Torn
Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate
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4.7 • 116 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Newly revised and updated!
An evangelical Christian examines the impact of sexuality, the LGBTQ+ movement, and the future of the church in this thoughtful, deeply researched guide to navigating and mending the social and political division in our families and churches.
Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, Lee knew that he was called to a life in evangelical Christian ministry. But questions about his own sexuality forced him to rethink his “love the sinner, hate the sin” approach, sending him on a journey to better understand the Bible, the science, and the history of the church’s gay debate—eventually leading him to become one of the most respected voices on the subject on both sides of the divide.
Filled with personal stories and careful research, Torn provides insightful, practical guidance for all committed Christians who wonder how to relate to gay friends or family members—or who struggle with their own sexuality.
Torn has been a trusted resource for over a decade, and this updated edition features new material to address the impact and aftermath of the “ex-gay” movement, gender identity and the broader LGBTQ+ movement, and an updated and expanded look at where the overall affirming Christian movement is going. It also features new practical recommendations for combating the increased polarization that threatens to tear us apart.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Lee, founder of Gay Christian Network, attempts to call a truce in the gays-versus-Christians cultural war with this autobiographical account. His experiences inside Christian communities, including ex-gay ministries, have convinced Lee that the church is hampering its own best intentions. The nondoctrinaire approach he offers, through examples and concrete suggestions, requires both sides to allow greater space for differing viewpoints and more open listening. He argues that gays need to be more welcoming to the religious, including gay celibates. On the other side, Christians need to change an approach that casts sexual minorities as sinners by definition and fixates on changing or healing. His tactics might seem too gentle for more radical aspirations, but his tone radiates a genuine concern and belief in progress through slow, personal evolution. The lens of one gay Christian's life helps bring home the political message, and Lee's willingness to admit that both sides have good intentions provides a much needed break from the rancor of the debate. Both LGBT individuals and Christians will benefit from the modeling of a kinder, more accommodating navigation of this culture war.
Customer Reviews
Changed my life...
This book helped me understand a lot about myself and the church. Thank you Justin for sharing your story that made me feel like I was in your shoes growing up. What an inspiration to us all... Every Christian on either side who has questions about this issue would better understand it by reading this book!
A Must Read for those wishing to serve Christ.
Thoughtful & intelligent. This book offers an insight to a minority inside a minority. It has taken me almost two decades to reach the point that this young man arrived at over a few years.
As a gay Christian who had lost all trust in the church's ability or even desire to know the real me. I find hope in the work that is being done to open communication between the LGBT & faith communities. I pray that the Lord will guild both sides to understanding & compassion for each other.
Torn
Wow! I don't know that I have ever read a more powerful book. This is an absolute must-read for everyone who has struggled with their feelings towards Christianity in today's world.