Science and theology in human sexuality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Christian debates about human sexuality are often presented as being concerned primarily with differences regarding authority of scripture. It is proposed here that they might more constructively be understood as debates about science and theology. Just as cosmology, evolution and demonology have variously been perceived as presenting conflict between scientific theories and biblical texts, so human sexuality presents similar points of tension. The issue at stake is not really about biblical authority, but rather about how the “book of nature” and the book of scripture are understood to mutually interpret each other. Lessons learned from debates between science and theology in other domains, may usefully facilitate a more constructive debate on sexuality.