Torn by Justin Lee

Description from Amazon:  

As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, he knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry. But Lee harbored a secret: He also knew that he was gay. In this groundbreaking book, Lee recalls the events - his coming out to his parents, his experiences with the "ex-gay" movement, and his in-depth study of the Bible - that led him, eventually, to self-acceptance.

But more than just a memoir, 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. Convinced that "in a culture that sees gays and Christians as enemies, gay Christians are in a unique position to bring peace," Lee demonstrates that people of faith on both sides of the debate can respect, learn from, and love one another.

My thoughts:

I love how easy of read this was.  I could not put it down.  I read it in record time.  I could relate to the story of Justin and at times felt myself saying me too!  I recommend this book to any gay christian out there.  Though there was times that I thought hard about where I stand on things, any great book will make you do this.  I love the ease Justin has on it.  

I love how also he reminds us to walk and act in grace.  So often we forget to.  Overall I give this book a five star rating!

Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships by Karen R. Keen

Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships

by Karen R. Keen

Description

WHEN IT COMES TO SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS, this book by Karen Keen contains the most thoughtful, balanced, biblically grounded discussion you’re likely to encounter anywhere. With pastoral sensitivity and respect for biblical authority, Keen breaks through current stalemates in the debate surrounding faith and sexual identity.

The fresh, evenhanded reevaluation of Scripture, Christian tradition, theology, and science in Keen’s Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships will appeal to both traditionalist and progressive church leaders and parishioners, students of ethics and biblical studies, and gay and lesbian people who often feel painfully torn between faith and sexuality.

This is my review of this book.  I really enjoyed it and found much of it very interesting.  Reading the different views and ways of dealing with same-sex relationships.  At first, I thought it was a book that would deter me from being gay or try to talk me out of it, but as I read, no it actually strengthened my relationship to God and secured my feelings.

I will say this, be prepared to look up words as Karen does use some words that are not every day terminology.  I found myself asking google many times what a word meant.  I like to think as myself as well educated, but this book tried that.

I personally recommend this book to any one who is trying to come to terms with either their own sexual identity or someone trying to move from traditional teaching that same-sex relations are wrong to accepting and maybe even affirming.  

I believe in this book so much that I am writing this while I still have yet one chapter to go.  Pick it up today at this link.  Enjoy!

Book Review: What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality by Daniel A. Helminiak

Here is what Amazon says about this book: 

Does God's word in the Bible really condemn homosexuality?...... Top scholars--like the late John Boswell of Yale, Daniel Boyarin of Berkeley, Bernadette Brooten of Brandeis, L.William Countryman of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, Victor P. Furnish of SMU, Saul M. Olyan of Brown and Robin Scruggs of Union Theological Seminary--show that those who perceive Bible passages as condemning homosexuality are being misled by faulty translation and poor interpretation...... Danial A. Helminiak, Ph.D. respected theologian, and Roman Catholic priest explain in a clear fashion the fascinating new insights of these scholars...... The Bible has been used to justify slavery, inquisitions, apartheid and the subjugation of women. Now, in this book which has sold over 100 thousand copies, read what the Bible really says about homosexuality.

Here is what I say about it:

I really enjoyed this book.  It was very informative and had an easy flow about it.  I also like how the author makes notes about each source in the end.  I found myself not wanting to put this book down.  I recommend it to anyone that wants to know more about the Bible and its' views on homosexuality.  Very good book!

Book Review - Quench! refreshing devotionals by gay, trans, and affirming Christians – December 1, 2009 by Rev. Jeff Miner (Author), John Tyler Connoley (Author), Keith J. Phillips (Author), Steve Adams (Author), & 12 more

This is not your typical book of daily devotions!

Join this unique group of writers in daily meditation, and quench your spiritual thirst with heart-felt, real-world reflections by fellow Christians who are lesbian, gay, transgender, straight and affirming, lay and clergy. You will find yourself never thirsty with the living water poured out in Quench!

Each of the 100 entries in this book has three parts:

Today's Scripture. After you read the day's passage, we recommend you take some time to meditate on it and ask yourself, What might God be saying to me from this? Does any word, phrase, or idea stand out? It may help to summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two before reading on.

Our Thoughts. The authors will share what they have taken from the scripture.

Thought for the Day. This is something you can take with you, to remember and ponder throughout the day.

This is really a unique book!  I have enjoyed the entries I have read so far.  It does not have daily entries like a normal daily devotional, but you can treat each one daily.  Now you do have to have your Bible with you as the scriptures are not printed in it.  One thing I found as a down fall as I wanted to keep it at the office, but that is okay.  It allows me to get better acquainted with my Bible again.

I really love how each passage makes you think.  It is thought provoking and brings you to question things you may have not thought of before.  If you are looking for something that brings you closer to God and makes you really think about things, this is the book for you!

Book Review The Word Is Out: Daily Reflections on the Bible for Lesbians and Gay Men January, 1999 by Chris Glaser (Author)

Glaser defines The Word as an intimate, loving encounter with God. Through reflection on the Bible in the light of the particular experience of lesbians and gay men, that Word may emerge and embrace a community that the church has often rejected. Each entry of this year-long daily devotional begins with a scripture verse and concludes with a prayer or affirmation.

Okay, I normally don't review a book till I have read a book all the way through, but this book is not a normal book.  It truly is a daily devotional book and so far, I am enjoying it.  I am a few days into it and it is very good.  It may have been written in 1999, but it stands true with today's time.

I had been looking for one and this book is just one of my daily devotional books.  I highly recommend it!

Loves God Likes Girls by Sally Gary Book Review

I would not say that this book is about being gay as much as it is about a daughter finding a relationship with her dad and her need to fit in with people.  I thought that there would be more on her struggle of being gay, but found that to be just a small tiny part of the book.

Did I enjoy it? Yes!  I could relate to many things she talked about, like not fitting in.  Yet I would not give this book to someone just starting out in learning about homosexuality.  If you are looking for a good read, give this a shot.

Video by the author of Loves God, Likes Girls by Sally Gary

This is the author of the next book I am reading that soon I will do a review on.

Book Review - The Bible's Yes to Same-Sex Marriage by Mark Achetember

Though I am not done with this book, only half way through it.  I thought I would give a quick review.  I am impressed that this book does not just rehash the scriptures that we are used to hearing about when it comes to same sex relationships.

Mark looks at many aspects from marriage to having children to the aspects of Christ's teachings on love.  I recommend this book for those that want to have a deeper understanding and know more about scripture and how it talks about one person's experience from being stone cold against same sex marriage to one that now stands with the LGBT community.

Now true, Mark had some help in this because he got to know people in the community and realized that harm was being done by condemning a person, but it is his study of scripture that ultimately changed his mind.

It is not a light read, but a very informative one.  Enjoy!