The Widening of God's Mercy

2025 PROSE Award winner, Theology and Religious Studies category, sponsored by the Association of American Publishers (AAP)

“This book is an event of historic significance. Senior New Testament scholar Richard Hays here renounces his very widely quoted (and exploited) noninclusive treatment of human sexuality from thirty years ago. His son, Old Testament scholar Christopher Hays, here clearly and boldly embraces LGBT+ inclusion. Their case is made based on biblical materials, notably a trajectory-type vision emphasizing the ever-widening range of God’s mercy across the canon. This book is an occasion for celebration.”—David P. Gushee, Mercer University

“Quarrels regarding the Bible and human sexuality have ossified in recent decades, afflicting entire denominations and ostracizing many. In this remarkable book, Christopher Hays and Richard Hays combine intelligence, humility, and generosity in a conversation that is instructive both within and beyond communities of faith.”—Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Princeton Theological Seminary

“Hays and Hays compellingly show how the Bible undermines its own constraints on God’s limitless compassion. They move beyond the ‘clobber passages’ to a pervasive scriptural pattern that demands inclusion of those previously excluded by the Bible itself. As a gay Christian and biblical scholar, I enthusiastically welcome this book.”—J. Blake Couey, Gustavus Adolphus College

“When the best interpreters re-read the Scriptures with intellectual acumen and humility, as well as keen attention to the Spirit’s call for reconciling love, both church and academy are strengthened. Praise God for this book.”—Ellen F. Davis, Duke Divinity School

“In this insightful book, the authors argue that in the Bible, God shows an incredible openness to rethinking. It will have an impact on contemporary ecclesiastical reflections about sexuality.”—Alphonso Groenewald, University of Pretoria

Christopher B. Hays is D. Wilson Moore Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He lives in Pasadena, CA.

Richard B. Hays (1948–2025) was George Washington Ivey Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Duke Divinity School.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.