People to Be Loved

I don't think I've seen another book that takes such a perfect posture in the debate regarding homosexuality and the Church. From the get-go, Preston announces his intention, that he's in this to offer a thorough exegesis on what Scripture says (and doesn't say) about homosexuality and homosexual relationships. He's not here to give his opinion or sway us; rather, he wants us to be educated and serious about our own pursuit of Truth. It's certainly not an easy task, but I think Preston does it very, very well.

His approach to this incredibly divisive issue is an important distinction from other similar works because Preston isn't offering his own beliefs or personal arguments about the issue, even though he could easily do that as a professor, pastor, and Christian. He reminds us, in fact, that it's not really about an issue; above all, it's about people (hence, the title). Preston approaches both affirming and non-affirming views of consensual, monogamous, homosexual relationships with a firm grip on the Word, as well as an intimate knowledge of the cultural influences each author likely dealt with during the time they were writing. He digs deep into our assumptions and strikes them right in the heart, all while expertly navigating the treacherous waters of stating interpretation as fact or putting his own words in God's mouth.

In short, Preston lets God speak for Himself and shows his readers how we have interpreted His statements. Ultimately, we are left to choose for ourselves. But the Truth is never abandoned and, by the end, it seems pretty clear what that choice should be.

This is a book that everyone - believers and non-believers alike - should have on their reading list.

A really insightful and helpful book. It seemed well researched and looked at both sides of the argument.

This book deals with a very sensitive subject: Christianity and homosexuality. I wasn’t sure how this author would approach this subject, because that’s his first book I read. But I have to say that I was so impressed with it, and I cannot imagine a better approach to this subject.

First, the author analyzes what the Bible says about homosexuality. He analyzes the text from an absolutely neutral point-of-view (I mean, he doesn’t come with pre-conceived notions). And he does a really deep analysis of the text. He also presents the main different interpretations that the text has had by people with other points-of-view, and he explains why he doesn’t agree with them.

If you think you have all the Bible texts about homosexuality figured out, you really need to read this book. Even if you agree with the author conclusion, you will certainly know a lot more about the texts from the Bible, and you will be able to understand them a lot better.

Above all, I was touched by the respect and love that the author shows towards people struggling with their sexuality. I was touched by the stories he shared, and as a straight Christian woman, I feel that the Church in general needs to change some of its approach towards this subject and most of all towards the people involved in this subject. I agree with the author, they’re just people to be loved, like you and me. And loving the person doesn’t mean agreeing with or authorizing sin, as Jesus showed us so many times. We, Christians, need to imitate Him more.

Summing up, this is an excelent book, that I consider a must-read for every christian.

A very informative and carefully written book.