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The Homosexual Debate and the Church
96 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2007
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April 8, 2013
One of the hot button issues of our day is the push towards the acceptance of homosexuality not only in the culture at large, but also within the church. The gay agenda is quickly progressing into a battle between those how affirm the traditional biblical commandment of marriage being strictly between a man and a woman and those who are attempting to redefine marriage as a matter of simply being in love with the focus of that love being a member of the opposite sex or the same sex. The redefinition of love and marriage outside the parameters of sound scriptural doctrine is indeed a battle that is waging in the courts, in the church, and in the hearts and minds of people across the country.
Into this fray comes the excellent book edited by David Longacre, The Homosexual Debate and the Church. For anyone desiring to have a clear understanding of what Scripture declares is the definition of marriage and why the attempt to redefine marriage as being anything two consenting adult’s desire runs smack in the face of God’s laws for marriage, I highly recommend this book.
As noted on the back cover, The Homosexual Debate and the Church is book one in the Proclaiming Truth & Mercy series which focuses on addressing certain hot topic issues and breaking them down “into understandable ideas and principles” applying “biblical concepts in practical ways.” In the eight essays contained in The Homosexual Debate and the Church, the fundamental biblical concepts are clearly outlined for the reader. This is not a gay bashing collection of essays that seeks to denigrate those who are caught up in supporting, promoting or participating in the gay agenda. Conversely, each essay addresses a certain aspect of this social issue by engaging the positions taken by gay marriage advocates, noting how those positions are out of step with sound biblical doctrine.
For example, in the essay titled “Pro-Gay Theology – Understanding Its Allure”, author John Freeman rightly notes “Most advocates of pro-gay theology are hurting individuals trying to make their lives work by coming up with complicated strategies to repair their hearts on their own terms…We should pray that those caught up in the false teaching of pro-gay theology will see the truth and experience God’s true grace and love.” Such a statement helps focus the church’s efforts in addressing this issue. The allure of homosexuality or any other sin for that matter is often centered on one’s effort to fill a void in their life that only God can fill. Sexual sins are often difficult to overcome and in responding to the gay theological agenda, we have to, as the body of Christ, embrace the individual and not the sin. We have to be cognizant these are people who are hurting and who likely have been hurt by someone in the past. Demonstrating God’s love and grace as the answer to their need for acceptance and love is the proper biblical response.
Another excellent aspect of this book is the practical message it provides on how to interact with those who have fallen prey to the lie that homosexuality is a viable alternative and supported by Scripture, or at least the false idea that Scripture is silent on the issue. In the essay titled “Homosexuality: Balancing Truth and Mercy, John Freeman avers “Most people find it easier to speak the truth, and then run from any additional involvement. It is easier to tell someone they are wrong than to help them out of their error. This is not truly Biblical…we need to realize that God commands that we love this way. God does not call us to do the impossible. God only calls us to do things that He enables us to do.” So demonstrating mercy to those who are involved with promoting, supporting, or living out the gay agenda must go hand in hand with speaking the truth of God’s word. This does not mean the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality can be viewed as okay or allowable in God’s sight. The issue is speaking the truth in love allowing the power of God’s word to pierce the inward man with the light of truth. In this case, instead of walking about with signs that say “God hates homosexuals”, the proper approach is to sit down with the individual, listen to their position and then share with them what God says is the boundaries for proper sexual relationships.
This is not an easy task as this is a divisive issue. With that said, God has not called us to sit on the sidelines just because the job is difficult. We are called to gird ourselves with the full armor of God so that we may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil. Our enemy is quite adept at presenting lies and half-truths and those in the gay community and those promoting the gay agenda have bought into these lies. The church must demonstrate love and compassion while wielding the sword of God’s word. Truth, mercy, and compassion should be our calling cards. This does not mean truth has to lay down in favor of mercy and compassion.
In the final essay of this timely and relevant book, author Timothy Gieger states the following excellent reminder:
“For the integrity of the Gospel, for the glory of God, and for the health and safety of the hearts of the members of the Body of Christ, the Church must stand firm and call sin, “sin.” At the same time, the Church is to be light to the world. It must interact with the culture and present the Gospel to the people in the world, that those who have been elected as sons and daughters of God might hear and experience the Word and be saved. Individual members in the church ought not to hate or tear down men and woman living in a homosexual lifestyle in any way. Rather they should love them with the same love that Jesus showed when he ate with tax collectors and sinners…We must love, but, in the way of Christ, always with the agenda of godly change and transformation.”
The Homosexual Debate and the Church is a truly valuable resource for this day and age when so many are falling prey to the lie that homosexuality is merely just another demonstration of love. The Church needs to stand firm on the foundation of truth in this area crying out the clear message of Scripture that sex is only within the bounds of a covenant marriage between a man and a woman. In standing firm, we must bring a hand of love and mercy to those who so desperately need to hear that God loves them, has a plan for their lives and that He alone is the answer to the void that exists within them.
I received this for free from New Growth Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Into this fray comes the excellent book edited by David Longacre, The Homosexual Debate and the Church. For anyone desiring to have a clear understanding of what Scripture declares is the definition of marriage and why the attempt to redefine marriage as being anything two consenting adult’s desire runs smack in the face of God’s laws for marriage, I highly recommend this book.
As noted on the back cover, The Homosexual Debate and the Church is book one in the Proclaiming Truth & Mercy series which focuses on addressing certain hot topic issues and breaking them down “into understandable ideas and principles” applying “biblical concepts in practical ways.” In the eight essays contained in The Homosexual Debate and the Church, the fundamental biblical concepts are clearly outlined for the reader. This is not a gay bashing collection of essays that seeks to denigrate those who are caught up in supporting, promoting or participating in the gay agenda. Conversely, each essay addresses a certain aspect of this social issue by engaging the positions taken by gay marriage advocates, noting how those positions are out of step with sound biblical doctrine.
For example, in the essay titled “Pro-Gay Theology – Understanding Its Allure”, author John Freeman rightly notes “Most advocates of pro-gay theology are hurting individuals trying to make their lives work by coming up with complicated strategies to repair their hearts on their own terms…We should pray that those caught up in the false teaching of pro-gay theology will see the truth and experience God’s true grace and love.” Such a statement helps focus the church’s efforts in addressing this issue. The allure of homosexuality or any other sin for that matter is often centered on one’s effort to fill a void in their life that only God can fill. Sexual sins are often difficult to overcome and in responding to the gay theological agenda, we have to, as the body of Christ, embrace the individual and not the sin. We have to be cognizant these are people who are hurting and who likely have been hurt by someone in the past. Demonstrating God’s love and grace as the answer to their need for acceptance and love is the proper biblical response.
Another excellent aspect of this book is the practical message it provides on how to interact with those who have fallen prey to the lie that homosexuality is a viable alternative and supported by Scripture, or at least the false idea that Scripture is silent on the issue. In the essay titled “Homosexuality: Balancing Truth and Mercy, John Freeman avers “Most people find it easier to speak the truth, and then run from any additional involvement. It is easier to tell someone they are wrong than to help them out of their error. This is not truly Biblical…we need to realize that God commands that we love this way. God does not call us to do the impossible. God only calls us to do things that He enables us to do.” So demonstrating mercy to those who are involved with promoting, supporting, or living out the gay agenda must go hand in hand with speaking the truth of God’s word. This does not mean the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality can be viewed as okay or allowable in God’s sight. The issue is speaking the truth in love allowing the power of God’s word to pierce the inward man with the light of truth. In this case, instead of walking about with signs that say “God hates homosexuals”, the proper approach is to sit down with the individual, listen to their position and then share with them what God says is the boundaries for proper sexual relationships.
This is not an easy task as this is a divisive issue. With that said, God has not called us to sit on the sidelines just because the job is difficult. We are called to gird ourselves with the full armor of God so that we may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil. Our enemy is quite adept at presenting lies and half-truths and those in the gay community and those promoting the gay agenda have bought into these lies. The church must demonstrate love and compassion while wielding the sword of God’s word. Truth, mercy, and compassion should be our calling cards. This does not mean truth has to lay down in favor of mercy and compassion.
In the final essay of this timely and relevant book, author Timothy Gieger states the following excellent reminder:
“For the integrity of the Gospel, for the glory of God, and for the health and safety of the hearts of the members of the Body of Christ, the Church must stand firm and call sin, “sin.” At the same time, the Church is to be light to the world. It must interact with the culture and present the Gospel to the people in the world, that those who have been elected as sons and daughters of God might hear and experience the Word and be saved. Individual members in the church ought not to hate or tear down men and woman living in a homosexual lifestyle in any way. Rather they should love them with the same love that Jesus showed when he ate with tax collectors and sinners…We must love, but, in the way of Christ, always with the agenda of godly change and transformation.”
The Homosexual Debate and the Church is a truly valuable resource for this day and age when so many are falling prey to the lie that homosexuality is merely just another demonstration of love. The Church needs to stand firm on the foundation of truth in this area crying out the clear message of Scripture that sex is only within the bounds of a covenant marriage between a man and a woman. In standing firm, we must bring a hand of love and mercy to those who so desperately need to hear that God loves them, has a plan for their lives and that He alone is the answer to the void that exists within them.
I received this for free from New Growth Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 17, 2012
“Understanding the Cultural Issues Behind the Controversy”
“Individuals in our culture approach these issues from many perspectives and the Biblical witness is often distorted or lost altogether. Many respond to sexual sin with harsh judgment, while others accept it with simplistic relativism.
A balanced understanding includes both truth and mercy - being able to apply the message of the Bible in a loving manner. For those who struggle, there is a great need for compassion and grace. For those who wish to minister to those who struggle, there is a great need for wisdom, humility and mercy.
Books in the Proclaiming Truth & Mercy series boil the issues down into understandable ideas and principles. Each book deals with a different specific issue and applies Biblical concepts in practical ways. Written by individuals who have experience ministering into the brokenness of sexual sin and steeped in Scripture, these books offer light in the darkness and hope in despair.
Book 1 in this series, The Homosexual Debate and the Church, attempts to provide insight into the controversy surrounding pro-gay theology. It shows the basic flaws of pro-gay theology while pointing out a compassionate response to individuals struggling with same-sex attraction.
Much of this volume is written by John Freeman, President of HARVEST USA, a ministry devoted to partnering with and equipping the Church in bringing the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those affected by sexual sin.” (From New Growth Press Website)
My thoughts about the book: Well, when I first saw this book advertised on the New Growth Press website I was interested in getting a copy of the book and reading it. And for two reasons, one being that I have been saved out of a life of homosexuality of over 40 years and the second being that I wanted to see how the editor and authors had handled the topic of Homosexuality and the Church. I was pleasantly surprised by the book. It is informative, accurate and edifying in its content.
In the book you will learn about “Pro-Gay Theology” and its impact on the church today. The book offers an objective and factual look at homosexuality explaining the difference between homosexual orientation and behavior. The book also offers a clearly defined message of hope for homosexuals – that a homosexual can truly be saved and transformed by the grace of God. It also is an invaluable resource to educate church leaders as well as members of the church concerning the real truth about homosexuality and how the church must deal with the issue. The book advocates that the church must deal with the issue of homosexuality with the truth of God’s Word and in mercy and love…just as it should with anyone who is trapped in their sin and needs salvation.
In Chapter 7 Mark Hartzell writes about what the church and believers need to do to “Reach Gays With the Gospel.” In this chapter he shares 6 marks of the group of people in our world who have identified themselves as being gay. He relates to gay people as one would relate to a tribe with a certain individual culture and characteristics of their own. And so it is with gay people. The final chapter, Chapter 8 is titled written by Timothy Geiger, “The Welcoming Church.- A Biblical Attitude of Welcome to the Homosexual in the Body of Christ.” It speaks to believers as individuals and to churches as congregations and how the church must respond to homosexuals. Interestingly enough he shares the good, the bad and the ugly about how the church deals with the matter of homosexuality – attitudes ranging from tolerance and acceptance to all out prejudice and homophobia…neither of which are Biblical or acceptable. And God is going to hold each believer and each true Christian congregation accountable for how they handled the issue of homosexuality and how effective they were in ministering to them that some might be saved out of that lifestyle.
This book serves a good and valuable purpose for anyone who is a believer, whether serving the Lord in lay leadership, or as a member of a church leadership team as it provides a solidly Scriptural message of how to deal with the issue and people involved in the lifestyle. The book is rich in Scripture references and passages so anyone who reads the book will get God’s true perspective on the sin and how to deal with it. As one who was once trapped in the kingdom of darkness and under the control of Satan in the lifestyle and who is now free in Christ I can state this book is a good read and will help answer some of the questions and address some of the issues you have as a believer regarding homosexuality.
About the Author:
John Freeman is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Westminster Theological Seminary, PA. John began his ministry with Harvest USA as a volunteer while in seminary. As President of the organization he champions the mission of Harvest USA. In addition to his ministry with Harvest USA, John has served as adjunct faculty in the graduate counseling departments of Philadelphia Biblical University and Center of Urban Theological Studies. He is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). John and his wife, Penny, have been married for more than 30 years and have three grown children. Their home is in the Philadelphia area.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book at no cost from New Growth Press for reviewing it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
“Individuals in our culture approach these issues from many perspectives and the Biblical witness is often distorted or lost altogether. Many respond to sexual sin with harsh judgment, while others accept it with simplistic relativism.
A balanced understanding includes both truth and mercy - being able to apply the message of the Bible in a loving manner. For those who struggle, there is a great need for compassion and grace. For those who wish to minister to those who struggle, there is a great need for wisdom, humility and mercy.
Books in the Proclaiming Truth & Mercy series boil the issues down into understandable ideas and principles. Each book deals with a different specific issue and applies Biblical concepts in practical ways. Written by individuals who have experience ministering into the brokenness of sexual sin and steeped in Scripture, these books offer light in the darkness and hope in despair.
Book 1 in this series, The Homosexual Debate and the Church, attempts to provide insight into the controversy surrounding pro-gay theology. It shows the basic flaws of pro-gay theology while pointing out a compassionate response to individuals struggling with same-sex attraction.
Much of this volume is written by John Freeman, President of HARVEST USA, a ministry devoted to partnering with and equipping the Church in bringing the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the lives of those affected by sexual sin.” (From New Growth Press Website)
My thoughts about the book: Well, when I first saw this book advertised on the New Growth Press website I was interested in getting a copy of the book and reading it. And for two reasons, one being that I have been saved out of a life of homosexuality of over 40 years and the second being that I wanted to see how the editor and authors had handled the topic of Homosexuality and the Church. I was pleasantly surprised by the book. It is informative, accurate and edifying in its content.
In the book you will learn about “Pro-Gay Theology” and its impact on the church today. The book offers an objective and factual look at homosexuality explaining the difference between homosexual orientation and behavior. The book also offers a clearly defined message of hope for homosexuals – that a homosexual can truly be saved and transformed by the grace of God. It also is an invaluable resource to educate church leaders as well as members of the church concerning the real truth about homosexuality and how the church must deal with the issue. The book advocates that the church must deal with the issue of homosexuality with the truth of God’s Word and in mercy and love…just as it should with anyone who is trapped in their sin and needs salvation.
In Chapter 7 Mark Hartzell writes about what the church and believers need to do to “Reach Gays With the Gospel.” In this chapter he shares 6 marks of the group of people in our world who have identified themselves as being gay. He relates to gay people as one would relate to a tribe with a certain individual culture and characteristics of their own. And so it is with gay people. The final chapter, Chapter 8 is titled written by Timothy Geiger, “The Welcoming Church.- A Biblical Attitude of Welcome to the Homosexual in the Body of Christ.” It speaks to believers as individuals and to churches as congregations and how the church must respond to homosexuals. Interestingly enough he shares the good, the bad and the ugly about how the church deals with the matter of homosexuality – attitudes ranging from tolerance and acceptance to all out prejudice and homophobia…neither of which are Biblical or acceptable. And God is going to hold each believer and each true Christian congregation accountable for how they handled the issue of homosexuality and how effective they were in ministering to them that some might be saved out of that lifestyle.
This book serves a good and valuable purpose for anyone who is a believer, whether serving the Lord in lay leadership, or as a member of a church leadership team as it provides a solidly Scriptural message of how to deal with the issue and people involved in the lifestyle. The book is rich in Scripture references and passages so anyone who reads the book will get God’s true perspective on the sin and how to deal with it. As one who was once trapped in the kingdom of darkness and under the control of Satan in the lifestyle and who is now free in Christ I can state this book is a good read and will help answer some of the questions and address some of the issues you have as a believer regarding homosexuality.
About the Author:
John Freeman is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Westminster Theological Seminary, PA. John began his ministry with Harvest USA as a volunteer while in seminary. As President of the organization he champions the mission of Harvest USA. In addition to his ministry with Harvest USA, John has served as adjunct faculty in the graduate counseling departments of Philadelphia Biblical University and Center of Urban Theological Studies. He is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). John and his wife, Penny, have been married for more than 30 years and have three grown children. Their home is in the Philadelphia area.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book at no cost from New Growth Press for reviewing it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
May 26, 2009
Not bad...more of a book geared toward individuals struggling with what the position of the Church should be with regard to homosexuality. This is not a book for those who have already settled that issue and are taking a biblical and historical position but rather a stepping stone for those who seeking to understand the scriptural foundation behind it.
January 25, 2013
Collection of essays dealing with Homosexuality and the church. Pretty good but not too much depth. It is a good introduction. I hope Harvest writes a more comprehensive book on the subject because they handle the subject with truth and grace.
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