Download or read book Addressing Issues Related to Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender LGBT Self identifying Christians in the Asian American Church written by Anthony Young Chon and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the past two decades, a significant number of revisionist literature has been published by queer Asian theologians challenging orthodox teachings on homosexuality and gender identity. The issue that the Asian American church faces today is pressure from society and culture to contextualize the Scriptures in order to affirm same-sex relations and reject gender normative behavior. This thesis seeks to analyze and critique queer revisionist writings, provide biblical correctives and plausibility structures for the Asian American church. The purpose of criticizing the works of queer Asian theologians and providing biblical correctives is to prevent unorthodox teachings from permeating the church and leading believers astray. The reason for providing plausibility structures is to help the church learn how to reduce the marginalization of those who experience same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria as well as to help retain friends and family members of LGBT self-identifying Christians in the Asian American Church. As the Asian American Church engages LGBT self-identifying Christians with convictional kindness and love the church is urged to remain faithful to the Word of God.
Download or read book Coming Out in Christianity written by Melissa M. Wilcox and published by Indiana University Press. This book was released on 2003-10-03 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For many Christians, homosexuality is an issue that is often presented as a matter of "us (straight) Christians" versus "them," or worse, as an isolated behavior that is a questions of behavior somehow not an intrinsic part of the identities of gays and lesbians. Discussion of the issue has become so heated that it threatens to create a yawning chasm within several mainline denominations. This book examines this conflict from the perspective of a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered Christians. It explores the life histories of these individuals and their current beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and community influences to determine what helped each forge an identity as both gay and Christian.
Download or read book A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion written by Donald G Hanway and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Encourage the Church to address the gift of human sexuality—how to view it, how to deal with it, and how it relates to spirituality A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion: Love Letters to the Church challenges traditional church teachings that brand homosexuality as immoral, using pertinent scripture from the central Gospel to promote a full acceptance of gay and lesbian Christians. This powerful book questions the assumption that gay Christians are morally inferior, presenting testimony from gay men and lesbians about prejudice they’ve experienced at the hands of the Church—and its straight members. Written as a series of ten letters, the book addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the church and appeals for a new understanding and commitment to the acceptance of its gay members. From the author: The purpose of this book is to equip you, Christian warrior of the Gospel of peace, to stand against those who use the Bible to resist change—even that change of which our Lord would approve. In one sense, there is nothing revolutionary about this book. It is a book that respects tradition—but only up to a point: that point where tradition has to change, to give way to what the Holy Spirit is showing us in our day of the mind of Christ. And this is not revolutionary, because tradition has had to change before; it is a developing truth, born of the corporate experience of the children of God, and open to our claiming the exercise of our God-given gift of reason. A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion includes a series of letters that progress from establishing the purpose and credibility of the author, to developing grounding in Scripture and experience, to appealing to the reader to act as an ally of gay and lesbian Christians. The letters include: “Dear Christian Believer,” which aims for the “bull’s-eye” of the reader’s faith “Dear Sexual Being,” which offers a fresh look at a sensitive topic “Dear Confused Church Member,” which discusses what gay people are “really” like “Dear Concerned Church Member,” which discusses what gay people really want “Dear Bible Explorer,” which discusses what the Bible really says “Dear Person Trying to Do the Right Thing,” from “being” to “doing” and much more A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion provides a friendly and informal Biblical rationale for alternatives to traditional church teachings, encouraging the acceptance of gay and lesbian people as fully moral and fully Christian.
Download or read book Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Christians written by Bronwyn Fielder and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Queer authentic Christian lives -- The metropolitan community churches -- Seeking an authentic self -- Shaken worlds -- Rebuilding worlds -- Untroubled Christianity -- Discussion and conclusion -- Methodological considerations
Download or read book From Sin to Amazing Grace written by Patrick S. Cheng and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2012-03 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout the history of Christianity, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT” or“queer”) people have been condemned as unrepentant sinners who are in dire need of God’s saving grace. As a result of this condemnation, LGBT people have been subjected to great spiritual, emotional and physical abuse and violence. This issue takes on a particular urgency in light of the ongoing harassment and bullying of LGBT young people by their classmates. Cheng argues that people need to be liberated from the traditional legal model of thinking about sin and grace as a violation of divine and natural laws in which grace is understood as the strength to refrain from violating such laws. Rather Cheng proposes a Christological model based upon the theologies of Irenaeus, Bonaventure and Barth, in which sin and grace are defined in terms of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. This book serves as a useful resource for all people who struggle to make sense of the traditional Christian doctrines of sin and grace in the context of the 21st century.
Download or read book The Gay Gospels written by Keith Sharpe and published by John Hunt Publishing. This book was released on 2011-07-29 with total page 229 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The place of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in the Christian churches is a highly controversial issue. The stance of all the mainline churches is that homosexuality is sinful and incompatible with Christianity. In seeking to respond to attacks on their lives, identities and relationships LGBT Christians have moved over recent decades from a defensive position to a more affirmative position which asserts that there is evidence in the Bible and the Jesus tradition of validated homoerotic experience. This book presents a systematic overview of both the defensive and affirmative positions. In part one, The Defensive Testament, each of the so-called 'biblical texts of terror' used to demonise LGBT people is considered in turn and found wanting. None of them has anything to say about consensual same sex love. In part two, The Affirmative Testament, homoerotic elements in various Bible stories including the healing of the centurion's servant, Jesus and the beloved disciple, David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi are revealed to make visible the place of LGBT lives in the Biblical tradition. Taken together, these two testaments forcefully champion the equality of LGBT people in the Kingdom of God and represent a formidable challenge to ecclesiastical homophobia.
Download or read book Christianity and the Limits of Minority Acceptance in America written by J. E. Sumerau and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2018-07-27 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the ways Christian women in college make sense of bisexual, transgender, polyamorous, and atheist others. Specifically, it explores the ways they express tolerance for some sexual groups, such as lesbian and gay people, while maintaining condemnation of other sexual, gendered, or religious groups. In so doing, this book highlights the limits of Christian tolerance for the advancement of minority rights.
Download or read book God The LGBT Community written by Janet Boynes and published by Destiny Image Publishers. This book was released on 2021-07-20 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Who has the answers to tough questions about sexuality? Questions about what the Bible says about the LGBT community abound in Christian circles. Pastors and ministry leaders are flooded with inquiries. Parents and loved ones ask how to respond to a son or daughter asking about reassignment surgery or struggling with same-sex attraction. And many individuals question their own LGBT lifestyle choices. Does anybody have all the answers to these crucial and timely questions? Yes! Author Janet Boynes says Gods Word has all the answers! In God & the LGBT Community, Janet shares out of her own personal experience of redemption and transformational love. Armed with biblical truths, profound insight, and deeply rooted compassion, she tackles tough issues in an easy-to-read, tangible resource Is sexual orientation determined at birth? Can someone be a Christian and gay? Should pastors be afraid to address these issues from the pulpit? How can parents validate their children but not celebrate the LGBT lifestyle? Real-life testimonies of redemption. If you or someone you know struggles with sexuality, this book points the way to compassion without compromise and delivers the freedom that truth brings!
Download or read book A Letter to My Congregation Second Edition written by Ken Wilson and published by Read the Spirit Books. This book was released on 2016-05-20 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “A breakthrough work coming from the heart of evangelical Christianity,” writes theologian David Gushee. “Wilson shows how God has led him on a journey toward a rethinking of what the fully authoritative and inspired Bible ought to be taken to mean in the life of the church today.” “This book … will shape what the church becomes,” writes anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann. “One of the most exquisite, painful, candid, brilliant pieces … that I have ever seen,” writes Christian author Phyllis Tickle. The second edition contains expanded material.
Download or read book Queering Christianity written by Robert E. Shore-Goss and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2013-06-25 with total page 500 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fascinating read for anyone seeking to understand the conflict between Christianity and LGBTQI individuals, this book is, as its editors proclaim, "a fearlessly wide vision of queer Christians finding a place within Christianity—and claiming their authentic experience and voice." Through essays by noted lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) religion scholars, this important compilation summarizes the history and current status of LGBTQI theology, exploring its relationship to the policies, practices, and theology of traditional Christianity. Contributors contrast the "radically inclusive" thinking of LGBTQI theology with the "exclusivity" practiced by many Christian churches, explaining the reasoning of each and clarifying contentious issues. At the same time, the book highlights ways in which "queer" theology and practice benefit Christian congregations. Writing from the perspective of grassroots Christian LGBTQI movements, many of the contributors draw upon their own experiences. They provide graphic examples of the effects exclusion has on individuals, congregations, and denominations, and also share examples of inclusion and its effects. Equally important, the work creates the basis for dialogue between traditional churches and followers of LGBTQI theology, offering practical suggestions for Christian congregations that wish to put aside exclusionary policies and practices.
Download or read book Understanding Transgender Identities written by James K. Beilby and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2019-11-05 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the most pressing issues facing the evangelical church today involves dramatic shifts in our culture's perceptions regarding human sexuality. While homosexuality and same-sex marriage have been at the forefront, there is a new cultural awareness of sexual diversity and gender dysphoria. The transgender phenomenon has become a high-profile battleground issue in the culture wars. This book offers a full-scale dialogue on transgender identities from across the Christian theological spectrum. It brings together contributors with expertise and platforms in the study of transgender identities to articulate and defend differing perspectives on this contested topic. After an introductory chapter surveys key historical moments and current issues, four views are presented by Owen Strachan, Mark A. Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky, Megan K. DeFranza, and Justin Sabia-Tanis. The authors respond to one another's views in a respectful manner, modeling thoughtful dialogue around a controversial theological issue. The book helps readers understand the spectrum of views among Christians and enables Christian communities to establish a context where conversations can safely be held.
Download or read book What Does God Think written by Cheryl B. Evans and published by Cheryl B. Evans. This book was released on 2017-09-10 with total page 126 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A READERS' FAVORITE 2018 AWARD WINNING BOOK. The bestselling author of I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: Raising a transgender child invites you on a fascinating exploration to discover the truth in What Does God Think? Transgender People and The Bible. Presented with the idea that her transgender child was "not of God", Cheryl B. Evans set out to see what God really thinks about transgender people. What does the Bible say? Why is there such a big divide among Christians? Why do some Christians insist there is no such thing as a transgender person while other Christians accept and affirm transgender people? And most importantly, what does God think? This LGBT Christian book takes the reader on a journey that is educational and highly revealing. What Does God Think? is an invitation to examine the scriptures and give consideration to the social, cultural, and scientific facts that impact what we believe, and the way we internally feel about transgender people. Cheryl B. Evans handles this controversial topic with grace and compassion for people on both sides of this debate. If you have been struggling to understand how someone can be Christian and still accept and affirm transgender people then this book is for you. If you know someone who is struggling to accept a loved one who has come out as trans, this would be the perfect book to recommend. Are you ready to have this conversation? Opinions vary widely on the topic of gender, and gender identity, and when you mix religion into the conversation it gets even more interesting. In this non-fiction book, Evans discusses these important social issues in a calm and nonthreatening way. Making this transgender affirming book an excellent resource for both Christians and non-Christians. Grab your copy now and let's talk! Editorial Reviews: 'Evans presents an accessible introduction to issues surrounding trans identity and Christianity. After a brief explanation of the science of sexual diversity and the growing public awareness of trans people. Evans embarks on a fairly high-level exploration of the difficulty of relying on the Bible to address modern concerns. She builds a case that the Bible is less conservative than many traditionalists assert. Evans's clear, heartfelt writing is a compassionate starting point for discussion.' Publishers Weekly (BookLife) "Superb second book by Cheryl B. Evans. So much great reading in What Does God Think? and it is so well presented. "Hallalujah" Well done." Award Winning Author, Viga Boland (No Tears For My Father). "What Does God Think? does a great job of beginning a conversation. One that does not judge or condemn but offers valuable thought provoking insights. Ultimately, it delivers a message of truth about God's unconditional love and purposeful creation of each of us. As I have always believed, we are all part of the story which rises out of God's love and Jesus' teachings, transcending time. Love is like that. Good teaching is like that. They have iconoclastic power to draw humanity to the good however slow the process may be. This book has the power to bring comfort and spiritual healing to individuals seeking to understand how being transgender is not against God. It was a privilege to review What Does God Think? and in doing so I have expanded my knowledge about transgender people." The Reverend Dr. Janet Brigham Reader Review: "A must read for Christian Transgender issues I thought I was going to have to walk away from Christianity when my son came out as trans. There is hope that some people are open minded in the church." Edward. "This book perfectly sums up the seemingly inconsistent struggle between transgender people, the Christian Church, and God. Conflicting views abound and its easy to get confused especially when raising a transgender child yourself, having praised and loved God your whole life, only to be told by some that your child simply isn’t good enough or is actually possessed by demons. This book will dispel fears and gives a good wholesome perspective on the situation. Just breath, continue to love God, continue to love your child, and don’t let ‘other people’s opinions’ confuse you. Highly recommended." Catirona Borman
Download or read book Outside the City Gate written by Dr. Selma and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2014-03-24 with total page 99 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Outside the City Gate the second book by Dr. Selma, is a powerful account of what happened to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christian community in Michigan during the mid-1990s and the early 21st century. The book describes what occurred after lesbian and gay church members were excluded from their home churches. After being expelled, excommunicated, tossed out and isolated from their early childhood places of worship many chose to remain true to their Christianity and their gender identities. . Despite the rumblings of rejection, in Michigan there are those in the LGBTQ Christian society that want to worship God. The question is whether God is with lesbian and gay Christians. Is God Spirit and power present with them in their churches and, in their personal lives. Does God move in the lesbian and gay community. This is the story of Whosoever Ministry, its founder and the struggle to find a safe place for Christian worship, free from spiritual abuse and condemnation.
Download or read book Bulletproof Faith written by Candace Chellew-Hodge and published by Jossey-Bass. This book was released on 2008-09-22 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This thoughtful, practical guide shows readers a way through the minefield of condemnation and persecution faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians and helps foster a faith that is bulletproof—impervious to attacks, yet loving and savvy in its approach. Bulletproof Faith is filled with useful insights and proven spiritual practices that deflect attacks and enhance and strengthen faith by turning attacks into opportunities for spiritual growth. Praise for Bulletproof Faith "Gay and lesbian Christians are constantly demoralized and told they are not children of God. In Bulletproof Faith, Chellew-Hodge reassures gays and lesbians that God loves them just as they were created and teaches them how to stand strong, with compassion and gentleness, against those who condemn them." —Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu "It is an amazing truth that gay and lesbian Christians need to develop a bulletproof faith in order to survive the attack of other Christians. That, however, is the experience of many homosexual persons. Candace Chellew-Hodge has in this book committed herself to the task of making that survival a reality. I salute her and her work." —John Shelby Spong, author, Jesus for the Non-Religious "We know the Religious Right is wrong about same-sex relationships and it's time to move on. But how to withstand their relentless attacks and find lasting peace of soul? Candace Chellew-Hodge offers a practical guide. It met me right where I am. It will touch and help heal many others, too." —Daniel A. Helminiak, professor of psychology, University of West Georgia, and author, What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality
Download or read book Intersecting Realities written by Hak Joon Lee and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2018-11-13 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Experiencing racial marginalization in society and pressures for success in family, Asian American Christian young adults must negotiate being socially underpowered, culturally dissonant, and politically marginal. To avoid misunderstandings and conflicts within and without their communities, more often than not they hide their true thoughts and emotions and hesitate to engage in authentic conversations outside their very close-knit circle of friends. In addition, these young adults might not find their church or Christian fellowship to be a safe and hospitable place to openly struggle with all of these sorts of questions, all the while lacking adequate vocabulary or resources to organize their thoughts. This book responds to these spiritual-moral struggles of Asian American young people by theologically addressing the issues that most intimately and immediately affect Asian American youths' sense of identity--God, race, family, sex, gender, friendship, money, vocation, the model minority myth, and community-- uniquely and consistently from the contexts of Asian American young adult life. Its goal is to help young Asian Americans develop a healthy, balanced, organic sense of identity grounded in a fresh and deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
Download or read book Calling the Rainbow Nation Home written by E Sundby and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2005-08-22 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book is a journey for truth."-Samuel Kader Sr., Pastor, Community Gospel Church, Dayton, Ohio, Openly Gay, Openly Christian, Leyland Publications. Am I going to hell because I am gay? Is homosexuality a sin? Should I remain celibate my entire life? If you or someone you love is struggling with these issues, this book is for you. Follow Reverend Elaine Sundby's journey as she takes us on her personal quest for truth and self-acceptance-a path that eventually led her to enter the ministry. Reverend Sundby was determined to discover God's plan for her and equally determined to do what was right in the eyes of God, without taking "the easy way out." Simple to understand, yet rooted in spiritual truth, Calling the Rainbow Nation Home has the potential to heal-to heal the battered soul of the Christians who are struggling to reconcile their homosexuality with their faith, and to heal their relationships with those who love them and want to understand. A new era is just beginning in the gay Christian community, as thousands begin to realize that God loves us all just as we are.
Download or read book Chinese Students and Scholars in the U S Becoming Christians A Process of Assimilation and Identification An Empirical Study of A Chinese Church and Chinese Students Scholars in the DC Area written by Zhijuan Fu and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study examines the cultural and social implications of Chinese students and scholars converting to Christianity as they adapt to U.S. society, and the ethical issues of self-identification. The main question addressed is: Why and how do Christian groups work to convert Chinese students and scholars as a unique social group? This research examines the proselytizing behavior from psychological and sociological perspectives.
