Wow what an absolutely great book! I had high expectations and it was better than I thought. Because there's a lot of authors each chapter reads like Wow what an absolutely great book! I had high expectations and it was better than I thought. Because there's a lot of authors each chapter reads like a mini essay or a medium-length article, which helps to keep it engaging: I read a few back to back each sitting. The variety of authors also makes it hard to summarise. I did have some favourites, of course Pádraig Ó Tuama being on of them. Another advantage is that there are a variety of stories and experiences so many reader will find something they can relate to, be it growing up in a religious environment, or growing up as an LGBTQ+ person, or both....more
This book is really good, but I also found it very unrelatable, so I don't think I will read it again.This book is really good, but I also found it very unrelatable, so I don't think I will read it again....more
This has got to be the go-to book for Christians when it comes to "the gays-vs-Christians debate". Lee is incredibly compassionate and assumes "best iThis has got to be the go-to book for Christians when it comes to "the gays-vs-Christians debate". Lee is incredibly compassionate and assumes "best intentions" frequently where I wouldn't have extended the same charity. He is committed to unity even with those that he fundamentally disagrees with. (view spoiler)["They deserve our support and respect, and if we each want people to respect our own views and right to follow our consciences, I believe we must give the same to others." (hide spoiler)]
Personally, I found Lee's analysis in Chapter 12 helpful. Whilst I agree in principle, I wouldn't say I was 100% convinced by his argument in Chapter 13 about Jesus and Paul preferring the spirit of the law over the letter of the law, and ultimately this being about agape love. Whilst I feel like these chapters were beneficial to me, I feel like they might lead to some Side B people taking this as the core point of the book, and then getting stuck into an argument about it. Whereas I believe Lee's intention is to facilitate compassion and understanding between Side A and Side B people, regardless of the details of whatever theological argument. Certainly this is the main reason I would recommend this book.
If you are a Christian then is book is for you, particularly if you are straight. I know that Vicky has come to a new interpretation of Scripture, butIf you are a Christian then is book is for you, particularly if you are straight. I know that Vicky has come to a new interpretation of Scripture, but you don't have to agree with her theology in order for this book to help you grow in God's grace. Please read this book because Vicky's story is lived out every day by members of your churches, and this book might be the closest you ever get to living inside the head of a closeted LGBT+ Christian....more