Will Richard Hays' queer-affirming book make an impact? A chat with Tim from The New Evangelicals

In today’s conversation with Tim Whitaker of The New Evangelicals, we discussed the significant news that Richard B. Hays, an influential New Testament scholar at Duke Divinity School, is publishing a new book affirming LGBTQ inclusion in the church. This is a notable shift, as Hays previously argued against affirming same-sex relationships in his seminal 1996 book The Moral Vision of the New Testament, which has been widely cited by non-affirming evangelicals. (The episode is available as both a podcast and as a YouTube video)
While some on the more liberal end have been critical of Hays' change in position, arguing it's too little too late after the harm caused by his earlier work, I believe we should welcome this development from a strategic perspective. Hayes is exactly the type of prominent, respected scholar — taken seriously by both liberals and conservatives — whose change of heart could make a real impact in shifting the conversation.
Of course, the proof will be in the pudding when it comes to the actual arguments put forth in the book. I'm curious to see how Hays and his co-author son Christopher (who teaches at Fuller Seminary) engage with the work of queer Christian scholars, and if they clearly apologize for the harm done by the elder Hayes' previous writings. The intended audience also matters -- are they targeting persuadable moderates rather than the staunchly non-affirming gatekeepers?
Ultimately, while white evangelical leaders and institutions will likely reject Hays after this, I believe it could make inroads with what I think of as the "middle 15%” or so of American Christian, like those in non-denominational Bible churches who hold concerning (to me) views but aren't militant culture warriors. Young people especially are moving in an affirming direction. So although messy and imperfect, I'm hopeful this book can give permission to pastors and laypeople to come out as affirming without totally losing their livelihoods and communities.
The conversation also touched on the contradictions and tensions we all hold, like Tim's conservative parents whose media diet clashes with their real-life generosity. Internal Family Systems theory helpfully frames this as having different "parts" that don't always align. In that light, perhaps we can extend some grace to Hayes while still firmly disagreeing with the arguments of his earlier self. I look forward to continuing the dialogue when the book releases this fall.