1 – The Cities of the Plain: Genesis 19 and Its Interpretations: David L. Petersen, 1995. This book focuses on the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah found in Genesis 19 and how it has been interpreted throughout history. Petersen examines the historical and cultural context of the story, the various literary forms used in the text, and the different ways the story has been understood and interpreted by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. He also discusses how the story has been used in modern debates about homosexuality and sexual ethics.
2 – Sodom and Gomorrah: History and Motif in Biblical Narrative: Ronald S. Hendel, 2004. Hendel explores the historical and literary contexts of the Sodom and Gomorrah story in Genesis 19. He examines the motifs and themes that appear in the narrative, such as hospitality, violence, and divine judgment, and how they relate to the larger themes of the book of Genesis. Hendel also discusses the archaeological evidence for the destruction of ancient Near Eastern cities and how this may or may not relate to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.
3 – The Destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, and Jericho: Geological, Climatological, and Archaeological Background: Morton S. Ekstrand, 1998. Ekstrand examines the geological and climatological factors that may have contributed to the destruction of the cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, and Jericho, as well as the archaeological evidence for their destruction. He discusses various theories about what caused the destruction, including earthquakes, meteorite impacts, and volcanic eruptions, and evaluates the plausibility of each theory.
4 – Sodomy in Early Modern Europe: Tom Betteridge, 2015. This book examines the history of sodomy in Europe from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. Betteridge explores the social, legal, and cultural factors that contributed to the emergence of sodomy as a distinct category of sexual behavior, and how it was understood and treated by authorities in different regions of Europe. He also discusses how sodomy was represented in literature and the arts, and how it influenced ideas about gender and sexuality.
5 – Queer Commentary and the Hebrew Bible: Ken Stone, 2001. Stone provides a queer reading of the Sodom and Gomorrah story in Genesis 19, exploring how it has been used to condemn homosexuality and same-sex relationships. He argues that this interpretation is based on a misunderstanding of the story and the historical and cultural context in which it was written. Stone also examines other biblical texts that have been used to condemn homosexuality, and offers alternative readings that are more affirming of LGBTQ people.
6 – The Story of Sodom in Genesis: An Examination of a Negative stereotype: K. Renato Lings, 2003. Lings examines the negative stereotype of Sodom and its inhabitants that has emerged from the biblical account of Genesis 19. He argues that this stereotype has been used to justify various forms of discrimination and violence against marginalized groups throughout history, and offers a more nuanced and empathetic reading of the story that challenges this stereotype.
7 – The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics: Robert A. J. Gagnon, 2001. Gagnon provides a detailed analysis of the biblical texts that have been used to condemn homosexuality, including the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. He argues that these texts are clear in their condemnation of same-sex relationships, and that attempts to reinterpret them in a more affirming way are based on faulty hermeneutics. Gagnon examines the historical and cultural context in which these texts were written, as well as the literary forms and genres they employ. He also discusses the theological implications of reinterpreting these texts and offers a defense of the traditional Christian view on homosexuality.
8 – Sodom and Gomorrah: Myth and Mystery: Barbara J. Sivertsen, 2015. Sivertsen explores the myth and mystery surrounding the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, examining how it has been interpreted in different cultures and religions throughout history. She discusses the archaeological evidence for the destruction of ancient Near Eastern cities, and how this may or may not relate to the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah. Sivertsen also examines how the story has been used to justify various forms of social and political oppression, and how it can be read in a more compassionate and humanistic way.
9 – The Destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, and Jericho: Literary and Historical Study: Walter R. Bodine, 1997. Bodine examines the literary and historical context of the Sodom and Gomorrah story in Genesis 19, exploring how it has been used to convey theological and moral messages. He discusses the themes and motifs that appear in the story, such as hospitality, divine judgment, and the relationship between humans and God. Bodine also examines how the story has been interpreted by Jews, Christians, and Muslims throughout history, and how it has influenced theological debates about God’s justice and mercy.
10 – The Cities of the Plain: A Novel: Marcel Proust, 1922. Proust’s novel explores the story of Sodom and Gomorrah from a literary and philosophical perspective, rather than a religious one. Set in late 19th century Paris, the novel explores the social and psychological dynamics of a group of upper-class French society, using the story of Sodom and Gomorrah as a metaphor for their moral corruption and decadence. Proust’s novel is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modernist literature and a profound exploration of the human condition.