Free Downloads Torn: Rescuing The Gospel From The Gays-vs.-Christians Debate
As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, he knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry. But 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.
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Jericho Books; Reprint edition (May 14, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455514306
ISBN-13: 978-1455514304
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (420 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #17,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #5 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Gender & Sexuality #10 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > Gay & Lesbian #19 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Theology > Ethics
I am deeply grateful to find such a kind and tenderhearted approach to this subject. Justin Lee's book is part autobiography, part Bible study, and part call for grace and empathy to those on both sides of the issue. No matter what your personal views, you will find something valuable in Justin's account of his own journey and desire to reconcile his sexuality with his relationship with God. His writing is unassuming and down to earth in a way that anyone can relate to. One moment he is referencing Holy Scripture, the next South Park or The Princess Bride.As a straight Christian who never had to go through a struggle like Justin's, it was pretty easy for me to ignore the plight of gay Christians. In fact, there was a time when I didn't think there was such a thing! I wish someone had placed a book like this in my hands a long time ago.Justin writes with compassion and love. This is not an angry book, but a gently passionate one. If you are expecting to be preached at, you will find yourself pleasantly surprised. Justin is honest about the things he faced that confused or hurt him, the questions he had, and why he came to the conclusions that he did. He also makes it clear that the church is a diverse place where not everyone is going to come to the same conclusions he did. And that's okay.(If you are familiar with the Gay Christian Network, the organization that Justin is a part of, and their compassionate Side A & Side B approach to the controversy, you will find that same level of empathy on display here. If not, the idea is that some Christians believe that God is fine with homosexual behavior and willing to bless same-sex couples the same way as he would couples of the opposite sex.
I just finished reading Justin Lee's book called Torn and all I can do is sit back with tears in my eyes and a heart filled with hope at the amazing potential for good that this book could bring to a church divided.This is a book for those who are just trying to understand how a good Christian boy or girl, growing up in a bible-believing fundamental church, and raised in a Christ-loving and Christ-following home, could possibly have turned out to be gay.This is a book that brings understanding for the mom and dad who just listened in dumbfounded horror to their son or daughter "come out" to them, fearfully confessing to them that he or she was gay.This is a book for the truly caring pastor, deacon, or Sunday-school teacher who suspects or discovers that the young man or young woman they watched grow up in their church is fighting with feelings of same-sex attraction or who openly confesses they are gay.This is a book that will help the person who has a friend or family member who confides in them that they are gay understand how to react in the same way Jesus and Paul would have interacted with them....and possibly most importantly, this book is a door of hope for you, the gay Christian who loves God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and yet unwittingly find yourself fighting feelings of attraction for the same sex... feelings you never asked for, feelings you never chose, and feelings you definitely never wanted... this book is for you.Mom, did your little boy just come to you in tears telling you that he thought he was gay? Read this book! It will help you understand and react in a manner befitting the gift God entrusted you with.
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