As part of our 'Culture Shock' sermon series we're looking at the question 'Is God Anti-Gay?' on Sunday.
Andy Rees, one of our Pastors at Woodgreen, will be speaking. He has compiled a list of really helpful resources for those who want to think more about this issue from a Christian perspective. While this is a politically sensitive issue, more significantly, it is a pastorally sensitive issue. The resources below are all pastorally helpful in speaking God's truth in love on this important issue.
Click on the titles for links to the sites/articles/books.
WEBSITE
Living Out
This is a fantastic one stop shop for most questions about homosexuality and Christianity. It is fronted by 6 testimonies of Christians, who live with genuine integrity and have same gender desires. The testimonies range from a man who was immersed in a gay lifestyle for 20 years, to a person who is married with children but is still struggles with same-sex attraction. It is well worth watching all their testimonies. They tackle questions biblically, and consider issues like whether change to sexual orientation is possible. Excellent, trawl it!
This is a fantastic one stop shop for most questions about homosexuality and Christianity. It is fronted by 6 testimonies of Christians, who live with genuine integrity and have same gender desires. The testimonies range from a man who was immersed in a gay lifestyle for 20 years, to a person who is married with children but is still struggles with same-sex attraction. It is well worth watching all their testimonies. They tackle questions biblically, and consider issues like whether change to sexual orientation is possible. Excellent, trawl it!
ONLINE ARTICLES
‘Temptation is not the same as sin’
is a really excellent little article by an American Pastor Kevin DeYoung. I think this is a really vital issue for people who are aware of same sex attraction.
is a really excellent little article by an American Pastor Kevin DeYoung. I think this is a really vital issue for people who are aware of same sex attraction.
Homophobia in Uganda: Is Christianity the problem or the solution?
This is written from the perspective of a missionary who is in Uganda called Chris Howles. It is very helpful in terms of considering how culturally bound we are, and how God’s word will challenge any culture on a whole host of points. It also might help you to answer questions at work about Christianity, Homosexuality and Uganda. It’s a 5/10 minute read.
This is written from the perspective of a missionary who is in Uganda called Chris Howles. It is very helpful in terms of considering how culturally bound we are, and how God’s word will challenge any culture on a whole host of points. It also might help you to answer questions at work about Christianity, Homosexuality and Uganda. It’s a 5/10 minute read.
I choose not to be straight
Glen Schrivener is a minister in Eastborne, and helped fuel thoughts on whether it is right for me as a Christian to ever think of myself as 'straight'.
Glen Schrivener is a minister in Eastborne, and helped fuel thoughts on whether it is right for me as a Christian to ever think of myself as 'straight'.
BOOKS
Short
little books
These are produced by New Growth Press, are
outstanding, short and very practical. They apply a gospel shape to how we
approach these questions. I think every one in the Youth Team should read, Your Child Says, 'I’m Gay' as it is an outstanding model of how to respond to
anyone who struggles in any area.
Is God Anti-Gay – Sam Alberry
This is a short book (but longer than the above
books), that gives a perspective from a Christian man struggling with same sex
attraction. It is well worth a read. It covers most of the big questions and
tackles the bible passages clearly. American pastor Kevin DeYoung rated it as
number 2 in his top 10 books of 2013.
Walking with Gay Friends – Alex Tylee
This is a longer book, but covers more
areas than Sam’s, and is helpful in terms of compassionately getting in the
head of someone who is battling in this area. I think this is one of the most
helpful things I have read, particularly on considering how to consider friendships
as a person with same sex attraction. If you have time it is definitely worth a
read.
True Friendship – Vaughan Roberts
Outstanding and challenging little book
that is about developing good, strong, Christian friendships with others. Won’t
take long to read, but will give you months to chew on. Next to the pool,
sipping the ice cool coke, this will make a great day even better. We’ve got
copies at church for £2.50, if they’ve gone, pick it up by clicking on the title.
