This is a book written primarily for gay Christians and those who love them. Part memoir, part pastoral-theological reflection, this book wrestles with three main areas of struggle that many gay Christians face: (1) What is God’s will for sexuality? (2) If the historic Christian tradition is right and same-sex behavior is ruled out, how should gay Christians deal with their resulting loneliness? (3) How can gay Christians come to an experience of grace that rescues them from crippling feelings of shame and guilt?Author Wesley Hill is not advocating that it is possible for every gay Christian to become straight, nor is he saying that God affirms homosexuality. Instead, Hill comes alongside gay Christians and says, “You are not alone. Here is my experience; it’s like yours. And God is with us. We can share in God’s grace.” While some authors profess a deep faith in Christ and claim a powerful experience of the Holy Spirit precisely in and through their homosexual practice, Hill’s own story, by contrast, is a story of feeling spiritually hindered, rather than helped, by his homosexuality. His story testifies that homosexuality was not God’s original creative intention for humanity—that it is, on the contrary, a tragic sign of human nature and relationships being fractured by sin—and therefore that homosexual practice goes against God’s express will for all human beings, especially those who trust in Christ. This book is written mainly for those homosexual Christians who are trying to walk the narrow path of celibacy and are convinced that their discipleship to Jesus necessarily commits them to the demanding, costly obedience of choosing not to nurture their homosexual desires. With reflections from the lives of Henri Nouwen and Gerard Manley Hopkins, Wesley Hill encourages and challenges Christians with homosexual desires to live faithful to God’s plan for human sexuality.
Download and start listening now!
"Wow! I was so moved by this book, because I struggle in a similar way, though with different sins, and because it shows that God's grace is applicable to everyone, regardless of their background, orientation, etc etc. The only concern I have is with the author's constant reference to himself as gay or homosexual...I understand what he means, that he has always been attracted to the same sex, but it seems that he should identify himself (and find his identity) not in being gay (or straight, for that matter) but in his being adopted by God and in union with Christ. I'm looking forward to reading a similar book by Christopher Yuan, which I just ordered, called "Out of a Far Country"...I think Yuan might possibly have a better approach to the issue of how he identifies and views himself in Christ. We'll see...let me know what you think." — Dave (4 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! I was so moved by this book, because I struggle in a similar way, though with different sins, and because it shows that God's grace is applicable to everyone, regardless of their background, orientation, etc etc. The only concern I have is with the author's constant reference to himself as gay or homosexual...I understand what he means, that he has always been attracted to the same sex, but it seems that he should identify himself (and find his identity) not in being gay (or straight, for that matter) but in his being adopted by God and in union with Christ. I'm looking forward to reading a similar book by Christopher Yuan, which I just ordered, called "Out of a Far Country"...I think Yuan might possibly have a better approach to the issue of how he identifies and views himself in Christ. We'll see...let me know what you think."
" Powerful. This book answered all my questions, and is a message to us all. "
" Exceptionally well done. Balanced, careful, thoughtful, painfully honest. Hill holds in tension and is faithful to both experience and theology. A rare gem of a book. I highly recommend this book. "
" I really appreciate Wesley Hill's book. This was both eye-opening as well as hope-giving, I think. I read it in order to learn how to love and serve gay Christians, and it was enormously helpful. This is a very valuable book for believers who are not gay who want to be better brothers or sisters for those who are gay. "
" A must-read for anyone involved in ministry! Wesley Hill gives a very honest account of his struggles and reminds the church that it's not enough to say "Jesus' love can replace your desire for human love". He presents a well thought-out dialog that has been absent in our Christian literature on homosexuality and the church. "
" Wish I could have read this book 20 years ago. "
" LOVED this man's vulnerability, honesty and faithfulness to God's Word, a real overcomer. "
" Much needed book on the topic of celibacy for those who struggle with same-sex attractions. I don't support his identifying as a "Gay Christian". Confusing terminology in this culture and I don't believe the label can be justified biblically. Otherwise, a useful resource. "
" Intensely personal yet theologically rich, the author takes an intellectually serious and Biblically faithful look at a tough cultural issue "
" A very intimate personal reflection. A good introduction to one view of how christians should approach and respond to homosexuality. "
" I found this an excellent read, very thought provoking. It provides a solid Christian perspective, so much so that I think there is application for any follower of Jesus. I highly recommend it. "
" Great read for Christians wishing to understand the struggle for those who identify themselves as homosexual but wish to live life according to the standards of the Gospel. "
" An important book that is hopefully the start to a larger conversation. "
" So honest and sincere. A must read for anyone struggling with this issue no matter why your opinion on the topic. "
" This book was so awesome that I wrote a blog post about it! I found it to be so relatable as it pertains to the struggle against sin, and so insightful theologically. It challenged me to by more empathetic and loving to my brothers and sisters in Christ who are dealing with heavy burdens. "
" Great perspective and resource for individuals, families, and churches struggling to find a non-political, biblical, caring, and grace-based approach to a struggle with same sex attraction. "
" Intensely personal yet theologically rich, the author takes an intellectually serious and Biblically faithful look at a tough cultural issue?from the inside. "
" Everyone needs to read this book. Period. And you have no excuse not to, as it's only 150 short, easy (well intellectually; certainly not emotionally) pages. "
Adam Black is a narrator of audiobooks known for his readings of My Name is Russel Fink, The Well, and Washed and Waiting, among others.
Audiobooks Were Restored to Your Cart
[ShoppingCartItemsAddedOnMerge] audiobook(s) were left in your cart from a previous visit, and saved to your account for your convenience. You may view or remove these audiobooks on the shopping cart page.