"101 Probing Questions...101 Compassionate and Scriptural Answers " "from"" Focus on the Family's Mike Haley" Almost daily we hear news reports that confirm the acceptance of homosexuality in our culture. Homosexuals are adopting children, appearing as characters on television programs, taking vacations catering to an exclusively gay clientele, and even seeking the right to "marry" their partners. But is this acceptance healthy for society Few topics can raise so many questions so quickly. And for many readers, those questions hit close to home as they learn of the homosexuality of a loved one or close friend. Here are the answers to the most often asked questions about homosexuality, fielded by an expert on the subject...and a former homosexual himself.
Homosexuality is not a recent phenomenon or a newly emerged issue. It exists since the ancient time despite the suppression by tradition and culture. It started to surface in recent years as technology and media have developed in racing speed. The society has become more open and acceptive to the topic; people started to reflect on the traditional thinking on human relationship; voices and discussions regarding homosexuality are getting common. The word “homosexuality” which merely means same sex relationship in the past has evolved to LGBTQ which covers Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders and Queers nowadays. Although there are more discussions, do we truly understand LGBTQ? How should we discern the right and wrong? From Christian perspective, how should see it and live with its community? Does the Bible provide us the answer? In the past, when religions are confronted by issues of homosexuality and LGBTQ, they would quickly jump into a conclusion such as “sin”, “against the nature”, “promiscuity”, “unclean” etc. On one hand, religious communities subconsciously hold different attitudes and mindsets toward LGBTQ community; on the other hand, media coverage and celebrity influence exalt the revolution and advocacy of LGBTQ, so that people or religious bodies who hold different point of views may be labeled as “conservative”, “old-fashioned”, “traditional”, “conventional” etc. Over time, a gap has formed between LGBTQ and religious communities. Nevertheless, before we decide between the right and wrong, or give people a label of unrighteousness, could we jump out of the endless quarrel, opposition, or criticism? Could we adjust our perspective to understand, to observe and to contemplate the matter, so that we can better serve this community and walk with them with the love of Christ while we hold on to the law and principle of God? “Homosexuality FAQs – A Christian Perspective” is a wonderful guide for Churches. It helps readers to understand the issue more comprehensively, find out the viewpoints of the Bible, and learn how to reach out and serve LGBTQ community. This book clears doubts and confusions on LGBTQ through 10 questions in the first section. It tries to rebut general arguments from objective and scientific perspective. In the second section, it discusses LGBTQ from biblical perspective through 16 questions. Lastly, the editors laid out 6 questions to discuss the relation between Christians and the society on LGBTQ issue. Each answer begins with “quick response” to give readers the key concept, then followed by elaboration and more supplementary information. This structure is clear and easy to follow. What I appreciate the most is that it does not merely lay out a pile of data and evidence, but also shares ministry tips at the end of some answers, so that readers can break through the frame of merely knowledge, thinking and critique; and more important they can learn how to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ and us, counsel and serve LGBTQ community. Whether you want to know more the issue or feel the burden to serve the LGBTQ community, this book is worth to read. Bishop Dr Titus Chung Anglican Diocese of Singapore President, National Council of Churches of Singapore
A Christian psychiatrist examines the latest research, refuting the alleged genetic basis for homosexuality and assessing the social power homosexuals have gained.
The powerful, dramatic story of how a successful Hollywood set designer whose identity was deeply rooted in his homosexuality came to be suddenly and utterly transformed by the power of the gospel. When Becket Cook moved from Dallas to Los Angeles after college, he discovered a socially progressive, liberal town that embraced not only his creative side but also his homosexuality. He devoted his time to growing his career as a successful set designer and to finding "the one" man who would fill his heart. As a gay man in the entertainment industry, Cook centered his life around celebrity-filled Hollywood parties and traveled to society hot-spots around the world--until a chance encounter with a pastor at an LA coffee shop one morning changed everything. In A Change of Affection, Becket Cook shares his testimony as someone who was transformed by the power of the gospel. Cook's dramatic conversion to Christianity and subsequent seminary training inform his views on homosexuality--personally, biblically, theologically, and culturally--and in his new book he educates Christians on how to better understand this complex and controversial issue while revealing how to lovingly engage with those who disagree. A Change of Affection is a timely and indispensable resource for anyone who desires to understand more fully one of the most common and difficult stumbling blocks to faithfully following Christ today.
Former Gay Activist Paves the Way to Peaceful Conversation Homosexuality and gay marriage stand among perhaps the greatest defining cultural battles of our age. There's no escaping the inevitable conversations--so how does a Christian respond with love and biblical truth without adding fuel to the fire? Drawing on nearly thirty years of counseling people struggling with homosexuality, former gay activist Joe Dallas takes readers through virtually every argument they are likely to hear in favor of normalizing homosexuality. He helps readers understand the views of LGBT people they may know and respond with clarity, confidence, and compassion. He shows the most effective ways to engage the subject on social media and in everyday encounters with guidelines for talking points, dialogue, approach, and tone, and even provides sample dialogue. Anyone who has been searching for ways to have productive, loving conversations surrounding this critical topic will find this incredible resource a must-have. "At one time or another every twenty-first-century Christian is likely to be confronted about his or her views on homosexuality. But how can we approach this challenging issue in a way that faithfully reflects Jesus's heart and mind? Joe Dallas answers that question in this clear and compelling guide for engaging others with both gentleness and biblical truth."--Jim Daly, president, Focus on the Family "I've often said no one understands the subject of same-sex sexuality better than my friend Joe Dallas. This book, his best yet, only confirms my conviction. I'm not speaking merely of Joe's formidable knowledge of truth, but also the wisdom of its application through crystal-clear and concise communication. In the wake of the June 2015 US Supreme Court's redefinition of marriage, Speaking of Homosexuality will equip you to engage a topic that is foundational to human civilization."--Hank Hanegraaff, president, the Christian Research Institute; host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast "Speaking of Homosexuality is one of the most clear and informative books on the subject. Dallas responds to the most common Revisionist arguments with clarity, but also genuine kindness. If you want one book to offer biblical and historical truth about homosexuality, but also how to lovingly put that truth into action, then you won't find a better book."--Sean McDowell, PhD, professor of Christian apologetics, Biola University; author, Same-Sex Marriage and Apologetics for a New Generation "In answer to the urgency of our world's current situation, Joe Dallas has now crafted a resourceful tool filled with biblical truth and insightful strategies. Speaking of Homosexuality is essential for every person in need of answers for themselves, a family member, or a friend struggling with same-sex attraction."--Joni Lamb, cofounder, Daystar Television Network "There is no question that one of the most difficult issues facing the church today is the subject of homosexuality. But God didn't leave us in the dark on the topic of human sexuality. He gave us clear directives for this part of our lives so that we might experience the abundant life He promises. But speaking those guidelines to a confused church and a hardening culture isn't easy. No one does it better than Joe Dallas. Like no other voice I hear, Joe both lives and ministers with that continual balance of truth and love on this most contentious topic. In a day where Christians are growing more silent, we need a book like this to teach us how to winsomely engage while never retreating from God's protective Truth. This is a must-read for the church today!"--Janet Parshall, nationally syndicated talk show host
A small book offering biblical counsel for parents of teens struggling with their sexuality. Homosexuality is perhaps one of the most hotly debated subjects today, both in the media and within Christian circles. But what do you do when the issue comes closer to home: when your teen tells you that he or she is gay? This booklet goes to the Bible to find clear answers, direction, and hope at a time when anger and grief may threaten to overshadow wisdom and discernment.
“I used to be a lesbian.” In Gay Girl, Good God, author Jackie Hill Perry shares her own story, offering practical tools that helped her in the process of finding wholeness. Jackie grew up fatherless and experienced gender confusion. She embraced masculinity and homosexuality with every fiber of her being. She knew that Christians had a lot to say about all of the above. But was she supposed to change herself? How was she supposed to stop loving women, when homosexuality felt more natural to her than heterosexuality ever could? At age nineteen, Jackie came face-to-face with what it meant to be made new. And not in a church, or through contact with Christians. God broke in and turned her heart toward Him right in her own bedroom in light of His gospel. Read in order to understand. Read in order to hope. Or read in order, like Jackie, to be made new.
How do we respond to gay people who tell us how much they love the Lord and experience God's power? What do we do with the argument that the Old Testament laws no longer apply? Brown provides solid biblical answers, clearly written and based on sound scholarship, in a compassionate way that causes the reader to wrestle with the issues and discover the biblical truth. He also provides practical guidelines for ministry, and shows readers how they can resist the gay agenda while reaching out to their gay friends and family.
One of the hot-button issues of our day is fully addressed in this comprehensive new resource on homosexuality. This well?researched and highly readable guide is the perfect go-to manual for families, church workers, counselors, pastors, civic leaders, schools, and those who themselves struggle with same-sex attraction. Readers will find the answers to these and many more important questions: What is homosexuality? Is the tendency for homosexuality genetic? How should the church respond? What?s the proper response when a relative or friend announces they?re gay? What are the legal and civic ramifications of homosexuality? Should homosexuals serve openly in the military? What about gay marriage and adoption? Authoritative authors Joe Dallas (Desires in Conflict, When Homosexuality Hits Home) and Dr. Nancy Heche (The Truth Comes Out) tackle the hard questions about same-sex attraction in this helpful volume.
