A Historical Study Of Homosexuality (Press, 6 August 1955)

The book "Homosexuality and the Western Christian Tradition" by Dr. Derrick Sherwin Bailey, published in 1955, offers a scholarly exploration of attitudes towards homosexuality within the context of Western Christianity. Dr. Bailey, associated with the Church of England Moral Welfare Council, combines his extensive knowledge with an enlightened perspective, presenting a thorough and tolerant investigation into the historical factors that have shaped contemporary laws and societal opinions regarding homosexuality. Dr. Bailey draws upon his experiences as a member of a group consisting of Anglican clergymen and doctors that studied the complexities of homosexuality, culminating in a report named "The Problem of Homosexuality." Notably, he confines his analysis to Western traditions, consciously setting aside the insights offered by modern anthropologists concerning other cultures and the historical instances of homosexuality in Ancient Greece, which he deems irrelevant to the current debates. His examination encompasses biblical interpretations and ecclesiastical viewpoints alongside contributions from Roman law and medieval thinking. Importantly, Bailey approaches the subject without moral judgement, focusing purely on historical context. In the introductory section, he provides his balanced perspective on the issues at hand, whilst his conclusions advocate for a reassessment of the severe legal stance on homosexuality. He posits that public attitudes are predominantly shaped by ignorance and prejudice. Moreover, Dr. Bailey highlights that the Church should not bear sole responsibility for the societal and legal injustices faced by homosexual individuals. He argues that the Church, contrary to common belief perpetuated by modern rationalist writers like Havelock Ellis and Westermarck, has at times offered protection to homosexuals from the penalties imposed by secular authorities. By suggesting that the Church held significant spiritual influence, Bailey indicates that it acted to shield individuals from harsher legal repercussions. Overall, this thorough and responsible study aims to illuminate the complexities surrounding the treatment of homosexuals, advancing a call for greater understanding and acceptance. Dr. Bailey's findings challenge prevailing narratives and provide a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between the Church and societal attitudes towards homosexuality. His work is deemed valuable for those seeking a deeper comprehension of the historical underpinnings of current issues related to homosexuality in a Christian context.

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