Affirming
A Memoir of Faith, Sexuality, and Staying in the Church
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- 22,99 €
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- 22,99 €
Publisher Description
What is it like to discover that something you’ve believed all your life might be wrong?
Sally Gary knew since her early adulthood that she was attracted to women. But as a devoted Christian, she felt there was no way to fully embrace this aspect of her identity while remaining faithful. Now, as she prepares to marry the love of her life, she’s ready to speak out about why—and how—her perspective changed.
In this deeply personal memoir, Sally traces the experiences, conversations, and scriptural reading that culminated in her seeing her sexuality as something that made sense within the context of her faith—not outside of it or in opposition to it. Along the way, she addresses specific aspects of her journey that will resonate with many other gay Christians: the loneliness and isolation of her previously celibate life, the futile attempts she made to resist or even “change” her sexual orientation, and the fear of intimacy that followed a lifetime of believing same-sex relationships were sinful.
Sally’s story—one of heritage, learning, courage, and love—is written especially for the generations of LGBTQ Christians after her who are questioning whether they can stay part of the church they call home. It’s a resounding reminder that, just like Sally’s own heart, things can change, and sometimes, when we earnestly search for the truth, we find it in the most unexpected places.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Gary follows up her memoir Loves God, Likes Girls with this illuminating testament that argues faith communities should be more accepting of LGBTQ members and invites readers to recognize that, for many LGBTQ people, sexual and romantic relationships are an essential part of life. Growing up in the Church of Christ during the 1960s and '70s, where sexuality was taboo and "talking about homosexuality was unheard of, unless it involved hateful condemnation or jokes," Gary was confused by her attraction to girls. After she came out at 35, Gary writes, she wrestled with how to reconcile her faith with her sexuality, and, as covered in her previous memoir, came to the conclusion that, while God accepted her, she was called to be celibate. Here, Gary explains her change of opinion about living in a "faithful covenant" with another woman, and uses her story to consider the Christian practice of radical hospitality (which is about "welcoming strangers, people who don't fit in with the rest of society"), the role of scripture in understanding sexuality and sin (which evangelicals interpret to instill "the myth that... someone who is gay has rebelled against God"), and the importance of relationships. In the end, she challenges Christians to reckon with the damage done by anti-LGBTQ beliefs and practices. "What if LGBTQ people never had to worry about not being wanted?" she asks. "What if was directed toward deepening their relationship with God?" Gary's surprising, forthright story uncovers the damage of anti-LGBTQ religious beliefs and policies.
