The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology

The Invention of Sodomy in Christian Theology examines how medieval Christian thinkers constructed and developed the concept of sodomy. Mark D. Jordan traces the term's evolution from its origins through its incorporation into medieval law and religious doctrine. Jordan analyzes key medieval texts, focusing particularly on Peter Damian's Book of Gomorrah and the writings of Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas. The book presents translations of Latin theological works alongside historical context about their creation and impact. Through close readings of theological documents, Jordan demonstrates how medieval Christian writers shaped modern Western understandings of sexuality and sin. The work highlights the specific religious, social and political circumstances that influenced how these concepts were formed. This theological history reveals the constructed nature of categories that are often presented as natural or eternal. The book raises questions about the relationship between religious doctrine, language, and the regulation of human behavior.

Readers find this book offers deep analysis of how medieval theologians developed the concept of sodomy, though some note it requires careful reading due to dense academic language. Readers appreciated: - Clear tracing of how the term "sodomy" evolved through Christian texts - Detailed examination of Peter Damian's writings - Strong scholarly documentation and research Common criticisms: - Complex theological language makes it inaccessible for general readers - Some sections become repetitive - High price point for a relatively short academic work Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (8 ratings) Sample reader comment: "A thorough historical analysis, but prepare yourself for dense theological terminology" - Goodreads reviewer Multiple readers noted this works better as a reference text for scholars than a book for casual reading, with one Amazon reviewer stating "Not for beginners in theological studies."

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🔍 The word "sodomy" was not used before the 11th century and was coined by Peter Damian in his theological text "Liber Gomorrhianus" (1049). 📚 Mark D. Jordan teaches at Harvard Divinity School and has written extensively on gender, sexuality, and religious ethics, earning him the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Catholic Theological Society of America. ⚜️ The book reveals how medieval Christian theologians borrowed heavily from ancient Greek and Roman medical texts to develop their ideas about sexual morality. 🗝️ The concept of sodomy as developed in medieval theology encompassed far more than same-sex relations - it included a wide range of acts considered "unnatural," including some heterosexual practices. 📜 The text demonstrates how the medieval church's understanding of sodomy was significantly influenced by mistranslations and misinterpretations of earlier religious texts, particularly from Hebrew and Greek sources.