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What's Wrong with Homosexuality? (Philosophy in Action)
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About What's Wrong With
Product Description For the last twenty years, John Corvino--widely known as the author of the weekly column "The Gay Moralist"--has traversed the country responding to moral and religious arguments against same-sex relationships. In this timely book, he shares that experience--addressing the standard objections to homosexuality and offering insight into the culture wars more generally. Is homosexuality unnatural? Does the Bible condemn it? Are people born gay (and should it matter either way)? Corvino approaches such questions with precision, sensitivity, and good humor. In the process, he makes a fresh case for moral engagement, forcefully rejecting the idea that morality is a "private matter." This book appears at a time when same-sex marriage is being hotly debated across the U.S. Many people object to such marriage on the grounds that same-sex relationships are immoral, or at least, that they do not deserve the same social recognition as heterosexual relationships. Unfortunately, the traditional rhetoric of gay-rights advocates--which emphasizes privacy and tolerance--fails to meet this objection. Legally speaking, when it comes to marriage, "tolerance" might be enough, Corvino concedes, but socially speaking, marriage requires more. Marriage is more than just a relationship between two individuals, recognized by the state. It is also a relationship between those individuals and a larger community. The fight for same-sex marriage, ultimately, is a fight for full inclusion in the moral fabric. What is needed is a positive case for moral approval--which is what Corvino unabashedly offers here. Corvino blends a philosopher's precision with a light touch that is full of humanity and wit. This volume captures the voice of one of the most rational participants in a national debate noted for generating more heat than light. From Booklist Philosophy professor Corvino, who’s gay and in a long-term relationship, answers the question of his book’s title with, essentially, Nothing, if you think about it. For this entry in the Philosophy in Action series, he scrutinizes six different arguments about homosexuality, from We Shouldn’t Even Be Having This Discussion (i.e., homosexuality is a private matter) to the dehumanizing Man on Man, Man on Dog, or Whatever the Case May Be, aka the slippery-slope-to-the-moral-sewer line about what gay marriage leads to. Corvino also dissects the Bible-tells-me-so, lifestyle, natural-law, and born-this-way arguments (the last drives a nature-nurture squabble). He writes in plain language leavened with wit, sentiment, and personality—a manner that reflects the book’s origins in Corvino’s half of a debate over gay marriage that he and Focus on the Family speaker Glenn Stanton have presented on college campuses throughout North America. In the last chapter, Corvino discusses his friendly relations with Stanton and other debating opponents and why friendship, much less tolerance, isn’t enough. Rather, civil equality with heterosexuals is what’s needed. --Ray Olson Review "Whatever might be wrong with homosexuality, John Corvino rebuts, in this concise, thorough and chatty book."--Mark Vernon, Times Literary Supplement "[Corvino] writes in plain language leavened with wit, sentiment, and personality-a manner that reflects the book's origins in Corvino's half of a debate over gay marriage that he and Focus on the Family speaker Glenn Stanton have presented on college campuses throughout North America." -- Booklist "[Corvino's] work is unfailingly patient and laced with humor...an essential and accessible read for any interested parties." -- Publishers Weekly "Corvino's book is an exemplar of public philosophy. It is an entertaining and rigorous read."--Justin P. McBrayer, Social Theory and Practice "[F]or anyone interested in the topic this is an absolute page-turner. Corvino's style is eminently engaging and peppered with jokes and anecdotes. But mostly, this is simply a hugely important book."--Mark Flowe
