Tom Kent, I appreciate you reading my article carefully enough to note the Ruden Reference. I read the review of Ruden posted in America magazine (a Jesuit magazine — and the Jesuits report directly to the Pope, so they have to be very careful how far to push the envelop of Catholic doctrine). Still, here is what the review in America said about Ruden’s work on “homosexuality,” which pertains to my citation (the review supports my contention): “On the other hand, she is able to show in some chapters in a convincing manner how current Greco-Roman thought and practice forms the necessary and essential backdrop for understanding certain aspects of Paul’s letters and how his first readers might have made sense of his teaching in these letters. When this occurs, the book has valuable contributions. Chapter 3, “No Closet, No Monsters? Paul and Homosexuality,” is an excellent introduction to Greco-Roman sexual ethics, particularly in the realm of sexual relations between men or, more correctly, sex between men and boys (or male slaves who were treated sexually like boys). “Homosexuality” as we understand it today did not exist. Sexual relations between men and boys (or slaves) were strictly attempts to dominate, use and harm. This is valuable information about the cultural and sexual landscape of the Greco-Roman social world and it will be an eye-opener for those who are unaware of this ancient reality.” (From the America magazine review of Ruden that you cited.)