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matthewabush's review against another edition
4.0
Some good points. I am glad that I learned about the feelings and concerns of gay Christians. I would like to do more research on his points he made about Bible verses that reference gay relations.
yvsmovingcastle's review
5.0
I was really impressed by this book. Mostly with Lee's bravery and conviction in the face of painful and confusing obstacles that turned his life upside down, but also with his grace in the face of people who hurt him. As a straight Christian I have seen the us-vs-them conflict surrounding gays in the church but never really understood the impact it had until now.
Just today there was a response from TV host Ellen to vitriolic garbage from a Christian minister on her agenda to promote lesbianism on her show (among other things). (Her response was fabulous btw). But this guys words were horrid and not at all a reflection of the gospel or Christ's message.
That's why I think books like this one are so important in helping the church understand how it is unintentionally destroying lives and faith through misinformation and ignorance. Even though I have gay friends and family I never really knew what it was like to be different, to be a minority. I personally think every Christian should read this.
On a technical note, Lee's writing is fluid and his story is compelling, making it an easy read.
Just today there was a response from TV host Ellen to vitriolic garbage from a Christian minister on her agenda to promote lesbianism on her show (among other things). (Her response was fabulous btw). But this guys words were horrid and not at all a reflection of the gospel or Christ's message.
That's why I think books like this one are so important in helping the church understand how it is unintentionally destroying lives and faith through misinformation and ignorance. Even though I have gay friends and family I never really knew what it was like to be different, to be a minority. I personally think every Christian should read this.
On a technical note, Lee's writing is fluid and his story is compelling, making it an easy read.
kristensreadingnook's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book overflowing with grace. I don’t agree with all of the conclusions that Justin Lee came to, but I am so impressed by the gracious way he presented multiple sides of the “gay vs Christian” debate. He gives a lot of food for thought in this book and I appreciate how open and honest he was knowing there would surely be backlash from the Christian community.
drbobcornwall's review against another edition
5.0
Justin Lee writes a straight forward, thoughtful, auto-biographical response to the question of whether one can be Christian and Gay. Justin's roots in the Southern Baptist Church and his desire to stay true to a biblical understanding of the Christian faith while acknowledging that he is also gay offers a helpful testament to to those struggling with the issue. I think this book can have a powerful effect in building bridges within the church between those who are theologically conservative and those who believe that the church should be welcoming -- fully -- of gays.
For a longer review see my blog: http://www.bobcornwall.com/2012/12/torn-rescuing-gospel-from-gays-vs.html
Thanks Justin for this contribution.
For a longer review see my blog: http://www.bobcornwall.com/2012/12/torn-rescuing-gospel-from-gays-vs.html
Thanks Justin for this contribution.
brendaclay's review against another edition
5.0
This book arrived on my doorstep the same day DOMA and Prop 8 were repealed. Talk about timely. From page one, I was riveted. By sharing his own story bravely and honestly, Justin Lee stands as proof that you can be gay AND a Christian. In the context of his personal journey, he examines evangelical "ex-gay" programs, the difference between orientation and behavior, the problem with "love the sinner, hate the sin," the real meat of what the Bible says on these issues, and much more. I have reservations about some of his conclusions, and think there's more to this Biblically than just the verses that speak directly about homosexuality. However, I feel a growing compassion for gay people of all faiths and non-faiths, and have wished for a way for gays and Christians to be on the same "side." This book points us toward that way.
Most of all, I related deeply to Justin's heart as he struggled to reconcile his unwanted homosexuality with his devout faith. While I'm straight as can be, I went through a similar emotional and spiritual process when I got divorced. I consumed every Christian book, sermon, and Biblical commentary I could get my hands on about the topic, ashamed of this new label that I didn't ask for and had actively fought, afraid that I was derailing my life and my testimony. Because of that common experience, I can assure you that whether you agree with Justin or not, he's coming from a place of wanting to honor God, even if it costs him. (This is more personal than I usually get on Goodreads, but I thought it was an important thing to share.)
Bottom line, read Torn. I don't think it's hyperbole to say (along with the book) that the future of the American Church partly rests on how we respond to this issue. It's not going away anytime soon.
Most of all, I related deeply to Justin's heart as he struggled to reconcile his unwanted homosexuality with his devout faith. While I'm straight as can be, I went through a similar emotional and spiritual process when I got divorced. I consumed every Christian book, sermon, and Biblical commentary I could get my hands on about the topic, ashamed of this new label that I didn't ask for and had actively fought, afraid that I was derailing my life and my testimony. Because of that common experience, I can assure you that whether you agree with Justin or not, he's coming from a place of wanting to honor God, even if it costs him. (This is more personal than I usually get on Goodreads, but I thought it was an important thing to share.)
Bottom line, read Torn. I don't think it's hyperbole to say (along with the book) that the future of the American Church partly rests on how we respond to this issue. It's not going away anytime soon.
kealex02's review against another edition
5.0
Every Christian should read this book. Justin's story is one that can change the world, and we need more stories like his. His view on the gays-vs-Christians debate is based on a love of God, Jesus, people, and scripture, and his generosity towards the church and Christians who didn't treat him so well was striking. The last chapter outlines seven things we must focus on "if we want to see the church become what God ha called her to be" is especially helpful for church and ministry leaders--as well as Christians everywhere--in responding to all people with love, grace, and generosity. I highly recommend.
finalefile's review against another edition
4.0
If you're like me, you probably grew up hearing or reading some misinformation about gay people from other Christians. Maybe you heard that they are all promiscuous, or that they could just choose not to be gay, or they were abused as children. Author Justin Lee heard all these things too, but he knew they weren't true, because he was a model Christian teen...who happened to be gay. This book follows Justin's journey toward better understanding both his sexual orientation and his religious beliefs. In the end, he states that no matter your opinion on gay people, what's most important is loving and accepting your friends, family, and the people in your church. He also demonstrates this in the outreach he has done through the Gay Christian Network.
I think this is a great book to read as a companion to God and the Gay Christian and/or God Believes in Love. While those two books focus more on specific why Christians should support and accept LGBT people, Torn is a much more personal story.
I think this is a great book to read as a companion to God and the Gay Christian and/or God Believes in Love. While those two books focus more on specific why Christians should support and accept LGBT people, Torn is a much more personal story.
lisaz1967's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Growing up as a Christian, homosexuality was a big no no. This man’s account of growing up a Christian and realizing he was gay is an eye opening and interesting read. Definitely worth the read. Even if we don’t agree on everything, we can love each other.
caseygoesoutside's review against another edition
5.0
This might be my favorite book that I’ve ever read. I cried several times reading it. I feel like I just read a book about myself, except about 10 years in the future (as a freshman in college). I would recommend this to ANYONE- gay, Christian, a gay Christian, a parent, a child, anyone. In fact, I’ve already recommended it to many people despite only having finished it a few minutes ago.
lavenderviolin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Bullying, and Homophobia
Minor: Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Biphobia, Eating disorder, Hate crime, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, and Toxic relationship