Is the Bible's teaching on sexuality plausible today? Can you be Christian and gay? Discover how life in Christ is the best life for everyone, whoever you are attracted to
Ed Shaw is the pastor of Emmanuel City Centre in Bristol, England, and part of the editorial team at Living Out (www.livingout.org). He loves his family and friends, church and city, gin and tonic, and music and books.
As a Christian who also knows same-sex desire first-hand, I would
put a few things differently from how Ed Shaw does here. But that
doesn't stop me from applauding this biblically thorough,
evangelistically zealous, humbly self-disclosing, and pastorally
compassionate defence of traditional Christian sexual ethics. Ed
Shaw's life and teaching are an inspiring variation on what the
church throughout history has celebrated as consecrated, holy
virginity. May his tribe increase! -- Wesley Hill * author of
Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and
Homosexuality *
Ed Shaw shares his story and perspective in this book with deep
sincerity, conviction and honesty. He makes a profound contribution
to the conversation about same-sex attraction. I am so glad I read
this book and I wholeheartedly recommend it. -- Amy Orr-Ewing *
Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA) *
Ed Shaw writes with the insight of a pastor, the boldness of a
prophet, the integrity of a true disciple, and the warmth of a
friend. This is a hugely important book with a vital message for
the whole church. -- Sam Allberry * author of Is God Anti-Gay?
*
Why would I endorse this book? Simply in the hope that as many
people as possible might read it. Ed Shaw's compelling honesty,
vulnerable testimony, transparent compassion, rigorous submission
to Scripture, and, above all, his thoroughgoing personal commitment
to Christ make it so captivating and instructive. -- Terry Virgo *
founder of Newfrontiers *
Ed Shaw's book The Plausibility Problemis not simply for those
living with same-sex attraction, it's for all of us. The 'just say
no' approach to human sexuality does not work anymore; it's left
the church sounding like the Jesus way is a poor substitute for a
good life. Ed calls us all to a 'better way' as radically inclusive
church families who find our identity first and foremost in Christ,
not in our sexuality -- Steve Clifford * General Director at
Evangelical Alliance *
In this personal and emotionally honest book, we're invited to
listen to Ed's story as someone whose primary identity is in
Christ, and who finds himself attracted to other men. Ed explores
the plausibility problem - the missteps in current Christian
approaches to homosexuality - and challenges Christians to form
more biblical communities in which celibate, same-sex attracted
people can flourish. -- The Rt Revd Tim Dakin * Bishop of
Winchester *
As a same-sex attracted person, I'm delighted to recommend this
passionate and compassionate book by my friend Ed Shaw. Ed shows
that the kind of celibate singleness he himself lives out as a
same-sex attracted man is both plausible and fulfilling, and
thereby offers hope and encouragement to others in his situation,
and courage and wisdom to pastors who want to be equipped to
support them. -- Sean Doherty * Tutor in Ethics and Director of
Studies, St Mellitus College, London *
This is a must-read book. It is a must-read for students and young
people thinking through these important issues, a must-read for
preachers, teachers and Christian leaders with pastoral
responsibility, and a must-read for all those who are experiencing
same-sex attraction and wondering whether and how they can live
biblically holy lives. This book is written with great warmth and
yet is robust in exploring truth. It is understanding and empathic,
and at the same time challenging in its vulnerability and honesty.
Ed's nine 'missteps' address key questions and issues that are
raised again and again. His survey of Scripture (Appendix 1) is
clear, thorough and richly rewarding to study. I will be buying a
number of copies and giving them away to family, friends and church
leaders - I hope you will do the same. -- Revd John Dunnett * Chair
of the Evangelical Group on General Synod (EGGS) *
Reading Ed Shaw's new book moved me to tears. It moved me to review
how and what and why I think what I do about homosexuality,
marriage, family and the church. It moved me to repent over the
many pastoral and theological missteps I've thoughtlessly bought
into that have led us to where we are today. And it moved me to
thank God for a Christian brother practising what he preaches,
writing with grace and truth, poignant honesty and gospel hope. I
doubt a more important and timely book will be written this year on
the topic. -- Dave Gobbett * Lead Minister, Highfields Church,
Cardiff and Word Alive trustee *
This book gives a glimpse of what is possible if we dare to live
out what the Bible teaches. It is warm, honest, intellectually
robust and seriously challenging. -- Susie Leafe * Director of
Reform *
Essential reading in our current context ... Shaw presents his case
with a personal integrity that it is difficult to be unmoved by. In
the end, the book awakened in me a fresh passion to live by the
radical and yet plausible demand to follow Christ with renewed
commitment and energy.
Shaw's book is just the latest in a number of excellent titles
pushing Christians to better understand and serve those who
experience same-sex attraction. It helpfully identifies specific
concerns and shows how the Bible calls us to meet them in God's
way. It does all of this with a firm grounding in Scripture and
without an ounce of compromise. I highly recommend it.
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
