Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate

( 10 )

Overview

As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. A self-proclaimed "God Boy" who knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry, 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, ...

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Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate

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More About This Book

Overview

As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. A self-proclaimed "God Boy" who knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry, 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.

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Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly
Lee, founder of Gay Christian Network, attempts to call a truce in the gays-versus-Christians cultural war with this autobiographical account. His experiences inside Christian communities, including ex-gay ministries, have convinced Lee that the church is hampering its own best intentions. The nondoctrinaire approach he offers, through examples and concrete suggestions, requires both sides to allow greater space for differing viewpoints and more open listening. He argues that gays need to be more welcoming to the religious, including gay celibates. On the other side, Christians need to change an approach that casts sexual minorities as sinners by definition and fixates on changing or healing. His tactics might seem too gentle for more radical aspirations, but his tone radiates a genuine concern and belief in progress through slow, personal evolution. The lens of one gay Christian’s life helps bring home the political message, and Lee’s willingness to admit that both sides have good intentions provides a much needed break from the rancor of the debate. Both LGBT individuals and Christians will benefit from the modeling of a kinder, more accommodating navigation of this culture war. (Nov.)
Honorable Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams
"This book is full of three things that are not always much in evidence in our debates on sexuality--fresh air, common sense and manifest love of Christ. What makes it different is that it is not essentially about arguing a case but abut bridging the gaps of understanding and sympathy that (inside and outside the Church) have distorted or muffled the overwhelming miracle of Gods gift in Christ and in Scripture. I welcome it very warmly."
Kirkus Reviews
Gay Christian Network founder Lee argues that sexual preference doesn't need to be a source of division for the Christian church. Raised in a conservative Christian household, the author was certain during his teenage years that homosexuality was a sin. Nevertheless, he was attracted to other boys and could not change his attractions. In this book, part memoir and part manifesto, Lee explains his lengthy search for answers and assistance from a church unwilling to accept his sexual preference. Lee's story begins as a young man, when he came out to his parents, who showed him unconditional love even while not accepting homosexuality as a permanent condition. He went on to search out "ex-gay" ministries, which promised that he could change into a heterosexual. These experiences left him unchanged and unhappy, as he discerned that ex-gay ministries might change sexual behaviors but never alter sexual preferences. As a college student, Lee became an almost unwitting leader of his campus gay and lesbian organization, and he attempted to build bridges between campus gays and Christians. The author argues that a serious examination of Scripture shows that God does not condemn homosexuality per se, but only harmful practices such as molestation or rape. In the New Testament, if selfless love was involved, it made everything right: "I thought about every example of sin I could come up with. In every single case, Paul was right: Truly living out God's agape love for others always led to doing the right thing." Lee calls for a radical change in the church's approach to gays and lesbians, focusing on acceptance, love, understanding and open dialogue. Lee's writing is approachable, and he shows compassion for those on all sides of this debate.
Christianity Today
"Disarmingly vulnerable...poignant..."
author of Evolving in Monkey Town and A Year of Biblical Womanhood - Rachel Held Evans
"This is the most important book I've read in years, and it will be the first I recommend to anyone interested in bridging the divide between the LGBT community and the church. Justin has given us a precious gift with this story. May we receive it with the same courage and faith with which it was delivered."
Singer/Songwriter; Founder of InsideOutFaith.org - Jennifer Knapp
"Justin didn't leave the church when he realized he was gay...he has been too determined to show them how much he loves them...This is the story of how one Christian man's faith taught him to accept himself, serve others who are in need, and bridge the gap for those who do not always understand."
author of Why Did Jesus, Moses, The Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World (bria - Brian D. McLaren
"In TORN, Justin Lee blends simplicity, clarity, humility, honesty, and vulnerability in a gracious and eye-opening way. The book brings fresh perspectives to old and polarized debates, and it offers a wise and faithful way forward for pastors and other Christian leaders, parents and other family members, not to mention gay men and women themselves. This is the book that every Evangelical, Charismatic, and Roman Catholic Christian should read on the question of homosexuality."
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781455514311
  • Publisher: FaithWords
  • Publication date: 11/13/2012
  • Pages: 272
  • Sales rank: 65,663
  • Product dimensions: 5.90 (w) x 9.10 (h) x 1.20 (d)

Meet the Author

Justin Lee

Justin Lee is the founder and executive director of The Gay Christian Network (GCN), a nonprofit, interdenominational organization working to increase dialogue between gays and Christians and support people on both sides wrestling with related issues.

A passionate Christian from a conservative evangelical background, Justin thought he knew everything there was to know about the Christian approach to homosexuality-until unexpected events turned his world upside down and forced him to reconsider everything he believed. Today, his organization works with individuals, families, and churches to stop the debate from tearing people apart.

Justin's work has garnered national attention and praise from gays and Christians from across the theological spectrum. He has been featured in numerous print, radio, and television venues including Dr. Phil, Anderson Cooper 360, the Associated Press, and a front page article in The New York Times. He is the director of the 2009 documentary Through My Eyes about the debate's impact on young Christians, and the co-host of popular long-running podcast GCN Radio. Justin lives in Raleigh, NC.

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Table of Contents

Author's Note ix

Chapter 1 Battle of the Century 1

Chapter 2 God Boy 12

Chapter 3 The Struggle 19

Chapter 4 The Truth Comes Out 27

Chapter 5 Why Are People Gay? 51

Chapter 6 Justin in Exgayland 70

Chapter 7 That the Man Should Be Alone 97

Chapter 8 South Park Christians 106

Chapter 9 The Poisoned Yeast 125

Chapter 10 Faith Assassins 135

Chapter 11 The Other Side 148

Chapter 12 Back to the Bible 168

Chapter 13 Whatever Commandment There May Be 191

Chapter 14 Lightning Rod 209

Chapter 15 The Way Forward 226

Notes 255

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 10 )
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Sort by: Showing all of 10 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 27, 2013

    Finally!

    This book has been a long time coming. I will be giving this to a lot of people. The best work written on gays and the church.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 18, 2013

    This was amazing. Must read for everyone on any side of this &qu

    This was amazing. Must read for everyone on any side of this "culture war"!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 27, 2013

    Highly recommend

    This chronicles a young man who was brought up in a very conservative Christian family and community and is, in fact, a strong believer having his own personal faith in Christ. As he comes into puberty, he realizes he is attracted only to other males and rather than females. He looks very critically and honestly into God's will for him by looking at scripture. Please read this book... it might surprise you...it might not. But his story and resulting ministry is very powerful.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 11, 2013

    Unbelievably moving, well-written, well-researched, logical... b

    Unbelievably moving, well-written, well-researched, logical... basically perfect. Thank you, sir, for writing this. Thank you so much.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 28, 2012

    Great book for all Christians!

    Loved the way it was written to the last word.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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    Posted February 15, 2013

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