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Critical Conversations: A Christian Parents' Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens

Tom Gilson (Goodreads Author) (Editor)

4.60 · Rating details · 25 ratings · 7 reviews

Christian parents need to be prepared to answer the myriad challenges teens might hear in today's increasingly pro homosexual culture. "Why shouldn't gays get married?" “Who says gay sex is wrong?" "Does the Bible actually say there's anything wrong with homosexuality?" "Don't you care that kids are being bullied just for being themselves?"

To start the discussion, Gilson p

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Paperback, 224 pages

Published February 27th 2016 by Kregel Publications

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Feb 27, 2016 Michael Boling rated it it was amazing

We live in a time when what once was considered right is now viewed as intolerance. Arguably, this paradigm shift in our culture is most evident when it comes to the subject of gay marriage versus biblical marriage. The recent Supreme Court decision ruling gay marriage to be legal greatly shifted the social landscape. Add to that the barrage of media attention both covering and supporting this lifestyle choice, and we are seemingly on the losing side of the argument. All hope is not lost as beli We live in a time when what once was considered right is now viewed as intolerance. Arguably, this paradigm shift in our culture is most evident when it comes to the subject of gay marriage versus biblical marriage. The recent Supreme Court decision ruling gay marriage to be legal greatly shifted the social landscape. Add to that the barrage of media attention both covering and supporting this lifestyle choice, and we are seemingly on the losing side of the argument. All hope is not lost as believers given we have confidence God is always and fully in control and righteousness will win the day.

With that said, especially when it comes to children and specifically teenagers, it is vital in this environment for parents to be equipped to have the critical conversation about homosexuality, how to interact with those who oppose the biblical stance on marriage, and how to stand firm in the midst of this storm that has come upon us. Tom Gilson in his tremendously helpful book Critical Conversations: A Christian Parents’ Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens, provides that needed equipping for parents.

I am the parent of a 14 year old. She is well aware of the fact there are LGBT individuals all around. It is hard not to know given the aforementioned barrage of media attention being given to this subject. She has asked on a few occasions why the “love” two gay people have for one another is wrong. After all, isn’t it their choice and isn’t love enough. Thankfully, as parents we were able to engage such a question as we had prepared ourselves for that type of critical conversation. Unfortunately, many parents, even Christian parents, would rather just avoid speaking about this topic to their children or hope that the youth pastor brings it up sometime at youth group to get them off the hook.

Gilson rightly notes that parents have the God given responsibility to impart truth into the lives of their children. Thus, we need to understand the landscape our children live in and furthermore, we must ensure they interact with LGBT individuals in a spirit of truth and love, understanding that on most occasions, their belief system in biblical marriage will be reviled.

In Critical Conversations, Gilson first establishes how we go to this point with a brief history lesson on the LGBT movement. He then establishes the biblical framework for marriage and builds on that framework and history as well noting the “common human experience” that marriage between a man and a woman is the best approach for society and to raise children.

With that as a solid foundation, Gilson then outlines how parents should teach their children when it comes to engaging those who take a different view on marriage. We should always stand for truth and Gilson aptly reminds the reader of that important fact. He also saliently avers the need for a listening ear, a warm embrace, and a spirit of love with those who embrace the LGBT lifestyle. Gilson comments that a listening ear does not mean acceptance of that lifestyle. It simply means we are showing humanity and rejecting the incorrect stigma of homophobia often attached to those who affirm biblical marriage.

Part 3 of this book is where the real rubber hits the road and is I believe the best part. Gilson addresses a plethora of winsome arguments that can be presented to the challenges against the biblical position on marriage. He covers most all if not all the major talking points from the LGBT community and those who support that lifestyle. The proposed responses follow the guidelines he gave in Part 2 when he reminded the reader of the need to speak the truth but to do so in love. Parents should spend a great deal of time in Part 3 and after doing so, the next step is to then spend time with your children discussing these important responses.

In my humble opinion, this is a must read for all Christian parents. Do not abdicate to the youth pastor the responsibility of having the needed critical conversation with your children about homosexuality. Spend time with them with Scripture and with this book as a helpful guide. Empower them (and yourself) to be able to respond with a biblical apologetic on marriage that is winsome, truthful, spoken in love, and that destroys the incorrect notions and labels being spouted against those who affirm biblical marriage.

I received this book for free from Kregel Publications and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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Mar 18, 2016 Harold Cameron rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS: A Christian Parents’ Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with TEENS is one book every Christian parent should read so as to know how to Biblically and lovingly discuss the confusing and controversial issue of homosexuality with their teens. The matter of homosexuality and sexuality in general have been difficult issues for parents both saved and unsaved to discuss with their children and due to a number of different reasons, not all being good ones. Critical Conversations i CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS: A Christian Parents’ Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with TEENS is one book every Christian parent should read so as to know how to Biblically and lovingly discuss the confusing and controversial issue of homosexuality with their teens. The matter of homosexuality and sexuality in general have been difficult issues for parents both saved and unsaved to discuss with their children and due to a number of different reasons, not all being good ones. Critical Conversations is a most helpful Biblically Based and Christ centered book providing much needed information about the issue of homosexuality from a Biblical perspective as well as how to appropriately address it and discuss it with your teens.

CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS will equip Christian parents with the Scriptures and information they need to know to speak confidently and compassionately with their children about this sin that is so predominant in our society today. Make no mistake about it if you are a Christian parent, your teens are being bombarded by the promotion of homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle in the public schools. They are also being exposed to the lifestyle through sexually explicit messages and pictures on the Internet being sent to them, (including the use of pop ups), sexting, the influence of popular and successful people who are openly homosexual or bisexual and are loved and featured in the media telling them it’s ok. And many teens as well are being encouraged and even pressured by their own peers to accept, embrace and even experiment with homosesual behavior/sin and view it as normal. In some cases teens are being unwittingly lured into trying the sin out; after all “boys will be boys” and now girls have even abandoned their natural affection for boys replacing it with unnatural desires for other girls. And all of this is leading to more open sexual promiscuity as a result of the abandonment of a Biblical Christian worldview on sex and marriage. And as sex is a very pleasurable sin, under the right circumstances even a christian teen can become involved in practicing the sin…and the consequences can be devastating to the child as well as to the teen. SO, it is vitally important Christian parent for you to have a “CRITICAL CONVERSATION” and potentially a life altering one with your teen about the issue of homosexuality and what God’s Word states about it. And the book, “CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS” will help you immensely in starting the conversation and continuing it with your teen as needed to help your teen better understand the lies being taught about the sin and to reject it as an “alternative lifestyle,” growing up with a Biblical view of sex and sexuality and more specifically concerning the issue of homosexuality.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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Mar 22, 2016 Joan rated it it was amazing

This is an essential book for Christian parents. Teens are facing a situation like never before. They are surrounded by pro-LGBT messages. Parents need guidance in helping their teen grow up affirming biblical truths. Gilson has written this book for parents who don't know what to say when their teens have questions about what they are being told and what the Bible says.

He has divided the book into three parts. The first part gives us an overview, the big picture, and how we got here. He also i This is an essential book for Christian parents. Teens are facing a situation like never before. They are surrounded by pro-LGBT messages. Parents need guidance in helping their teen grow up affirming biblical truths. Gilson has written this book for parents who don't know what to say when their teens have questions about what they are being told and what the Bible says.

He has divided the book into three parts. The first part gives us an overview, the big picture, and how we got here. He also includes the case for marriage between a man and a woman. The second part is about the relationship between parents and teens, such as keeping the conversation healthy with practical suggestions on how to keep the dialog open. Gilson encourages parents to keep God as a priority. He also writes about helping your teens relate to their LGBT friends. I was surprised and impressed with Gilson's explanation of the teen's rights and how to use them wisely. He is honest about the risk involved and advises practicing humility.

The last section contains short and practical ways to deal with the challenges students face. He writes about what a parent might do when when their teen is called homophobic or intolerant. He covers many topics, such as “God made me this way.” He includes proposed dialogs a parent might loosely follow in a discussion with their teen.

I really liked Gilson's answer to Matthew Vines' claim that Paul didn't know about loving, committed homosexual relationships when he wrote Romans. Gilson does an excellent job of showing how Vines' claim is wrong.

I am impressed with this book. Today's Christian teens who want to practice biblical truth are doing so in a hostile culture. They will not receive encouragement from the world and greatly need it from their parents. This book gives parents a way to dialog with their teens and work through many issues. Gilson has added a resource list at the end of the book. He reminds readers that prayer is essential in all these endeavors.

Gilson is clear that this book is not for parents to use when their own child is questioning his or her own sexuality. For help in that area parents must look elsewhere.

I highly recommend this book to Christian parents who want to help their teens affirm biblical truths in a culture that may be opposing those very truths.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review. ...more

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Apr 01, 2016 Steven Hinkle rated it it was ok

Our young people are living in confusing times when it comes to relationships and sexual identity. As Christians, homosexuality is possibly the most contentious cultural issue we are regularly confronted with. It is of utmost importance that parents are knowledgeable on the cultural changes going on around them and know how to wisely point their children in the right direction, especially when it comes to the matter of identity and loving our neighbors as representatives of Christ.

The author beg ...more

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Apr 01, 2016 Mark rated it it was amazing

This book is geared for parents who want to talk to their teenagers about homosexuality, but it would also make a great resource for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges we are facing and how to answer criticisms Christians face for daring to believe homosexuality and gay marriage is wrong.

The book is set up into three sections:

Section one: Essential background. This section covers the rise, acceptance, and takeover by a well planned gay agenda

Section two: Navigating the Rocky ...more

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About Tom Gilson

Tom Gilson

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Tom Gilson writes on the truth of Jesus Christ for a world that's more and more confused about spiritual reality every day. His areas of special interest include sexuality, science rationality, and above all, Jesus Christ himself.

He's a senior editor at the highly respected Christian news and commentary website The Stream (stream.org). Since 2007 he's also run the widely praised Thinking Christian ...more