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Sent: 21 October 2012 10:30 Dear Nancy, Jeffrey, Margaret, and all, I am well aware of the controversies surrounding the historical claims in Boswell's work. I recommended these texts because they are among the views that would be relevant to someone compiling a list of works that address Christian perspectives on same-gender relationships in history. His work has generated important debate, so it is relevant to understanding the variety of approaches scholars have taken to this topic-- not as a definitive factual statement to the exclusion of its critics. The Boswell texts in question have been influential in popular contexts, so they are worth addressing in terms of their influence on public debate-- at the same time as some of the less substantiated claims warrant critique. My point is that the original poster did not seem to want only texts with factual information above reproach, but rather texts that addressed a particular topic. Readers can benefit from a balanced assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of different pieces. An analysis of the drawbacks will help future scholars to avoid similar problems in their own work. Thanks, Gávi
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