The Galilee Episode
The Galilee Episode
In the The Galilee Episode: Two men in one bed, Two women grinding; Ronald W Goetz carefully tries to dissect the passages of Luke 17:34-35 by looking at historical context, language use, Torah and Q studies, parallel stories in the Gospels and by examining the legalities of the day. These passages are usually used as source for “The Rapture.” However, Goetz traces these passages to an historical event that took place during the time of Jesus’s ministry. In Galilee, there was a move to crack down on mixed ethnic gay couples by means of entrapment raids. You had the Pharisees who had strict laws regarding adherence to the Torah and the Philip of Tetrarch who would not allow the religious laws to apply to the Gentiles in the relationship. These forces were held in contention. The bottom line is that Jesus never said anything about homosexual relationships.
It is a fascinating read; however, I think the book needs an editor. At times it appears that it wants to be several things: a dissertation, a blog, a biblical history book. It is like the book is trying to appeal to various audiences. I did enjoy it and think that it should be recommended reading for those who wish to delve more into the “Clobber Passages.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255
