barker sets before her reader... this is a book to be
consulted again and again." Search, 2010
*Search*
One of the most neglected recent books on sexual difference is also
one of the most important. Christopher C. Roberts’ 2007 book,
Creation and Covenant, is a remarkably comprehensive and detailed
theological investigation of the topic. By giving us a narrative
arc that stretches from the earliest Church Fathers to Pope John
Paul II and beyond, Roberts considers not only the ways in which
these figures disagree with one another but how they provide
resources for understanding sexual difference today.
*First Things*
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