This book is bold, compassionate, and deeply affirming work that speaks directly to those navigating the intersection of faith and queer identity. With theological insight and personal vulnerability, Robertson challenges the long-held belief that queerness and Christianity are incompatible—and instead, presents a powerful case for how they can coexist beautifully.

In the audiobook edition, Robertson’s narration adds depth and sincerity to an already compelling message. His voice carries both the conviction of a pastor and the tenderness of someone who has lived the struggle he writes about. It’s not just a book; it’s a ministry of healing, hope, and radical inclusion.

This book is especially impactful for LGBTQ+ individuals who have been wounded by the church, but it also serves as a necessary resource for allies, pastors, clinicians and anyone interested in building a more inclusive and faithful community. Robertson blends memoir, theology, and cultural critique in a way that is both accessible and deeply thought-provoking.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Audio ARC of this important and timely book in exchange for an honest review.

In the past 10 years I've read a *lot* of books about what the Bible says about being LGBTQ. All of them addressed the clobber scriptures (6 verses that anti-gay Christians use to justify their views). All of them discussed hermeneutics. Most of them also included an autobiographical section, which I think is important info for hetero folks who are trying to understand the dilemma of gay Christians. "Queer & Christian" includes both of these.

Uniquely, in my experience, this book also included sections on creating a sexual ethic as a queer Christian and a section on differing ways to view the Bible and how the stories included in the Bible can inform our lives.

Which brings us to the sticking point. Every Christian has a different way of reading the Bible, and every Christian thinks their way is the right way. Most Christians think their way of reading the Bible is the *only* right way! In this review section, there are already folks giving this brand new book a low score because they disagree with the way author Brandan Robertson reads the Bible. I get it. It's hard to admit that there are other valid points of view other than your own. If you genuinely want to know what the Bible has to say to LGBTQ folks, though, this book will be a valuable resource. "Queer & Christian" fills a hole in this subject matter. Definitely recommend.

People are going to hate this book just because of the title/cover but I really hope they pick it up and read it. Many Christians believe they already know what is right and wrong and are unwilling to listen and try to learn from people who are different from them. The Bible was always meant to be discussed and studied. So many verses have been accepted as word for word 100% truth despite the many translations and versions. (The word “homosexual” wasn’t even used in the Bible until 1946.) This book explains how there isn’t always 1 modern day English word that clearly translates from 1 ancient Greek word. Brandan Robertson also breaks down the customs and patriarchy from the time that the scriptures were written. Thank you BR for sharing some of your story with us and explaining this information with great clarity! Thank you so much NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to an ARC copy of this book.

If this book doesn’t make you reconsider – or at least reconsider reconsidering – your anti-queer stance, then I fear it’s more willful ignorance – or intransigence – that’s keeping you stuck.

If we can wrap our brains around the fact that the Bible has been used to oppress and suppress people and ideas in the past, why are we unwilling to acknowledge it could still be happening?

Bible teachers often reminds us not to scream where Scripture whispers, or whisper where Scripture screams.

With the scientific, historical, and linguistic evidence – to say nothing about Imago Dei and common fucking decency - all pointing towards the Bible not saying a whole lot about committed, loving, consenting same-sex relationships, why are we still screaming?

People intent on retaining power don't decide who God loves and accepts.

A hard read as someone still healing from their evangelical upbringing. I like the gentleness with which Robertson approaches the subject, but I do think he could have been less accommodating about systems that oppress queer people and organizations that have perpetrated so much harm. Reconciling my faith with my queerness has been the hardest thing I have ever done and I think to graze over the harm causes by conservative evangelicalism does a disservice to the queer Christian community. I do appreciate Robertson's systematic takedown of the clobber verses and the personal narrative included here.

Brandan ate and left NO crumbs! Every Christian needs to read this book and needs to go into it with an open mind. If the majority of Christians were able to even comprehend and entertain a 10th of the information and theories that Brandan presents in this book then maybe churches would be a little fuller these days. I left the church when I got married and was allowed to make my own choices at the age of 18 due to the exclusivity and division of the church.

Brandan gives actual historical context and breaks down his theories with such strong facts that you cannot deny the truth that is there! And hearing his story and all his hard work in his own voice was icing on the cake.

Out just in time for Pride Month! I found this book to be so terribly interesting. If you are a Christian who thinks queer people are sinners for simply being who they are, maybe read this and challenge that belief. Even if your mind remains unchanged, it is always important to consider other opinions. I have very complex thoughts on this book that are likely too difficult to summarize in a short review.

My favorite section of the book is Part 2 where Robertson spends time debunking common “clobber passages” that people often cherry pick to vilify gay people. There is no explicit mention of homosexuality in the Bible. The author adds historical and lingual context to these verses that help you understand more likely what the authors intended in their time.

In Part 3, the author did start to lose me when he was saying certain people in the Bible could have been queer. While I can see how that would be helpful for a queer person to read and identify with, I think it odd to assign sexuality to people, especially Jesus.
There is such a thing as platonic love, which the author seems to overlook.

Some people are calling Brandan Robertson a heretic and blasphemer, and I do not think I know enough to weigh in on that, but I can see why this book would make readers feel polarized and uncomfortable. I am fairly liberal and still had some issues when confronted with the author’s interpretation of certain verses. I was particularly uncomfortable with his mention of being on Grindr; I do not believe a pastor should be using hook-up apps (sorry?).

Many chapters read like mini sermons, which I am sure is intentional. I could see this book being used in a Bible study group to challenge beliefs that maybe aren’t the accurate interpretation of the text.

Ultimately, I believe there is room for everyone in Christianity. There are conservative “Christians” who have bastardized the words of Jesus, use his name in vain, and have nothing but hate and vitriol in their hearts. They give God and the Bible a bad rap, but they are often the loudest voices. I think this book was a very compelling read and worth reading— even if your takeaway is that it’s not true. Any belief you hold that you cannot defend when challenged is not a belief worth having.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.