Same-Sex Attraction and the Church
The Surprising Plausibility of the Celibate Life
by Ed Shaw
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Pub Date Dec 09 2015 | Archive Date Feb 29 2016
InterVarsity Press | IVP Books
Description
Pastor Ed Shaw experiences same-sex attraction, and yet he is committed to Scripture and the church's traditional position of fidelity in heterosexual marriage and celibacy in singleness. In this honest book, he shares his pain in dealing with these issues, but at the same time shows us that obedience to Jesus is ultimately the only way to experience life to the full.
He shows that the Bible's teaching seems unreasonable not because of its difficulties, but because of missteps that the church has often taken in its understanding of the Christian life. We have been shaped by the world around us and urgently need to re-examine the values that drive our discipleship. Only by doing this in the light of the Bible can we make sense of its call on the lives of those who are attracted to their own sex.
A Note From the Publisher
The Gospel Coalition Top Books of 2015 in Christian Living
Advance Praise
—Rosaria Butterfield, author of The Secret Thoughts of An Unlikely Convert
"Our culture places sex at the heart of identity and fulfillment. But Ed Shaw has discovered in the God of the gospel a pleasure that is greater and an identity that is richer than anything we can create for ourselves. Over against the false choice of embracing homosexuality or ignoring it, he gives us the category of 'same-sex-attracted-but-in-Christ.' In doing so, he shows the power of the gospel to direct us all away from both indulging our sins and denying the reality of our temptations. The fidelity to truth and loving wisdom in this book is exactly what we all need right now."
—Michael Horton, professor of theology, Westminster Seminary California
"The big idea of Ed Shaw's book is simple: the church must make the biblical commands on sexuality seem plausible again. He calls all of us to repentance and wisely shows us a better way to battle sin, to understand sufferers and to proclaim truth with grace. Even those who don't agree with every jot and tittle will find something to be challenged and encouraged by on nearly every page. I highly recommend this clear, courageous and compassionate book."
—Justin Taylor, coauthor, The Final Days of Jesus, blogger, "Between Two Worlds"
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9780830844517 |
| PRICE | $16.00 (USD) |
Links
Average rating from 2 members
Featured Reviews
Jeanie S, Reviewer
So the current controversies over sexuality should excite rather than dismay us-it is from times of profound disagreement that our Sovereign God has often brought a return to radical biblical clarity in the church's theology and practices. It forces us to examine the plausibility of scripture and the design of God.
I appreciate the teaching and the life of Ed Shaw. A pastor that knows and lives the plausibility of a celibate life. It is not a drudgery but a expression of joy. It has brought him closer to the heart of God than most because of the sacrifice he has made to live a life of celibacy. The question you might ask yourself is why would deny yourself love.
Shaw opens up with two very real people. Maybe you know them. A young man that is going to college that his gay and he is a Christian. He questions why can't he enjoy the love of another man and be still be a Christian. Or a young woman that has been divorced and is developing a friendship with another woman that has turned into more. She questions the church about the relationship, and the church is clear on where it stands with that relationship. How can the word of God be plausible to what these two people are dealing with and how can we be plausible with how we love and express the gospel to them.
Shaw walks thru 9 Missteps that applies to the Gospel. I want to be clear on this as a reader-THIS IS NOT JUST A SAME SEX ISSUE, this applies to the GOSPEL and our relationship with a living God.
1) Misstep#1-Your identity is your sexuality -How we can we ensure our identities are defined by God's word and not by the world around us.
2) Misstep #2 - A family is mom, dad and 2.4 children-How can we all make sure that talk of church family isn't just talk?
3)Misstep #3 If you are born gay, it can't be wrong to be gay-How can we better communicate that a natural instinct to do something doesn't mean it must be right?
4)Misstep #4 If it makes you happy, it must be right! - How can we all keep checking that our decisions aren't more governed by what we feel than what God's says is good for us?
5)Misstep #5- Sex is where true intimacy is found-How can we all develop more intimate friendships?
6)Misstep #6- Women and Men are equal and interchangeable- How can we better explain the need for sexual differences in the union of marriage?
7)Misstep #7 -Godliness is heterosexuality-How can we all make sure that we aren't appearing to be sexually self-righteousness?
8)Celibacy is bad for you. - How can we all be as affirming of singleness as the Bible is?
9)Suffering is to be avoided-How can we help each other appreciate the good results of suffering in our lives?
Each of these missteps are answered and can be applied on how we live out the Gospel. It is a thoughtful and insightful read that is gospel centered. I highly recommend.
A Special Thank You to InterVarsity Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review
