Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Living in the Midst: A Personal Introduction xi

Part 1 Surveying the Situation: Where We Are

1 Stand at the Crossroads: Taking a Bearing 3

2 Where I Start: Approach and Assumptions 13

Part 2 Framing the Question: A Matter of Marriage

3 A Great Mystery: Marriage in Scripture and Tradition 29

4 From the Beginning: Jesus, Marriage, and Genesis 57

5 Admiring Virginity, Honoring Marriage: Early Church Debate 85

6 Coupled Together Otherwise: Alterations and- Implications 119

Part 3 Evaluating the Case: Assessing Arguments for Marriage Innovation

7 Hasn't the Church Changed Before? Considering Historical Precedents 169

8 Might Scripture Provide Support? Considering Biblical Warrants 219

Part 4 Seeking a Direction: Which Way to Walk

9 Testing the Spirits: Considering Paths to Innovation 257

10 It Seemed Good to the Holy Spirit: Guidance for Discernment 275

Afterword Wesley Hill 289

Bibliography 299

Index of Scripture and Ancient Christian Literature 319

Index of Subjects 327