"Gender as Love" (Fellipe do Vale)

TITLE: Gender as Love: A Theological Account of Human Identity, Embodied Desire, and Our Social Worlds
AUTHOR: Fellipe do Vale
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2024, (272 pages).
 

One of the biggest contentions today in the Church has to do with gender. In the past, there used to be constant debates about what it meant to be male or female, and what roles they were supposed to be playing. Then we have the feminist movement that pushes back against male dominance. Those issues remain active in many parts of society but are increasingly eclipsed by debates surrounding multi-gendered definitions and nuanced multi-dimensionally. Today, the line between male and female is increasingly blurred. The core issue is not sexuality but what it means to be human. Realizing that gender issues are becoming more divisive each day, we need to have a way to talk about these matters rationally and theologically. Thus, this book probes the biblical understanding of gender sexuality and tries to make sense of it in an increasingly complex social construct today. Simply put, it is to shed light on the question: "What is gender?" and How do we understand gender theologically? With so many different theological interpretations today, how do we do "theological theology?" Author-Professor Fellipe do Vale kicks off by laying out the categories in terms of two "bifurcations":

1. Divisive Philosophy: Between proponents of gender as "Essence" vs that as "Social Construct."
2. Divided Theology (Methodological): One anchored on modern academic discipline and the other on traditional beliefs.

"Beautiful Union" (Joshua Ryan Butler)

TITLE: Beautiful Union: How God's Vision for Sex Points Us to the Good, Unlocks the True, and (Sort of) Explains Everything
AUTHOR: Joshua Ryan Butler
PUBLISHER: New York, NY: Multnomah Press, 2023, (288 pages).
 

Sex is beautiful. It is also sacred. When God created the human race, he was highly pleased. When sin entered the world, all hell broke loose. Whatever God had created became corrupted or tainted with sin. Sex is one of them. Just like how Adam and Eve allowed sin to turn their innocence into shame, more often than not, sex had negative connotations. What God had created as good and beautiful, descended into something people are generally ashamed of. So, they hide. They say that sex talk equals promiscuity. They presume that any thoughts of sexuality or sexual act are "dirty" until proven otherwise. We need a healthy correction to this beautiful gift of God. This book is an attempt to do just that. It studies the intent of God's gift, the beauty, the mystery, and the vision God has for us. In other words, sex is a beautiful thing from God and we need to recover this beauty culturally, mentally, and theologically. Butler first looks at the way modern culture has corrupted the original meaning and intent of sex. He compares the biblical and cultural use of language to describe sex. One of the distinctions is how the Bible does not shy away from the description, unlike the way modern culture treats the subject. Perhaps, this has something to do with the way sin has triggered the human tendency to hide things that they perceive as inherently shameful. Butler then makes his case by boldly pushing back against the cultural norms with two words: Generosity and Hospitality. Taking on biblical boldness, he tries to connect sex with the nature of grace. Using complementary language, one party receives while the other gives. Butler makes a theological stretch (albeit a stretch too far), to cement the roles of each gender into the giving and receiving metaphor. He spends some time describing what union is and why it is beautiful. Going back to the umbrella of God's creation, sex is indeed a beautiful gift from God. Freedom and grace accompany this beautiful gift. Using God's identity as the Triune God, he shows us how we are made to belong to one another. He then goes on to describe and also redeem words deemed taboo, like "orgasm," "making love," "semen," "vagina," etc. He also covers topics with regard to abortion, adultery, birth control, diversity, divorce, singleness, gay-sex, "the leave and cleave gospel," and the dangers of "cheap sex," the "sexual prosperity gospel," the latter being the comparison between purity keeping and legalism. In that aspect, I think Butler has given us lots of food for thought on how to think about such issues from a biblical standpoint.

"When Children Come Out" (Mark A. Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets)

TITLE: When Children Come Out: A Guide for Christian Parents
AUTHOR: Mark A. Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2022, (193 pages).
 

Activists hold annual parades to celebrate their sexual orientation. Politicians flaunt their support to garner votes. Many organizations have also enshrined gender equality for all forms of self-identified sexualities. For all the public acceptance, there are still some in the private sphere who are more reserved. For various reasons, there are issues surrounding sexual orientations that individual families and communities need to grapple with. One of the most challenging situations have to deal with conservative parents whose children confess their homosexual orientations, same-sex attractions, or the umbrella term LGBTQ+. This is popularly known as "coming out." Thus the title of this book is essentially about journeying with parents, especially conservative ones, in such situations. How do we nuance our understanding of sexuality without compromising on our biblical faith? How do we communicate such sensitive topics? How do we deal with the experiences from the stage of awareness to the stage of discovery or disclosure? Based on statistical studies as well as personal interviews, authors Mark Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets have written this book to guide parents through these stages to facilitate dialogue and mutual understanding. Two parallel journeys are of interest. One of the parents and the other of the child coming out. The focus of this book is on the former. The authors walk us through the process of awareness; seeking help; maintaining the relationship; impact on faith; and how parents can come to terms with reality. Toward the end of the book, there is a chapter about how the Church can help. 

"Christians in a Cancel Culture" (Joe Dallas)

TITLE: Christians in a Cancel Culture: Speaking with Truth and Grace in a Hostile World
AUTHOR: Joe Dallas
PUBLISHER: Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2021, (208 pages).

Opposition to the gospel is nothing new. It could be direct persecution, like in the Early Church. It could also be indirect insinuation in the form of cynical comments or sarcasm. Both forms of hostility are alive and well today. While physical persecution happens mostly in closed countries like North Korea, open criticism and condemnation occur daily whenever Christians attempt to speak against worldly values. In the 60s, when Christians speak about a Christian perspective of a particular issue, it was generally accepted in a "business as usual" manner. Then comes the 90s culture of cynicism, where the same issues in the past need to be defended. Apologists grew in number as more people attempted to engage a generation of cynicism. Today, the tide has been turned completely around that Christians no longer can speak about such issues freely. Their rights to expressing the same views of the past are increasingly being "canceled." Author Joe Dallas has been observing such a "cancel culture" trend. He sees how Big Tech is playing the role of censorship to "streamline" views they deem unsuitable. At the same time, they are lenient toward those who mirror their views and "cancel" those who don't. While the natural instinct is to fight back forcefully, Dallas gently guides us toward a loving rational response. Convicted that the Bible today is alive, relevant, and potent, the primary purpose of this book is to equip Christians with skills to respond with grace in a hostile climate. The first five chapters provide some background on the formidable challenges of today that tend to blackmail Christians into silence. The second part of the book focuses on the knowledge of biblical truths and wisdom about rules of engagement. For thirty years, the author had encountered countless opposition and he shares from his wealth of real-world experience. 

"Marriage, Scripture, and the Church" (Darrin W. Snyder Belousek)

TITLE: Marriage, Scripture, and the Church: Theological Discernment on the Question of Same-Sex Union
AUTHOR: Darrin W. Snyder Belousek
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2021, (352 pages).

How do we deal with the issue of same-sex marriage? Should the Church bless same-sex union as marriage? How do we deal with the growing divide between those who support and those who do not? These issues continue to split the Church all over the world. Do we take each Bible verse on the topic and start espousing how right we are and how wrong the other view is? Do we use such passages to hammer down the other party into submission? How is it possible for both sides to say that they are biblical and yet arrive at different conclusions of the same matter? With regard to same-sex union, the debate continues to rage. Feeling the tensions in his own Church as well, author and Professor Darrin W Snyder Belousek re-examines the common approaches done so far and proposes three key thrusts in dealing with these questions. First, he ties the issue of sexuality with marriage. How one deals with the topic of marriage will directly affect our interpretation of same-sex, and vice-versa. He brings in the examples of how Jesus deals with questions about divorce and the "three-faceted reality of marriage." Positively, the Bible sees marriage as likened to Christ as groom and the Church as the bride. Negatively, infidelity destroys such a nuptial union. The author also asserts that all three major branches of Christian tradition: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant have always taught marriage as man-woman monogamy. He pits the teachings of the patristics and the forefathers of the faith against modern scholars like David Gushee, Dale Martin, Robert Son, James Brownson, Mark Achtemeier, and so on. He brings in arguments for both sides before presenting theological conclusions. 

"Holy Sexuality and the Gospel" (Christopher Yuan)

TITLE: Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story
AUTHOR: Christopher Yuan
PUBLISHER: Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook & Multnomah, 2018, (256 pages).

One of the biggest issues in our modern world is in the area of human sexuality, in particular, homosexuality. This topic has divided many parts of society. Whether it is between tradition and modern convention; older generation vs younger generation; East vs West; or any distinctive people group, it is a controversy that has torn apart many relationships. For Christians and the Church, it hits home at the heart when members of our Church or even our families confess they are gay. Even the theological community has been split in the interpretations or re-appropriation of the Bible verses that speak about homosexuality. Even love has many different definitions and expectations. For many, it is a theoretical and theological exploration on what God is saying with regard to homosexuality. For others, it is using the Bible to defend what they believe in. However, for those who are trapped in the middle, it could be arduous and tormenting. In 1993, author Christopher Yuan announced to his parents that he is gay. Due to his family's conservative Asian background, it is particularly hard on their relationship. Worse, Yuan after coming out into the open about his sexuality, his new found "freedom" led him to some destructive behaviour including promiscuity, illicit drug use, drug peddling, and unbelief. He was subsequently caught and jailed. This was the moment that forced Yuan to spend more time reading and praying over the Bible's teachings. Right thinking must come before any intentions. Any relevance or pragmatism must never come at the price of Truth. This book is Yuan's personal journey to discover this Truth, believing that "right knowing" comes before any action or behaviour. 

"Emerging Gender Identities" (Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky)

TITLE: Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today's Youth
AUTHOR: Mark Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2020, (256 pages).

The issue of gender identities is one of the most controversial topics in our cultures today. With political lobbying, gender identity is increasingly becoming a political tool. Some even use science to prove their point of view. Others blame it on psychological profiles while still others point to genetic makeup, questioning links between chromosomes and emotional well-being. It is becoming a confusing array of opinions and arguments. What used to be clearly male and female is not so clear today. There are accusations of liberal gender-switching as well as confusion over what exactly is gender. Some take the scientific approach to try to make sense of gender confusion. This may pass the chromosomal tests raises doubts about their direct relevance to emotional attachments. The notion of gender being classified either binary or not is increasingly challenged even as society grows more tolerant with gender definitions that transcend conventional thinking. For authors Yarhouse and Sadusky, they call it nuancing gender identities. One of the key ideas is "gender dysphoria" which zooms out of gender identity discussions and zooms into the "distress experienced" by the persons. In other words, the authors propose addressing the emotional distress so that we could discuss "alternative gender" instead of "assigned gender." They cite studies about such emerging gender identities to highlight the need to go beyond mere binary assumptions. Research suggests distinguishing "biological sex, gender identity, and sexuality." Gender identity is sometimes not assigned per se but applied using political force to the point that transgenderism has become an umbrella term to cover all non-binary interpretations of gender. In order to clarify what gender identities are, one needs to be free from the political pressure to conform to certain expectations. This means we need to understand how political pressure leads to public identity; and factors such as the sexual revolution, feminist movements, deconstruction of sex, and others.

"Speaking of Homosexuality" (Joe Dallas)

TITLE: Speaking of Homosexuality: Discussing the Issues with Kindness and Clarity
AUTHOR: Joe Dallas
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, (256 pages).

Homosexuality has become one of the most controversial and divisive issue this century. As more societies legalize same-sex marriages and impose harsh punishment on any forms of discrimination against homosexuals, it is becoming very risky for anybody to say anything negative about homosexuality. Witty politicians would be quick to praise gay rights and to march alongside pride parades. A lot of news media would pounce on any objections to the flaunting of homosexuality. Homosexuality has become mainstream, even as traditional understanding of biblical Christianity gets marginalized to the sidelines. As experienced by the author who used to identify himself as a gay Christian arguing for the acceptance of homosexuality, his turnaround has a nasty pushback from the very gay friends he formerly identified with. The very pro-gay parties he used to support has turned hostile against him when he no longer believe that homosexuality was ok. The major line drawn was this: "Is homosexuality a sin?" Say no and he would be welcome with open arms. Say yes and he would be branded a bigot, a homophobic, or some nasty adjective. Standing up against gay activists is a path very few people dare to nowadays. The challenge laid out in this book is this: How do we navigate our relationship with gay people without compromising on what the Bible say?

"Counter-Culture, Revised Edition" (David Platt)

TITLE: Counter Culture: Following Christ in an Anti-Christian Age
AUTHOR: David Platt
PUBLISHER: Carol Stream IL: Tyndale-Momentum, 2017, (320 pages).

The world we live in is increasingly anti-Christian. Many of the traditional beliefs are being challenged. Literal understanding of the Bible is being pushed back by liberal inclinations. Same-sex marriages are not only becoming a right for many, some circles even see it as the norm and marriage as something less than ideal. It creates a false impression that what is termed legal is legitimate. Those who hold on to orthodox beliefs are becoming ostracized and ridiculed for being old-fashioned. How do we speak the truth in love? What does it mean to live as believers in an increasingly unbelieving world? What do we do with split opinions and old paradigms being overturned with erroneous thinking? For author David Platt, following Christ is increasingly becoming a call to live counter-culturally. Concerned with the tendency of many believers to flee or take flight of challenging circumstances, he exhorts us to risk it because it is worth it. Platt writes that this book is about:

"helping us think through how to live out that gospel in our lives, families, and churches in an age of sexual confusion, legal abortion, rampant materialism, violent racism, escalating refugee crises, diminishing religious liberties, and a number of other significant social issues. This book is about refusing to retreat from these realities, instead choosing to face them with a fearless faith that is full of hope in Christ and free to love even those who would belittle Christian belief."

"Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting" (Sam Serio)

TITLE: Sensitive Preaching to the Sexually Hurting
AUTHOR: Sam Serio
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2016, (208 pages).

It has been said that preachers generally have two tasks in their preaching. They need to speak in a way that afflicts the comfortable and comforts the afflicted. The Holy Spirit often uses powerful preaching to do wonders and convicts the complacent. With regard to gentle care, encouragement, and comfort, it calls for sensitive preaching. In this book, the focus is on recognizing the presence of hurt and pain in the congregation gathered each week and to work on three stages of preparation:

1. The Heart of the Preacher
2. The Message
3. The Future

First and foremost, it is about the heart of the preacher. This means opening one'e eyes to the reality of hurting and to establish empathy with the people sitting at the pews. No empathy, no connection. No connection, no relevance in the preaching. One key area is sexuality. While it is good to talk about the ideals and the perfection God requires, truth is, many are sexually hurting in many different ways. There are those who felt guilt because of casual sex, abortion, or some past sexual assaults. There are those who had suffered rape, same-sex attraction, and unnatural sexual feelings. There are also victims of abuse and addicts to pornography and prostitution. Most worrying of all, these remain hidden from others, to the point that one often hurts or suffers alone. How can the minister speak into all of these? It begins with realization that this world is far more broken than we think. Author Sam Serio notes that preachers are often preach in a "negligent or negative" way. Instead, they are to open their eyes not only to the harvest but also to the personal "wreckage" for the person(s) sitting at the pews. It is a tough balancing act to convict at times and to comfort at other times. The key question Serio poses is:

"People to be Loved" (Preston Sprinkle)

TITLE: People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue
AUTHOR: Preston Sprinkle
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015, (224 pages).

There is little doubt that the topic of homosexuality has split Christians and churches in many parts of the world. Every denomination has their controversial splits. Every theological institution has members, faculty, and students with strong views on both sides. Many books have been written from both sides. Some try to take the middle ground and received criticisms. Others advocate their views strongly and receive equally strong push backs. Along with the various authors views, there are multiple support and opponents from publishers, readers to casual commentators. Many try to see the matter as simple and clear cut as possible but to no avail. Instead of a polemical approach against either side, author Preston Sprinkle decides to build bridges through understanding and honest appreciation of each view. He points out the strengths and weaknesses of both sides and the ways they interpret the biblical passages. In doing so, he turns what is potentially a contentious issue into a conversational style engagement without coercing anyone from compromising their stand. Calling homosexuality not just an "issue," Sprinkle highlights the greater importance: People. In reading this book, we learn that it is not the answer but the search for truth and more importantly, the way we argue out our views that represent the better way forward.  There is no point in winning any argument and losing our friends (or foes).

"Dwelling in the Land" (Jeanette Howard)

TITLE: Dwelling in the Land: Bringing Same-Sex Attraction Under the Lordship of Christ
AUTHOR: Jeanette Howard
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2015, (288 pages).

Gay marriage may have been legalized throughout the United States. It may have become the norm in many parts of Western society and others. It may also have been accepted in various religions and churches. Yet, it remains a contentious issue in many churches. Some churches insist on therapy for homosexuals, believing that spiritual healing is needed for such conditions. Others insist on re-interpreting biblical texts to make it more acceptable for same-sex orientations. Still, there are those who do not want to make a stand on such a divisive issue. They can choose celibacy or total abstinence from sex. They can also choose to avoid talking about the topic altogether. Almost all Church denominations have become split over this matter. What about those who believe that the biblical does not support homosexuality and yet experience some form of same-sex attraction (SSA)? This book is about one who openly admits her homosexual tendencies and yet believes that the Bible does not support homosexual acts. It is about the honest struggles personally and biblically. With regard to SSA, the strategy is not elimination but re-orientation. This book is the story of one who has gone through that and is sharing her experience, her knowledge, and also her pain.

"What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality?" (Kevin DeYoung)

TITLE: What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?
AUTHOR: Kevin DeYoung
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Crossway Publishers, 2015, (160 pages).

Many people claim that the Bible speaks specifically about homosexuality by simply quoting the few popular verses. Not many offer to begin by asking the fundamental question, "What does the Bible really teach about everything?" This is what author and pastor, Kevin DeYoung did. He goes back to the beginning of creation, the Fall, the land, the temple, the coming Messiah, and the expectant future of a new heaven and new earth. He points out that the Bible is not about God giving us a lecture about homosexuality. Rather, it is learning to see what the Bible really focus on before we even talk about homosexuality. Having said that, he makes this statement about the book, that it is a "Christian book, with a narrow focus, defending a traditional view of marriage." In other words, DeYoung is writing from a Christian point of view. He is exploring the way the Bible verses talk about homosexuality. It is about defending the traditional view of marriage as between a man and a woman. Aware of the contentious subject, he addresses three groups of potential readers. The first group is the already convinced where he aims to remind them to argue respectfully and appropriately. This means learning to recognize one's sinfulness and imperfections too. The second group are the skeptics or contentious, where he hopes will argue strictly on biblical grounds rather than on charged up emotions. The third group are the confused or those who just do not know how to respond.

"Spiritual Friendship" (Wesley Hill)

TITLE: Spiritual Friendship: Finding Love in the Church as a Celibate Gay Christian
AUTHOR: Wesley Hill
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2015, (160 pages).

Must all relationships be sexual in one way or another? Is there a place for celibacy in the modern debate over homosexuality? Can there be genuine friendships without any sexual connotations?More importantly, is there a place for friendship in spite of one's sexual orientation? According to Wesley Hill who is celibate and also gay, the answer is yes. In this book about spiritual friendship, Hill attempts to show us that friendship is "the freest, the least constrained, the least fixed and determined, of all human loves" and "entirely voluntary, uncoerced, and unencumbered by any sense of duty or debt."  He believes that friendship must stand alone and above all kinds of opinions or prejudices. He sees Simon bearing Jesus' cross as "an icon of friendship." He separates the idea of sexual attraction from the development of true spiritual friendship. Having done that, he moves toward distilling the essence of spiritual friendship based on acceptance, grace, and love. Hill believes that the gospel says "No" to same-sex relationships but "Yes" to spiritual friendship that is not necessarily sexual in any way. This sets him on a path to finding out love as a celibate and spiritual friendship without sexual implications.

"Counter Culture" (David Platt)

TITLE: Counter Culture: A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture in a World of Poverty, Same-Sex Marriage, Racism, Sex Slavery, Immigration, Abortion, Persecution, Orphans and Pornography
AUTHOR: David Platt
PUBLISHER: Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015, (288 pages).

We are living in a culture where popular opinion speaks louder than truth. So says pastor and author of this new book about countering the cultural forces and principalities of today. Without guidance, many Christians are unwittingly letting their silence be a sign of weakness that they are indifferent to the major social issues of today. In fact, Platt takes to task those Christians who are lopsided in their lobbying, shouting on some issues but ignoring other equally if not more important matters. Sometimes, when Christians are being slammed by non-Christians for taking a biblical stand, the rest of the Christian community remain largely silent for fear of being slammed as well. In preferring to take a nonchalant posture, one asks where then is Christian conviction? Where is the courage to speak up? Where is the compassion to work through those victims of social injustice?

The nine issues highlighted are poverty, same-sex marriage, racism, sex slavery, immigration, persecution, abortion, orphans, and pornography. On Poverty, Platt was shocked to see the seriousness of cholera, and other debilitating diseases that the poor were unable to get treatment due to the lack of money. Contrast that with the wealthy part of the world that seems to turn a blind eye to the needs of the poor. The gospel is clear. We are called to do our part to distribute and share the wealth we have with those in need, and not to hoard it for our own consumption. For God, through Jesus has been extravagant in his time and care for the poor and needy. Why are we not following Christ's example? We are then called to live simply, give sacrificially, help constructively, and invest eternally. On Abortion, we need to avoid seeing it as a political issue but a biblical one. For life is sacred. Platt calls abortion a modern holocaust where 42 million unborn babies are terminated each year. He claims that abortion is an "affront to God's sole and sovereign authority" as Creator. Who gives man the right to kill? How can we terminate the creation of God in such a manner? Who gives us the right to determine which baby to live and which to die? He tackles some popular objections like free choice, privacy, and selfish motives.

"Loving My (LGBT) Neighbor" (Glenn T. Stanton)

TITLE: Loving My (LGBT) Neighbor: Being Friends in Grace and Truth
AUTHOR: Glenn T. Stanton
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2014, (208 pages).

Do not let the title of the book hem you in that the book is only about gay matters and relationships to the LGBT community. It is much more. It is about how to relate to people who are different than anyone of us.  It is about making and being friends. For Glenn Stanton, it is about asserting and affirming six fundamental truths laid out right from the start.

1. "Everybody is a human person. No exceptions."
2. "Every human person is of inestimable worth and value, none more than another. No exceptions."
3. "Everyone is deeply and passionately loved by God. No exceptions."
4. "Unfortunately everyone is burdened with a terminal illness: sin. No exceptions."
5. "All, as children of Adam, are tragically separated from God, but this does not diminish God’s boundless love for us. But it does devastatingly hinder our relationship with Him. All of us, no exceptions."
6. "Therefore, everyone is in desperate need of repentance, healing, and a new life which comes only in surrender and submission to Christ. No exceptions."

"The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage" (Mark Achtemeier)

TITLE: The Bible's Yes to Same-Sex Marriage: An Evangelical's Change of Heart
AUTHOR: Mark Achtemeier
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014, (144 pages).

The title of the book already points out what the book is all about. According to Mark Achtemeier, a former lobbyist against ordination of gay and lesbian people, who played a key role in the decision of the PCUSA to ban gay ordination, the book is about how he had a change of heart. Thus, since 1996, he has been trying to reverse the ban. He makes several disclaimers before diving into the details. He is not gay; not struggling with any same-sex attraction; does not have a family member struggling with homosexuality inclinations; conservative and biblically faithful; and writes this book without any external pressures. Writing this book as a story of his own change of heart, he points out that the main reason for his change is due to a re-interpretation of the Bible's teachings.

First, he takes issue with the traditional condemnation of gay relationships. Using examples of real lives of people honestly struggling with sexual orientation but felt repressed by traditionalists, Achtemeier is troubled with people attacking them as not being biblically faithful. He argues that these people can be very biblically sound despite their sexual orientation. Such people have deep convictions of faith that even resemble that of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He laments at how such believers have been forced to leave the Church they loved. He compares these cases with the celibacy requirements imposed by the Roman Catholic Church.What kind of a God would subject these people to such torment? Second, he questions the traditionalists' teachings and interpretations of the Bible, even suggesting the pattern as similar to neo-Nazi supremacist movement; the pro-slavery causes; and lays the blame smack on interpretation that is out of context. More aggressively, he accuses the traditionalists of doing "erroneous readings of biblical law."

"Generous Spaciousness" (Wendy VanderWal-Gritter)

TITLE: Generous Spaciousness: Responding to Gay Christians in the Church
AUTHOR: Wendy VanderWal-Gritter
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2014, (288 pages)

Gay rights and homosexuality matters have become hotly contested issues in many societies. It has split large segments of society into more than two camps. One side is pro-gay while the other side oppose gay agenda. Even religious circles are not spared, with many Christian groups being torn into two over this very issue of homosexuality; the definition and re-definition of marriage; the rights to educate children about heterosexuality and homosexuality; the legal system surrounding this and so on. If anyone is looking for a silver bullet solution, I suggest look elsewhere. While the two groups representing the extreme ends of the homosexuality issue have been very vocal and active, there is a sizeable part of the population that toes the middle ground. This groups asks whether there is a place for both views. They question the pros and cons of both groups represented. They attempt to be as conciliatory as possible and at the same time avoid being misrepresented by others. Unfortunately, voices that offer alternative views apart from the two groups are not able to articulate their position as well. Wendy VanderWal-Gritter calls many of them as offering "proffered answers," which are unsatisfactory and not sufficiently inclusive. Thus, rather than offering another book of that kind, the author introduces this book more as "permission to confront the tensions and air the questions you should ask" so that one can participate in expanding the space for constructive engagement, interaction, and understanding. That is why this book is called "Generous spaciousness."

VanderVal-Gritter begins with a confession so as to clear the decks for open discussion. She admits that she is neither gay, ex-gay, or having any same-sex attraction tendencies. She openly states her belief in the traditional position of marriage being between man and woman. She also shares her experiences of being cornered, even threatened by gay advocates simply because of her stand, so much so that she has become tired of "triumphalistic" behaviours and bigoted attitudes from both sides. She is Executive Director of New Direction Ministries of Canada, a ministry that reaches out to gays and lesbians through understanding and appreciating the tensions they feel. Due to her moderate stance, she was even invited to give a keynote address at Exodus leadership conference, and her take on what it means to minister to ex-gays. Speaking to the conservative circles, she lists three distractions that prevent building bridges of understanding.

1. Causation: where activists try to find the root causes of homosexuality
2. Orientation Change: where groups try to focus on sexuality changes
3. Political Involvement: where groups politicize the whole issue.

"Is God Anti-Gay?" (Sam Allberry)

TITLE: Is God anti-gay? (Questions Christians Ask)
AUTHOR: Sam Allberry
PUBLISHER: New Malden, Surrey, UK: The Good Book Company, 2013, (88 pages).

Hardly a day goes by nowadays without someone somewhere talking about homosexuality. Whether for or against, hate or love, advocate or opponent, one tends to get a sense that the debate will never really be resolved. The opinions are deep and the camps are divided. It is hard to get any consensus apart from the popular "Let's agree to disagree" conclusion. Sometimes, what it requires for greater understanding is do some dissecting of the complexity behind the "presumed facts." At the heart of Sam Allberry's argument is the separation of fact from feeling. In other words, what one feels does not define the person's being. Mere having a Same-Sex Attraction (SSA) is not the same as saying a person is born or created that way. The author is a pastor at St Mary's Church in New Malden, Surrey in England (Corrected: Maidenhead, Berkshire. Thanks Nathan!). He admits he has SSA, but is quick to say that it is not SSA that defines his sexuality, but God. Responding to people's sympathy about it being "hard" to give up homosexuality, Allberry's answer that Jesus' call for disciples to deny themselves, to take up their crosses, and to follow Christ, is much harder. For the gospel demands us to give up not just a part, but "everything."

The short answer to the title of the book is simply: No! The problem with us is that we prefer to live more for ourselves and our preferences rather than for God alone. God loves us, but do we love our own sexuality more than God? Tackling the age-old question of "What does the Bible say about homosexuality?" Allberry gives some biblical basis on how homosexuality affects five areas.

First, the biblical pattern for marriage is between a man and a woman. Two persons become one flesh, that they can be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1-2 shows that God blesses marriage, and sex is for marriage. In fact, all sexual activity outside of marriage is evil. Sexual union produces a form one oneness that is not the same as SSA that uses commitment to bind two persons of the same sex. In other words, sexual union is between a man and a woman within the confines of a heterosexual marriage. Same sex couples can still have commitment and faithfulness to each other, but that is not the same as biblical sexual union. More importantly, human marriage reflects God's grace.

Second, the Bible is not a proof text against homosexuality, although it warns about it. The Old Testament shows that homosexuality is a serious sin, based on the evils committed at Sodom and Gomorrah. Lev 18 and 20; Romans 1; and others have specific prohibitions against homosexuality. Moreover Paul says that homosexual activities are "unnatural." Allberry even says that homosexuality is a sign of God's judgment, that the greatest punishment God can inflict upon us, is to give us exactly what we want. The point is, anyone who speaks against homosexuality needs to speak equally hard on other sins like greed, theft, murder, slander, etc. Biblically, Allberry declares: "God forbids homosexual activity." He also rebuts statements by the gay advocates who often say Jesus never explicitly condemn homosexuality. He also insists that the only other alternative to marriage is celibacy. If that is true, it explains why gay rights groups are insistent on having their same sex unions to have a marriage label.

Third, Allberry writes about Christians who struggle with homosexuality. Again, the point is clear. How one feels is not the same as what God has created one to be. While change is possible, even with sexual orientation, the Bible does not explicitly promise that we get changed now or during our lifetime. Being celibate or chaste are not the only struggles. There is loneliness, isolation, and sexual temptation. Remember that even Paul himself has to deal with a personal thorn in the flesh. The author addresses a helpful distinction in terms of nuancing how one applies the Old Testament prohibitions. One cannot read the Bible and use the same application yardstick to everything the Old Testament says. There are "contours, emphases, and priorities" plus other moral requirements. How Jesus casts new light to some of the moral code is a case in point. 

Four,  it is no secret that the Christian Church is deeply divided over the homosexuality issue. The author supplies tips on what the Church can do when a gay couple comes to their churches; how to support them legitimately; and how to debate about homosexuality.

Five, see the homosexuality debate not as something to be avoided but lovingly engaged with grace. Many non-Christians are watching how Christians play out their disagreements. Other tips include how Christians can share the gospel with gay non-Christians, and how to relate, etc.

So What?

The author of this small book is both realistic about the problem, but also hopeful about the Church's role in bringing about greater understanding among the different groups. Riding on the fact that the gospel is both "relationally costly" as well as "relationally generous," Christians can pattern themselves as being biblically faithful regardless of external critics; and at the same time, be gracious in their relating to dissenting views. As I read this book, I am reminded that while it is easy for Christians who are "straight" to say that homosexuality is a sin, it is much harder for Christians with SSA to say the same thing. After all, it is like saying something very negative about one's favourite sports team, that douses out any flame of support. Allberry humbly submits himself and his own sexual orientation to obedience of the Scriptures. It is so easy to twist and turn Scriptures away from what they say, toward what we want the Scriptures to say. The art of scripture twisting has been around for quite something. Usually, when fervent Bible believers are passionate about anything, they can so easily twist the Bible to say what they want to say.

Not Allberry. Sam Allberry has openly shared about his own struggle with SSA. He has provided his best understanding of what the Bible says about homosexuality. At the same time, he gives laypeople a good and honest approach not only to the homosexuality issue in general, but how to relate to people who are gay in particular. I appreciate his distinction of terms, preferring to use SSA rather than the word "gay," simply because far too many people have lumped up their self-identity with the latter term, forgetting other aspects of themselves. This is one of the most compassionate and honestly written books by one who has personally struggled and still struggling with SSA.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by The Good Book Company and Cross-Focused Reviews without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.