Mark D. Jordan

Mark D. Jordan is a scholar of religion, ethics, and sexuality who currently serves as the Richard Reinhold Niebuhr Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School. His work focuses on the intersection of Christian theology, gender studies, and philosophical ethics. Jordan's research examines how religious traditions, particularly Christianity, have shaped contemporary understandings of sexuality and gender identity. He has written extensively on topics including medieval Christian theology, same-sex relationships in religious contexts, and the rhetoric of religious ethics. Notable works by Jordan include "The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology" (1997), "The Ethics of Sex" (2002), and "Recruiting Young Love: How Christians Talk about Homosexuality" (2011). His scholarship has helped establish new frameworks for discussing sexuality within religious studies. Jordan's contributions have been recognized with awards including the John Boswell Prize and the Perkins School of Theology Scholarly Achievement Award. His work continues to influence discussions about religious ethics, gender, and sexuality in academic and public spheres.

Academic readers appreciate Jordan's ability to analyze complex theological history through the lens of gender and sexuality. His books receive the most scholarly citations and reviews in religious studies and ethics journals rather than mainstream platforms. Readers value his detailed research on how Christian traditions shaped modern views of sexuality, particularly in "The Invention of Sodomy." Several academic reviewers note his skill at tracing theological concepts through medieval texts. Some readers find his writing style dense and theoretical. A review on Amazon notes: "Important ideas but tough to get through the academic language." Others mention the narrow focus on Christian traditions rather than broader religious perspectives. Limited public ratings available: - "The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology" - 4.5/5 on Goodreads (32 ratings) - "The Ethics of Sex" - 3.8/5 on Goodreads (24 ratings) - "Recruiting Young Love" - 4.0/5 on Amazon (6 ratings) Most reviews come from academic journals and scholarly publications rather than consumer review sites.

Recruiting Young Love: How Christians Talk about Homosexuality Traces how Christian institutions and organizations have discussed homosexuality and youth since the early 20th century.

Teaching Bodies: Moral Formation in the Summa of Thomas Aquinas Analyzes how Thomas Aquinas approached moral teaching through embodied practices and physical metaphors.

The Ethics of Sex Examines Christian teachings about sexuality from historical and theological perspectives.

The Silence of Sodom: Homosexuality in Modern Catholicism Studies the Catholic Church's discourse on homosexuality and its impact on gay Catholics.

The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology Investigates how the concept of sodomy developed in medieval Christian thought and its lasting influence.

Blessing Same-Sex Unions: The Perils of Queer Romance and the Confusions of Christian Marriage Analyzes religious arguments about same-sex marriage and their theological foundations.

Authorizing Marriage? Canon, Tradition, and Critique in the Blessing of Same-Sex Unions Examines how religious traditions have historically authorized and regulated marriage.

Convulsing Bodies: Religion and Resistance in Foucault Explores Michel Foucault's writings on religion and their relationship to his broader work on power and sexuality.

Sarah Coakley explores Christian theology, gender, and sexuality through historical and contemplative approaches. Her work on desire and the divine parallels Jordan's interest in theological perspectives on sexuality and embodiment.

Eugene Rogers examines theological anthropology and questions of gender, focusing on LGBTQ+ issues in Christian thought. His analysis of marriage and sexuality in theological tradition shares methodological similarities with Jordan's work.

James Alison writes on Catholic theology and sexual identity, using anthropological insights to reframe traditional doctrinal positions. His focus on institutional power and religious identity connects with Jordan's critiques of church authority.

Gerard Loughlin investigates the intersections of theology, philosophy, and queer theory in religious contexts. His work on religious discourse and sexuality follows similar analytical paths to Jordan's scholarship.

Virginia Burrus studies early Christianity with attention to gender, sexuality, and asceticism in ancient texts. Her historical methodology and focus on how religious institutions discuss sexuality aligns with Jordan's research interests.