Dale B. Martin Books

Exploring gender and sexuality through biblical texts, Dale Martin challenges conventional interpretations, particularly regarding Paul's views on homosexuality. He emphasizes the importance of understanding original word meanings and critiques the modern fixation on marriage and ideal sexual relationships, suggesting they contradict the gospel's message. Martin advocates for a deeper engagement with Scripture, moving beyond typical historical-critical methods, to foster a faith rooted solely in Jesus Christ.

For generations, most seminary teaching of the Bible has focused on the historical-critical method. While this method has been the standard in almost every seminary curriculum, the effects of this approach to Scripture have hardly been examined. From examining the biblical studies courses at ten different seminaries and divinity schools, Dale Martin learned what faculties were doing and what students were hearing. This book presents his discoveries, offering the best-ever inside look at the teaching of the Bible for ministry. Going beyond mere description, Martin argues for a new emphasis on interpreting Scripture within the context of church history and theology. Such a reading would be more theological, more integrated into the whole theological curriculum, and more theoretical (as it would focus on what's at stake in interpretation); however, Martin surprisingly argues, it would be more practical at the same time.

The book explores the use of slavery metaphors by early Christians, particularly by figures like Paul, to describe their relationship with God and Christ. It challenges the notion that such language would deter Greco-Roman converts, instead analyzing the social history, rhetorical strategies, and theological context of the era. Through this examination, Dale B. Martin sheds light on the significance and implications of these metaphors in early Christian thought and their impact on the understanding of salvation.