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Reviews
Oriented to Faith: Transforming the Conflict over Gay Relationships by Shane Claiborne, Tim Otto
booknerd_therapist's review
5.0
Truly, this is one of the best books I've ever read.
It is certainly no secret that this controversial issue has been discussed and debated to the point that it is driving wedges between Christians and non-Christians alike. I think for that reason alone, this is an important read for Christians of any sexual orientation.
Mr. Otto states up front that he is not going to give the reader an answer as to whether or not it's "right" or "wrong" to be gay. Instead, he presents different views as to what a family can look like from a historical perspective -- far, far different from our modern nuclear family -- and how a family can look from a Biblical perspective. He also gives a number of different ideas to encourage LGBT inclusion within the church that focus on making people in the LGBT community feel safe and loved. Additionally, he also explains the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the debate, offering suggestions for improvement on both sides.
I highlighted dozens of passages in this book, because at the end of the day, I am not responsible for anyone else but myself. Instead of being concerned about what someone else is doing in his or her bedroom, I need to be concerned with how I show God's love to other people -- and that really is one of the messages this book is attempting to convey. The questions that the author poses to the reader are thought-provoking and deep, and are questions we should be asking of ourselves and our church communities.
It is certainly no secret that this controversial issue has been discussed and debated to the point that it is driving wedges between Christians and non-Christians alike. I think for that reason alone, this is an important read for Christians of any sexual orientation.
Mr. Otto states up front that he is not going to give the reader an answer as to whether or not it's "right" or "wrong" to be gay. Instead, he presents different views as to what a family can look like from a historical perspective -- far, far different from our modern nuclear family -- and how a family can look from a Biblical perspective. He also gives a number of different ideas to encourage LGBT inclusion within the church that focus on making people in the LGBT community feel safe and loved. Additionally, he also explains the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the debate, offering suggestions for improvement on both sides.
I highlighted dozens of passages in this book, because at the end of the day, I am not responsible for anyone else but myself. Instead of being concerned about what someone else is doing in his or her bedroom, I need to be concerned with how I show God's love to other people -- and that really is one of the messages this book is attempting to convey. The questions that the author poses to the reader are thought-provoking and deep, and are questions we should be asking of ourselves and our church communities.
danabeth's review
5.0
Good News. Third Way. Grace upon Grace. Surprising upending of tired dualities. Read it, no matter how made up you think your mind is, no matter how certain you are that you know God's will.
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