Sunday, February 10, 2008

"GAY CHRISTIAN 101: SPIRITUAL SELF-DEFENSE FOR GAY CHRISTIANS"; "STEPS TO RECOVERY FROM BIBLE ABUSE."


I first heard about the book, "Gay Christian 101: Spiritual Self-Defense" in a teleconference with Candace Chellew-Hodge who publishes the superb web site, Whosoever. The book is written by Rick Brentlinger and, although I haven't yet read it, I have read reviews of it, seen testimonies to its excellence, and have heard Rick Brentlinger interviewed on Candace Chellew-Hodge's Godcast, that I strongly urge you to listen to, as well as I strongly urge you to read her web site that has new issues appearing every two months. The next issue is due out March 1st.

Although numerous books, blogs, and web sites have been dedicated to the reality that there is absolutely no inconsistency between being Gay and being Christian, this book copiously investigates the "clobber passages" that have been traditionally used against Gay people and shows what they were originally intended to mean and what ancient commentators said about those passages, and the results show that same-sex love and homosexuality as we understand that term were never condemned in Scripture, be it in the Old Testament or in the New Testament.

The book's description reads as follows: "Presents strong scriptural proof that God loves and affirms gay Christians. GC101 is written in clear, understandable language. Gay Christian 101 - Spiritual Self-Defense For Gay Christians, defends gay Christians and gay relationships which are within the Biblical moral framework, committed, faithful, noncultic. Reasonable, scriptural, thoughtful, this book offers cultural, doctrinal, historical, linguistic and religious proof that the same sex relationships condemned in the Bible are linked to ancient fertility goddess worship. Strongly Christian and evangelical, Brentlinger honors God and the written scriptures of truth in this powerful book." [See here]

From what I know about this book from secondary sources, I wanted to urge you to read it before I get a chance to read it myself. Rev. Troy Perry, Founder and 37 year Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches says:

"Rick Brentlinger's new book, Gay Christian 101 - Spiritual Self-Defense for Gay Christians, is a must-have book for any person who is seriously interested in what the Bible really says about homosexuality.

"It is a wonderful intelligent book for any person who is seeking answers to the continued debate around the Bible and human sexuality. Rick knocks the ball out of the park with his knowledge of Scripture and his love for the Bible.

"If I could only afford to purchase one book this year, this would be it! Rick, you've done an incredible job.”

[See here for Rev. Perry's endorsement as well as for other information on this book. Moreover, this web site, gaychristian101.com offers many links dealing with Christianity and homosexuality that are of inestimable use for "spiritual self-defense" by LGBT people and allies.]

The ignorance and distortion of selected biblical passages have for far too long been used to erroneously condemn LGBT people, and this book should go a long way to remove any vestiges of doubt that anyone might have regarding the harmony between Christianity and homosexuality.


Another book that I have read and do strongly recommend is the book, "Steps To Recovery From Bible Abuse by Rev. Rembert Truluck. It is similarly superb!

The book's description is as follows:

"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," says Dr. Truluck, "is over 550 pages of information and encouragement to equip gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people and all others who have been abused and oppressed by religion to learn the truth and to rejoice and grow in their God-given worth as individuals."

"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" is organized in 18 chapters. The first five chapters contain introductory material, including essays on "Why this Book is Here," "My Story" by Dr. Truluck, "Jesus Heals Sick Religion," "Guidelines for Small Groups," and "How to Use this Book." The next 13 chapters are the Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse. Each of the 13 Steps contains four Bible Study Lessons, suitable for personal study or small group use. As a result there are 52 Lessons, one for each week of the year.

Any doubts any Gay Christian, any Gay non-Christian, and any spiritually and intellectually honest Straight person may currently have concerning the fact that one can be both Christian and Gay will be eradicated when they read these books!
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6 comments:

Justice MH said...

@Jerry: I love this post, and I love that website, it's so informative.

I have read many site with so much information on the bible and homosexuality, but this one is on my top three list.

Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse is another good book. I've been through truluck's website, and it's informative as well.

Personally, I still don't understand how some Christian try to interpret ancient texts with modern time thinking. I feel some, if not most are cultural for that time.

Again, I love the book based on the review, and I love the site

Jerry Maneker said...

Hi Justice MH: I'm very glad! The more people read intelligent commentaries on "the clobber passages," as well as other parts of the Bible, the more they will come to see that the Christian life only comprises two things that even a child can understand: Love God and love others!

We are not to judge or condemn others, and Jesus makes that fact abundantly clear which, especially in this context, is very significant as He never said one word about homosexuality. Nor do the Ten Commandments, nor did the Prophets even deal with that subject and one would think that if it were that important it would have been discussed (or at least mentioned) in one of those contexts.

Anonymous said...

Jerry-

Thanks for mentioning my book and website. I'll be happy to send you a free review copy of "Gay Christian 101 - Spiritual Self-Defense For Gay Christians" if you'll send me a shipping address.

Thank you for taking a stand for GLBT rights even when it has made you unpopular in some circles.

Rick Brentlinger
GayChristian101.com

Jerry Maneker said...

Rick: It was a pleasure to feature your book. Thanks so much for offering to send me a copy of it. I'd love to read and review it. If you would, please ship the book to:
Dr. Jerry S. Maneker
California State University, Chico
Department of Sociology
Chico, CA 95929-0445

Also, thank you for your very kind words. Best wishes, Jerry.

Anonymous said...

Jerry-

Your review copy of "Gay Christian 101" is en route. I'd have shipped sooner but just saw your response today.

God bless you!

I'm willing to send a free review copy of my book to other people of influence who will review "Gay Christian 101" on their established, well-trafficed Blog or website.

Contact me through my website and request a free review copy.

http://www.gaychristian101.com/Contact-Us.html

Rick Brentlinger

Jerry Maneker said...

Thanks so much, Rick. I'm very much looking forward to reading and reviewing it. Best wishes, Jerry.