Inclusion

Matthew Vines landmark book exploring what the Bible actually says—and doesn’t say—about same-sex relationships

As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, he knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry. But Lee harbored a secret: He also knew that he was gay. In this groundbreaking book, Lee recalls the events--his coming out to his parents, his experiences with the "ex-gay" movement, and his in-depth study of the Bible--that led him, eventually, to self-acceptance.

Colby Martin is a pastor who found that his acceptance of the LGBTQ community resulted in his losing his job as a worship pastor.  He describes his personal journey in an easy to read book that is interlaced with scripture.  He does a thorough job of explaining both traditional and revisionist views of the "clobber passages."  

Ms. Baldock is a straight mother of straight children who developed a heart for LGBTQ individuals and the church. Her research is recent and relevant and easy to read with many personal stories from LGBTQ individuals who share their experiences honestly.

Susan Cottrell writes this heartfelt book for parents who hear this statement from one of their children. Thoughtful and loving, this resource provides much to ponder and ways to respond. Plan to visit her resource, Freedhearts.org

The title of this book speaks volumes, as Dave Jackson shares how he was able to risk offering grace both to his daughter and to many other LGBT individuals.  He comes from a traditional background in which he had co-authored a book, Overcoming Homosexuality, as well as many other books for the Christian audience.  The book is interlaced with "collateral damage", stories from the front lines of LGBTQ Christians within the church.

A well-researched and annotated review of the scriptures that have been used to oppose same-sex relationships in addition to commentary on how to understand sexual and gender minorities. Is it moral fallenness? natural fallenness? or human variation?  Less than 150 pages but Karen Keen packs it with research, leaving the conclusion up to the reader.

This thought-provoking book by James Brownson develops a broad, cross-cultural sexual ethic from Scripture, locates current debates over homosexuality in that wider context, and explores why the Bible speaks the way it does about same-sex relationships.

David Gushee is a professor, scholar, ethicist, writer and speaker with Baptist roots. His book not only provides Biblical background and support for his beliefs but also documents all he needed to ponder as he journeyed to his current position of Biblically supported acceptance and affirmation.  Easy to read. My copy is full of notes and highlights of portions that I identified with.

Vicky Beeching spent years writing and performing worship songs in megachurches and at Christian concerts across the United States. This is her coming-out story and is written with a rawness that will help family members, as well as LGBTQ individuals, feel her pain and turmoil as well as see her brave response.  Now living in her home, the UK, she is an unofficial spokesperson, often called upon to represent the conservative Christian church and the LGBTQ believers in its midst in the media.

Amber Cantorna honestly reveals her journey within a family that said "friends will come and go but your family will always be there". However, when she came out to her family, she found that she no longer had a place at home with her loved ones and that this statement was not true. For all of those who have felt this abandonment, and for parents who want to be certain to avoid this response, this is a must-read.

Jeff Chu spent a year traveling across the country, meeting LGBTQ Christians, interviewing prominent persons on both sides, such as members of Westboro Baptist Church, Alan Chambers from Exodus International, Justin Lee, and Ted Haggard, to name a few.  He also interviewed LGBTQ Christians from both small and big towns who are trying to find their place within the church.

Preston Sprinkle challenges Christians to look at each other as people to be loved while promoting a "Side B" approach (It's OK to be gay, but same-sex relationships are not condoned). For many Christians, simply recognizing that LGBTQ Christians exist is a valuable starting point.  Although Side B in his approach to the challenging Bible verses, Preston's approach may be a necessary first step for some believers and churches.

Deborah Jian Lee left the evangelical world because she was frustrated by its conservative politics. But over the years she stayed close to those in the movement, and she has come to realize that evangelical culture and politics is changing, and changing fast. Friends had stopped voting based on wedge issues. Believers of color were changing church demographics and political interests. Women were rising in the ranks despite familiar sermons about female submission. LGBTQ Christians were coming out, staying in the church, and leading ministries.

Wesley Hill presents his thoughtful perspective as a celibate, gay Christian. He looks at the struggles for those who believe celibacy is the right path for those with same-sex attraction. 

A summary of Andrew Marin's research into the LGBT community and their relationship with faith. Andrew posits that 86% of those who identify as LGBT have a faith background and 75% would be happy to return to the church. 

A painfully honest memoir of Julie Rodgers' journey from poster child for the ex-gay movement to staff member at Wheaton College to her current place as writer and advocate for herself and other LGBTQ Christians.  Her story is also a part of the documentary, Pray Away (2020)

Documents Sally's path from Side B (seeing marriage as only between man and woman) to Side A (fully affirming). As the founder of Center Peace, she has long provided support to churches navigating conversations on sexuality.

James Martin, SJ is a Jesuit priest who writes books, and columns and is often interviewed for his Catholic perspective of LGBTQ relationships.

A course reader covering many topics such as descriptive and normative ethics, marriage, celibacy and dating. 

Bridget Eileen Rivera, a celibate LGBTQ author, writes from a Side B point of view to outline many of the harmful ways the church affects LGBTQ individuals while attempting to show love. 

A valuable resource for conservative Christian parents who need assistance understanding when their child "comes out".  Research and personal story examples make this book easy to read and substantiated by data. By Mark Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets

A clinical tool for social workers and counselors but also a valuable resource for a parent as they work to understand their non-binary or transgender children.  Without coming to conclusions since there are a variety of experiences, this book exposes readers to others' stories and to a clinical approach of support and counsel. By Mark A. Yarhouse and Julia Sadusky