Jesus Acted Up: A Gay and Lesbian Manifesto

by Robert E. Shore-Goss

A gay activist and former Jesuit priest confronts the homophobia of institutional religion, arguing that Jesus was a radical activist who advocated anti-establishment principles and calling for churches to open congregations to gay and lesbian Christians.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Queer, Theology, LGBT, Christian, Christianity

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When so much of the conversation about queer people and faith revolves around apologetics, reading something based on liberation theology was refreshing, invigorating and inspiring. The book does have its shortcomings, namely its near erasure (or at least ignoring) of bi folks, and the fact that it's very much cis-normative (trans* people are only mentioned in passing). When it says "A Gay And Lesbian Manifesto," that's really what it means.

The struggle for queer liberation has been all but replaced by the fight for gay marriage. In that light, Goss' nineteen year old call to action against ALL oppression is a reminder of where the kingdom of the queer Christ truly lies.

[Giulia Lanfredi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A precious resource for queers trying to make peace with their Christian upbringing. A true manifesto for queer liberation.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accidentally got this book after getting it confused with Queering Christ: Beyond Jesus Acted Up. That being said, this is apparently one of the early Queer Theology books, as it calls for queer Christians to come out of the closet and build the Queer Theology field.

The book is dated – it was first published the year I was born – and LGBTQ+ acceptance has definitely improved in the US in the last 30 years. It struck me when reading the first few chapters that I don't really know LGBTQ+ history, and the 90s and early 2000s were pretty homophobic because the HIV crisis was so incredibly recent. Reading Goss's priorities and calls for action during the epidemic reminded me of how far civil rights have come in my own lifetime. It will be interesting to read the theology books that were written after Goss's calls for action.

[M Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I wish I'd read closer to publication (1993). The situation has changed radically for the LGBTQ+ population in 27 years. While there is still a long way to go, particularly in equality in the Church, things are much, much better for our Gay and Lesbian siblings. This is, nevertheless, an important look at how LGBTQ+ Christians can and are reclaiming their place in the Church and in the Kingdom. It's especially good to be reminded that "transgressive" behavior is part of our heritage from Jesus the Christ and has been especially important to this community as they have struggled for recognition and equity.

[Lisa Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book but its starting to get a little bit dated, not to say its not a good read but...no longer as timely as it once was.