Recommended Books
There are so many books available which relate to the LGBTQI+ community. As parents of a LGBT child where do you start?
We found, as Christians, that there was a clear split between those books which supported LGBT and those that stated the case that LGBT individuals were ones that needed prayer to become clean. We have tried to read a selection and recommend the following which we believe have helped us grow in understanding in this area. We hope that this will help you on your journey as well.
We found, as Christians, that there was a clear split between those books which supported LGBT and those that stated the case that LGBT individuals were ones that needed prayer to become clean. We have tried to read a selection and recommend the following which we believe have helped us grow in understanding in this area. We hope that this will help you on your journey as well.
God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines
This book, albeit rather deep in places, states the biblical case clearly. It argues that the main 6 'clobber' verses can be rationally understood as pro-LGBT. We found the discussion both challenging and affirming. Another review of the book said this: "This book is well worth noticing within the long chain of works discussing the issue of homosexuality and the Bible. The author Matthew Vines succeeds in explaining very complex issues in readable, accessible language. I am struck by the fact that some of the English translations quoted by MV make poor sense of the biblical material. Yet, MV elegantly overcomes this obstacle by relying on his keen sense of logic and ability to seek and use fresh avenues of interpretation. The result is a compelling book that provides inspiration for LGBT believers and all who care about creating inclusive, welcoming churches."
This book, albeit rather deep in places, states the biblical case clearly. It argues that the main 6 'clobber' verses can be rationally understood as pro-LGBT. We found the discussion both challenging and affirming. Another review of the book said this: "This book is well worth noticing within the long chain of works discussing the issue of homosexuality and the Bible. The author Matthew Vines succeeds in explaining very complex issues in readable, accessible language. I am struck by the fact that some of the English translations quoted by MV make poor sense of the biblical material. Yet, MV elegantly overcomes this obstacle by relying on his keen sense of logic and ability to seek and use fresh avenues of interpretation. The result is a compelling book that provides inspiration for LGBT believers and all who care about creating inclusive, welcoming churches."
More Perfect Union? Understanding Same-Sex Marriage by Alan Wilson
This was an excellent read. Given that it has been written by a current Bishop of the Church of England it came as quite a surprise that he was in support of same-sex marriage. However, it was good to be informed of the very nature of marriage, throughout its history and how the church has used its position to redefine marriage as and when. The book also looks at the message of Jesus and how the Biblical message does support same-sex marriage. Many may not agree but what we like is that this book sets out the arguments clearly and powerfully, opening up the debate which needs to be had. For far too long no one is prepared to discuss LGBT and the Church: this book can re-ignite the debate. |
Torn - Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs Christian Debate by Justin Lee
This book is passionate about the case for acceptance of those that identify as LGBT as Christians. It covers Justin's life story as he becomes accustomed to his feelings of same-sex attraction and how his parents were initially very for 'praying it out'. You could sense that this could have been replayed with the recent Leelah Alcorn tragedy; however, in this case, his parents encouraged him by attending conferences with him. Justin continues to explain how he himself fought disbelief and homophobic reactions - he now runs the Gay Christian Network (GCN) in the States. In the book he also explains in great detail how he came to understand through rigorous examination and investigation the 6 Biblical verses related to LGBT. This brought greater clarity for us on this subject. |
Dazzling Darkness by Rachel Mann
This story, and I quote, "is the story of a divided self, seeking to live more or less at peace with herself". To her family she had been known as Nick for over 20 years. Her parents had named her, nurtured her and she could only correct her pronouns. Her parents loved Nick and she destroyed him. Everything about her life changed. She killed that boy and became Rachel. It is a very honest account of how her life changes and her parents reaction to it. As she finally decides to have reassignment surgery although in her head she already a woman. We can identify with some of this story and it was good to find someone who had shared theirs and went on to become an Anglican priest. |
Walking with Gay Friends by Alex Tylee
We bought this book in the hope that it would help us as Christian parents know more on how to support our child. It was a disappointment to us to be honest. This book runs counter to pro-LGBT books in that it debates whether God makes you 'gay'. It highlights a more fundamental interpretation of the Bible: that we are all sinners, that those who are LGBT are also sinners but should live a life of celibacy from now on. It does discuss the issues that 'walking with gay friends' needs to discuss but, in our opinion, strayed very much on the evangelical side of the fence. Nevertheless, it is about love for others and that should be encouraged always. |
Family Outing: Guide for Parents of Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals by Joy Dickens
A series of stories from parents with varying reactions to the news that their son or daughter is gay or lesbian respectively. It is encouraging that we are not alone on this journey - that many of the feelings we have experienced have been noted here. TBC |
Transgender Explained by Joanne Herman
This is an excellent book describing, in short chapters, the concerns and tribulations of coming out as transgender. It was all the more remarkable that Joanne was in a straight marriage at the time and that her wife was so supportive and loving. It covers the reassignment surgery to a degree but leaves the reader sure of the consideration which has gone into making that decision. It is predominantly American but it still does convey a great deal of information about the issues facing transgender people today. Highly recommended especially as it can be obtained by a number of distributors at a low price. |