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