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alanrussellfuller's review against another edition
1.0
The author grew up in a Christian family and had an understanding of the Bible similar to that of many evangelical Christians. Then he discovered he was gay. That led him to revise some of his bible interpretation.
The first thing to do is to define “gay” as same sex attraction rather than as homosexual practice as the Bible tends to do. Readers of the Sodom and Gomorrah story just assumed it was about homosexuality. It was really about violence, even though they were primarily sinners against God. (Gen 13:13). People in those days weren’t like people today who have committed, consensual relationships, so homosexuality today is different.
“Cult temple prostitution, castration, and same-sex sex rites in honor of popular goddesses were all well-known practices of the time.” p.182
“The historicity of literal sacred prostitution, particularly in some places and periods, is a controversial topic within the academic world.” Wikipedia, Sacred Prostitution
[b:What was the Sin of Sodom: Homosexuality, Inhospitality, or Something Else?|32758137|What was the Sin of Sodom Homosexuality, Inhospitality, or Something Else?|Brian Neil Peterson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490356109l/32758137._SY75_.jpg|53348736]
The first thing to do is to define “gay” as same sex attraction rather than as homosexual practice as the Bible tends to do. Readers of the Sodom and Gomorrah story just assumed it was about homosexuality. It was really about violence, even though they were primarily sinners against God. (Gen 13:13). People in those days weren’t like people today who have committed, consensual relationships, so homosexuality today is different.
“Cult temple prostitution, castration, and same-sex sex rites in honor of popular goddesses were all well-known practices of the time.” p.182
“The historicity of literal sacred prostitution, particularly in some places and periods, is a controversial topic within the academic world.” Wikipedia, Sacred Prostitution
[b:What was the Sin of Sodom: Homosexuality, Inhospitality, or Something Else?|32758137|What was the Sin of Sodom Homosexuality, Inhospitality, or Something Else?|Brian Neil Peterson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490356109l/32758137._SY75_.jpg|53348736]
margaretmechinus's review
4.0
Justin Lee tells his own story, which I think is much needed in this discussion. He says that what he encounter most in the gay vs Christian debate was misinformation. On both sides. I thought the book also added some much needed compassion, understanding and grace to the debate. Lee isn’t a bitter gay or a bitter Christian. He is torn.
In the end he gives some suggestions for how the church can better serve gay Christians. I want to give this book to lots of people.
In the end he gives some suggestions for how the church can better serve gay Christians. I want to give this book to lots of people.
aanderson5206's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book for “Side A” and “Side B” Christians who long to break free from the culture war between the gays and the Christians and seek to live out the great commandement to love one another. While Lee does briefly go over the exegetical arguments for God blessing gay unions, that’s not the point of this book. The point is to bridge the gap between people with incredibly different beliefs and tell the story we should never forget to tell — that of Jesus.
Lee tells of us struggle as “God boy” who discovered that he was gay, despite years of fighting those feelings. He dismisses the idea that he chose his orientation, and describes his commitment to fighting against it. He tells of the horror of “exgay” ministries, tells how societal depictions of the gay lifestyle did not align with his own Christian choices. He comes to the defense of those who dismissed him, rejected him, and abused him even when he was choosing celibacy. Lee’s story is full of honesty and heartbreak as he earnestly seeks out the truth.
I highly recommend this book. Lee unveils some of the harmful messages and attitudes of the Church toward the LGBT community, and reveals ways that we Christians can love our queer brother and sisters in Christ. Yes, whether we do or do not agree with the exegetical arguments and chose the more traditional beliefs about gay unions.
Of note — Lee’s theology leaves room for Christians and churches who remain “Side B” despite reading his arguments. But it is not acceptable to teach “Side B” theology while idolizing marriage and calling gay orientations a choice. Chapter 10, The Way Forward, examines ways that churches can love the LGBT community which is assuredly in their midst in a variety of contexts.
I am tired of Christians espousing a “plain reading” of scripture when they apply an argument of cultural context to the issues which inconvenience them. I firmly believe that one cannot oppose a movement or idea without educating oneself on WHY the movement thinks what they think. Read this book with an open mind and heart, ready for the spirit to move. Discover how even an incredibly conservative view of scripture as infallible can lead to a wide variety of interpretations. Whether or not you ultimately accept the arguments is not actually the point. The point is that you listen. Central to the gospel is the love Jesus has for us all. Love your LGBT brothers and sisters. Give this book a read.
Lee tells of us struggle as “God boy” who discovered that he was gay, despite years of fighting those feelings. He dismisses the idea that he chose his orientation, and describes his commitment to fighting against it. He tells of the horror of “exgay” ministries, tells how societal depictions of the gay lifestyle did not align with his own Christian choices. He comes to the defense of those who dismissed him, rejected him, and abused him even when he was choosing celibacy. Lee’s story is full of honesty and heartbreak as he earnestly seeks out the truth.
I highly recommend this book. Lee unveils some of the harmful messages and attitudes of the Church toward the LGBT community, and reveals ways that we Christians can love our queer brother and sisters in Christ. Yes, whether we do or do not agree with the exegetical arguments and chose the more traditional beliefs about gay unions.
Of note — Lee’s theology leaves room for Christians and churches who remain “Side B” despite reading his arguments. But it is not acceptable to teach “Side B” theology while idolizing marriage and calling gay orientations a choice. Chapter 10, The Way Forward, examines ways that churches can love the LGBT community which is assuredly in their midst in a variety of contexts.
I am tired of Christians espousing a “plain reading” of scripture when they apply an argument of cultural context to the issues which inconvenience them. I firmly believe that one cannot oppose a movement or idea without educating oneself on WHY the movement thinks what they think. Read this book with an open mind and heart, ready for the spirit to move. Discover how even an incredibly conservative view of scripture as infallible can lead to a wide variety of interpretations. Whether or not you ultimately accept the arguments is not actually the point. The point is that you listen. Central to the gospel is the love Jesus has for us all. Love your LGBT brothers and sisters. Give this book a read.
minhan's review against another edition
4.0
even though i may not completely agree with all the author's conclusions, this is a great read. it's honest and thought-provoking.
hbbtfdlr's review against another edition
5.0
At first I thought this book was more of a memoir than an apologetic explanation of Justin Lee's beliefs. I was exceedingly happy to find out that it's both. (Especially as I tend to learn better through story.) Very grateful for this author's work in reconciling the church and LGBT+ people.
matthewwester's review against another edition
5.0
What sets this book apart from so many others on the topic is that the author, Justin Lee, desired to be faithful to God no matter what the cost. So there is a moment in the book (spoiler alert?) where Justin offers God a lifetime of celibacy if that's what it would mean to be faithful. I can't think of many books that describe a prayer/moment like that. And it's refreshing because I think it's a strong argument to say, "God, this is a tough issue and I'm going to pray through it, turn to you, and be faithful in my living. Your plan may not be the same as my initial concepts." as opposed to a weaker argument I often hear, "God wouldn't want me sad so it must be right to do what I think will make me happy." Whether you agree with the book's conclusions or not, Justin is clearly doing his best to consider different sides of the issue, pray, and remain faithful to how he believes God is leading him.
Oh, also, one of the major points of the book is that 'gay' is not the opposite of 'Christian' and vice-versa. It's true that those words, in whatever ways people mean them, are often set as enemies of one another in pop culture. I find that unhelpful generalizations/polarizations disappear when you get close to an issue and start genuinely dialoguing with people you care about who have an opposing view.
So while I don't totally agree with this book's conclusions, I recommend this book and think it will help readers to dialogue about the topic with more grace (and possibly also more biblical literacy). I'm counting this as "a book about homosexuality" for #vtReadingChallenge
Oh, also, one of the major points of the book is that 'gay' is not the opposite of 'Christian' and vice-versa. It's true that those words, in whatever ways people mean them, are often set as enemies of one another in pop culture. I find that unhelpful generalizations/polarizations disappear when you get close to an issue and start genuinely dialoguing with people you care about who have an opposing view.
So while I don't totally agree with this book's conclusions, I recommend this book and think it will help readers to dialogue about the topic with more grace (and possibly also more biblical literacy). I'm counting this as "a book about homosexuality" for #vtReadingChallenge
biobibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
I've been meaning to read this book for years but kept getting distracted by other demands. But my dear friend Kylee sent me a link this week and insisted that it would fall weightier after reading the book. http://tonycampolo.org/for-the-record-tony-campolo-releases-a-new-statement/#.VXXfT5NVikp It's encouraging to see people who are thoughtfully wrestling with their theology and who are willing to change their minds in order to pursue what they now see as true. This book is a reminder that one of the greatest powers is in personal story-telling; you can disagree with someone's theology or worldview or choices, but you can't deny someone's story. Stories don't justify a theology or worldview, but they do force you to confront your own. Justin's vulnerability and bravery in sharing his story has already changed (and I believe will continue to change) the dialogue in a much needed way.