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Homosexuality: A Conversion: How A Conservative Pastor Outgrew The Idea That Homosexuality Is A Sin
The Church has been wrong about LGBTQI people. This book explains why.Most of us grew up with only part of the story concerning our gay and lesbian neighbors. We thought people chose to be homosexual, and that with God's help they could choose to be straight. New scientific research shows that sexual orientation is determined in the waters of the womb, not in the waters of baptism. Being straight or gay is not an act of will, it is a gift of God. This book traces a growing understanding of the interplay between God's love, scripture, the Church, and homosexuality. Although it isn't a science, psychology, history, or biblical studies book, it touches on those disciplines. The renowned medical researcher, Dr. Gregory Prince, wrote the scientific portion of Chapter 5, "Born that Way." There, you will find the latest information about genetics as it relates to sexual orientation and identity. The new scientific information on this topic is important, and is placed within a theological context. The central message of this book is that God wants every LGBTQI person to know of God's tender and seeking care for you. The Lord Jesus sees you and loves you. You are precious in the sight of the Lord.With discussion questions at the end of each chapter, this is an excellent resource for Bible study, group discussion, and General Conference developments.
- GenresReligion
230 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 10, 2019
Recommended Reading
What great insight the authors have shared. This is a must read for those who continue to search for truth with regard to the conversations surrounding human sexuality and the Church. Thank you, Rev. Dr. John Tyson for your wisdom.
What great insight the authors have shared. This is a must read for those who continue to search for truth with regard to the conversations surrounding human sexuality and the Church. Thank you, Rev. Dr. John Tyson for your wisdom.
January 1, 2019
New insights
I need to go back and re-study my Greek New Testament. The subject of homosexuality was not one we dealt with in seminary in 1980’s. The Greeks have different words for love. One would not use the same word in Greek to say “I love fried chicken”, “I love my brother/sister/friend”, “I love my lover”, “I know that God loves me.” Makes sense that as we look at one word, we might not be aware of all the meanings and uses of that word. I appreciate Dr. Tyson calling this to our attention. This book should be read by all who are concerned with the LGBTQI “issues” we are having today, especially those who think such a lifestyle is a choice. The scientific information about the work of God as we are created and in the womb is outstanding. It is a book I wish ALL delegates to the 2019 Called General Conference of the United Methodist Church for February, 2019, would read, with open minds and open hearts.
I need to go back and re-study my Greek New Testament. The subject of homosexuality was not one we dealt with in seminary in 1980’s. The Greeks have different words for love. One would not use the same word in Greek to say “I love fried chicken”, “I love my brother/sister/friend”, “I love my lover”, “I know that God loves me.” Makes sense that as we look at one word, we might not be aware of all the meanings and uses of that word. I appreciate Dr. Tyson calling this to our attention. This book should be read by all who are concerned with the LGBTQI “issues” we are having today, especially those who think such a lifestyle is a choice. The scientific information about the work of God as we are created and in the womb is outstanding. It is a book I wish ALL delegates to the 2019 Called General Conference of the United Methodist Church for February, 2019, would read, with open minds and open hearts.
August 12, 2020
I was a called as a lay bishop in the LDS tradition 30 years ago. I had virtual no experience with LGBT issues. I did not know of any acquaintances or friends that were gay. Over the course of the next 5 years I counseled with several gay men and women. I listened to their stories and came to the personal conclusion that choice had nothing to do with sexual orientation. I really came to love and admire these individuals and tried to show love and compassion for the paths they walked. Over the years I read and listened. I found it very interesting that nowhere in the cannon of scripture does Christ mention or condemn sexual orientation. Much has changed in the ensuing years. Battle lines have been drawn, hearts have been softened and others hardened.
Before engaging in scriptural analysis of the theme of homosexuality in the Bible, Tyson addresses the question of how Christians have historically read the Bible and used it as a guide to deal with some of the issues that have challenged every generation of Christians, from slavery to the treatment of women to, now, homosexuality. He makes the compelling case that Christians have always ultimately sought out the spirit of the law that gives life over the letter of the law that kills, enabling them to transcend cultural bias and love one's neighbor as God would have us love. Tyson views the softening of hearts as evidence of the Holy Spirit's work among us. Tyson effectively argues for civility in a debate that too often lacks it.
After I stumbled upon the book I learned that Greg Prince who has done pioneering work in genetics and homosexuality was a contributor. I have read much of Prince’s work and find him to be a first rate scholar. The combination of Tyson’s scriptural analysis and Prince’s scientific analysis makes for an outstanding and compelling work.
Before engaging in scriptural analysis of the theme of homosexuality in the Bible, Tyson addresses the question of how Christians have historically read the Bible and used it as a guide to deal with some of the issues that have challenged every generation of Christians, from slavery to the treatment of women to, now, homosexuality. He makes the compelling case that Christians have always ultimately sought out the spirit of the law that gives life over the letter of the law that kills, enabling them to transcend cultural bias and love one's neighbor as God would have us love. Tyson views the softening of hearts as evidence of the Holy Spirit's work among us. Tyson effectively argues for civility in a debate that too often lacks it.
After I stumbled upon the book I learned that Greg Prince who has done pioneering work in genetics and homosexuality was a contributor. I have read much of Prince’s work and find him to be a first rate scholar. The combination of Tyson’s scriptural analysis and Prince’s scientific analysis makes for an outstanding and compelling work.
March 24, 2019
Scripture interpreted
Very interesting and thorough Biblical analysis of scripture relating to what has long been interpreted as referring to homosexuality when in fact the passages refer to cult prostitution, fertility god worship through orgies, and pederasty (look it up)..Scripture and Jesus were not speaking of committed, loving relationships between same sex couples. Love should always be the lens through which we interpret scripture, Jesus provided this framework in the Great Commandment.
Very interesting and thorough Biblical analysis of scripture relating to what has long been interpreted as referring to homosexuality when in fact the passages refer to cult prostitution, fertility god worship through orgies, and pederasty (look it up)..Scripture and Jesus were not speaking of committed, loving relationships between same sex couples. Love should always be the lens through which we interpret scripture, Jesus provided this framework in the Great Commandment.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews