Some of You Should NOT Read This Book

I recently finished reading TORN: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gay Vs. Christians Debate. I think I read it faster than I have any other book. I couldn’t put it down.

Some of you should read this book. Others of you should not read this book.

I’m going to give you a disclaimer. This is a book written by Justin Lee, a gay Christian. It is his story, from growing up in a loving Christian family and discovering as a teen that his attraction was toward other guys—not girls.

He was confused and mortified. He believed with all his heart that being gay was a sin—but he couldn’t change his attraction. 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.

But I should warn you. Don’t read it if…

  • You think all gays are going to burn in the pit of hell.
  • Your faith or your beliefs are threatened by hearing someone explain how their theology is different than yours.
  • You’d rather not be challenged.
  • You are deeply disappointed in me for suggesting anyone read this book.

However, you should read TORN if…

  • You care about the Church and you care how this issue has the potential of tearing apart congregations.
  • You don’t understand how gay Christians can theologically support their position, but you want to know.
  • You are fed up with the hate that is spewed from both sides, and you want to know how you can help.
  • You have a gay friend and you want to understand him or her more fully.

This book may not change your opinion (that isn’t the authors purpose), but it will fill you with compassion and understanding, and give you the desire to jump in and study your Bible more thoroughly rather than just adopting someone else’s beliefs. And that, my friends, will be a good thing.

Once you read TORN, stop back here and leave your comments.

 

 

Tim Stevens