Romans 1 is often quoted as though it offers a simple and universal condemnation of gay Christians and every form of same-sex relationship. But what happens when we slow down and read the whole argument? Through the prayerful practice of Lectio Divina, Michael McFarland Campbell returns to two easily overlooked words: “therefore.” The first, in Romans 1:24, points backwards to idolatry. Paul has described people exchanging the glory and truth of God for created images; therefore, he says, God gives them up to the consequences of that exchange. The second, at the beginning of Romans 2, turns towards the person who judges: “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others.” Between these two words lies an argument often broken apart when only a few familiar verses are quoted. Before and After “Therefore” is a short, personal and prayerful reflection on Scripture, idolatry, judgement, faithful same-sex love, and the harm caused when biblical texts are removed from their setting and sharpened into weapons. The booklet concludes with a prayer for those wounded by condemnatory readings of Scripture and a blessing rooted in the promise that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. NeuroDivine Prayer & Worship Booklets No. 3.