The controversy concerning homosexuality and the church has been so rancorous that it is easy to consider it simply a shouting match, or tug-of-war for power. Yet behind the different points in the debate are principled convictions, arising from deeply held theological beliefs. Serious issues are at stake, involving the substance of the gospel itself. The contributors to this volume are drawn from those who affirm the church's traditional position regarding homosexuality. They have written in order to articulate and deepen the convictions of those who believe that homosexual practice is incompatible with Christian teaching. They see themselves as true to the ancient tradition of the Christian faith in their inclination to offer the transforming power of God for dealing with the brokenness of the world. While affirming a strong understanding of the goodness of creation, they are clear in acknowledging the flawed and fallen character of humanity. They believe that Christians should be about the business of offering redemption from evil, rather than accepting or blessing it. Insisting that gays and lesbians are persons of sacred worth, and recognizing that homosexual practice is only one of many sinful human choices, they do not shy away from the contention that Scripture and Christian tradition reject homosexuality as a viable Christian lifestyle.