Skip to main content

Review:Homosexuality and the Christian

Homosexuality and the Christian

Mark A. Yarhouse, PsyD

Bethany House Publishers

2010

 

Finally, a reasonable look at this topic!  Long over due though, but finally here.  I guess that pretty well sums up how I feel about this book. It helps people like me who have not been able balance the admonitions against homosexual behavior in the Bible and the positions espoused from the different corners in this battle, particularly the churches responses. 

Dr. Yarhouse begins his discussion with God and what He has to say about homosexuality. In doing that he sets the tone for the rest of the book.  God says this, so how do the people of God respond?  Part of his argument is that the church leaves no place for the person who struggles with same sex attractions thereby forfeiting the individual to the opposing views.  This is a major point that he touches on several times, but does not slam the pulpit in stating his views.

Recent research on the causes of homosexual behavior is examined.  While many aren’t interested in that part of the debate this author’s treatment reveals some interesting facts.  Don’t skip over that part, it’s important.  The most valuable parts of the book for me, however, are the case studies he works through to illustrate how each of us can be more sensitive to not only our needs but those of the person struggling with same sex attraction.  Good discussions and advise here. 

He doesn’t pretend that it’s easy.  It is a struggle and a life long one at that for all of us, straight and gay.  The author discusses the possibility of changing one’s sexual orientation and includes responses from those that have participated in programs that attempt that change.    Related to that is the script, as he calls it, used in the mainstream conversations about this topic.  If someone has attractions for the same sex, the script progresses immediately to distinguishing that person as gay or lesbian.  Is that correct?  Or is there a progression from desire to action and then to adopting a label?  Does the individual define himself in terms of sexuality alone?

Please take the time to read this book.  Think about it, pray about it.  The topic isn’t going away and needs to be addressed more carefully by the church.

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers for review.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense Dr. Larry Crabb Baker Books 2018 I chose this book because the title intrigued me.   When God’s Ways Make No Sense.    There have been plenty of times when that seemed truer than I’d like to admit.   Are we even allowed to say something like that?   Even if we think it.   So, an author willing to take on that topic had my attention. And mostly because I wanted his take on what to do about it? As it turns out Crabb pretty much gave away his case very early on in his book with a single scripture quote.   The basic idea is God is GOD and we are not.   His motives and actions are incomprehensible to mankind and He owes no explanation for them either.   Crabb admits near the end of his book that he is not a theologian which I knew going into this book, but his arguments are theology.   Or at least I think so.   I found his repeated circling the topic a bit frustrating. ...
1 comment
Read more

Buntings and Books

Time to blog says the calendar. So OK let's blog. What about? Oil spills? Court nominees? Euro problems? Weather? The last one is the easiest to go with it looks like. Cold and windy again. What is this about? Not more than a week ago it looked like summer. Even needed fans to cool the place. Well, the fans are off now. Nature has provided some pre-cooled forced air for a few days now, complete with humidity adjustments ie rain. Keeps the ground cold and the urge to garden at bay. Protection for those of us who aren't in the best physical condition. The weather has the birds on the feeder more often and that included a new one in the area. We've decided to call it an indigo bunting. Matches the picture in the book so that's got to be who he is. Pretty little guy, all decked out in his breeding plumage. Haven't seen those colors since the last peacock came around. Just read that cowbirds like to use them to raise their chicks. Yet another reason t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Jesus Manifesto

Jesus Manifesto Restoring the Supremacy and Sovereignty of Jesus Christ Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola Thomas Nelson 2010 A manifesto? Yikes! Some of us may remember a few other manifestos from the past and the idea of another one doesn’t sound very friendly at all. So right from the start I’ve got a problem. But, the title did get my attention, so the authors and publishers succeeded in their effort. Then the vast array of praise within in the first few pages makes me wonder why bother with a review. I discovered that there is a website connected to the book as well that may shock or offend some who dare to visit it. Check it out for yourself sometime. Now all the pieces are in place for a really scathing review, as some might say. That’s not to be the case though. Not scathing, at least. The basic idea of returning to Jesus in His fullness is a great idea. Sweet and Viola make the point that somewhere the church has become sidetracked is right on target. “Youniverse” is on...
Post a Comment
Read more