Resources for a

Resources for a

FAITHFUL & LOVING

Reflection on

Open & Affirming

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do . . . For you know that it is was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ . . . Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

- Apostle Peter’s 1st Letter to the Church

( I Peter 1:14-23)

As congregations of the United Church of Christ have found ourselves being conflicted and divided by the call to be “Open and Affirming,” there has been a increasing number of requests for resources to provide balance and perspective to the confusion of this issue.

Much of the confusion arises because the inherent desire of Christians to open their doors and arms to persons of all backgrounds and lifestyles is being used by this movement to convince the church to ‘affirm’ the behavior of those who engage in homosexuality and bi-sexuality as a ‘gift of God.’ The real question to be considered is this: How does the church make a faithful and loving response that embodies Jesus Christ and the revelation of the Bible, in calling all sinners consistently to repentance and transformation?

In addition to some short resources we have previously developed, we hope this resource guide provides the additional material needed to approach this issue in far more depth than the stylized approach offered by those whose primary interest is advocacy for their point of view. We caution that the heat of this topic tempers much of what is written on all sides of the issue and that many ‘studies’ reflect far more about the biases of the ‘researchers’ than the reality.

The materials suggested represent a variety of the scholarly, the polemic, the devotional and the practical, not all of which will be equally useful in your setting. Because of the urgent need for this resource, we are trusting to your discernment and judgement as to what is most useful and instructive as you study this critical issue. We would value your feedback and will revise this resource in the future to give a more adequate review on the usefulness of these materials.

May the Holy Spirit anoint and protect you as you seek to make a faithful and loving response to this challenge of our time.

FOR FAITHFUL AND LOVING REFLECTION

BOOKS

Many of these titles are available from:

Regeneration Books

P.O. Box 9830

Baltimore, MD 21284

Tel: 410-661-4337

General

EXPERIENCING GOD: How to Live the Full Adventure of Knowing and Doing the Will of God (Boardman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, TN, 1994). Two million copies sold.
THE THREE BATTLEGROUNDS by Francis Frangipane (Advancing Church Publications, 1989) Valuable book for dealing with and interpreting the activities of the spiritual realm and “demonic strongholds.”

Dealing with Homosexuality

Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth, by Jeffrey Satinover, M.D. (Baker Books, 1996) “The best book on homosexuality written in our lifetime ” --Congressional Record, 1996 A psychiatrist looks at the research.
The Journal of Human Sexuality, edited by George A. Rekers, Ph.D. (Lewis & Stanley, Carrollton, TX, 1996) Short essays on various topics including an analysis of the Kinsey report, the scoop on Nazi persecution of gays, a Bible study, and pages of ex-gay ministry resources.
Homosexuality: A New Christian Ethic by Elizabeth R. Moberly (James Clarke & Co. Ltd., Cambridge, England, 1983) A psychoanalytic interpretation that shifts the focus of the debate from symptoms to root causes. Moberly’s argument is that “the homosexual condition involves legitimate developmental needs, the fulfillment of which has been blocked by an underlying ambivalence to members of the same sex.”
Kinsey: Crimes & Consequences: The Red Queen & the Grand Scheme, by Judith A. Reisman, Ph.D., (The Institute for Media Education, Inc., Arlington, Virginia, 1998) This book examines the life and sex research of Alfred C. Kinsey, who launched the sexual revolution of the 1960’s. A detailed analysis reveals questionable moral ethics, scientific fraud, and the consequences for society.
STRAIGHT & NARROW? by Thomas Schmidt (InterVarsity Press, 1995) An outstanding resource for those who want to delve deeply into the Scriptures regarding homosexuality. Written by a professor of New Testament. Very compassionate, yet doesn’t dodge the tough questions.
UNWANTED HARVEST? by Mona Riley & Brad Sargent (Broadman & Holman, 1995) The gay community is a mission field waiting to be harvested, but few churches are willing to reap. A stirring challenge to the church, with practical knowledge in an introductory presentation for those otherwise unacquainted with homosexuality. Written by two individuals who have been deeply involved in this “harvest field” for years.
A STRONG DELUSION, by Joe Dallas (Harvest House, 1996) This excellent book gives an overview of the pro-gay movement, plus gives specific answers to pro-gay secular and religious arguments which defend “gay rights.” Written by a former leader in the pro-gay church movement.
GAY RIGHTS OR WRONGS, edited by Mike Mazzalongo (College Press) A complete Christian guide to homosexual issues and ministry, this book cuts through the politics and hidden agendas to clear up confusion about homosexual history, politics, behavior, and AIDS.
THE BROKEN IMAGE by Leanne Payne (Baker Books, 1996) A classic that weaves actual case histories with profound spiritual realities as they relate to the psychological dysfunctions associated with sexual identity.
COMING OUT OF HOMOSEXUALITY by Bob Davies & Lori Rentzel (InterVarsity Press, 1993) One of the most complete and understandable books available for any Christian who wants to understand homosexuality and its healing. Co-authored by the executive director of Exodus International.
PURSUING SEXUAL WHOLENESS: How Jesus Heals the Homosexual by Andrew Comiskey (Creation House, 1989) Author is founder of Desert Stream ministry and developer of the Living Waters Sexual Redemption in Christ program. Offers indepth understanding to sexual brokenness and a clear picture of God’s healing and restoring process.
FAITHFUL & TRUE: Sexual Integrity in a Fallen World by Dr Mark Laaser (Zondervan, 1996)
THE HEALING OF THE HOMOSEXUAL by Leanne Payne (Baker, 1996) A brief discussion of how the homosexual can receive healing by praying through their broken past and receiving the wholeness of the Father. Includes material from her previous books.
HEALING HOMOSEXUALITY: Case Stories of Reparative Therapy by Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D. Interesting case studies of eight men who represent a broad picture of male homosexuality.
Michelle Danielle Is Dead by Marie S. Rice Tells the true story of Mike and the road he traveled from homosexual and female impersonator to Christian husband and father. Besides offering an exciting testimony, the author gives insights into the homosexual condition, the process of change, and the church’s ministry to people like Mike.

Lesbian Issues

Once Gay, ALWAYS Gay? One Woman’s Walk out of Homosexuality, by Jami Breedlove (Restoration Publications, 1997) A testimony of how God changes lives including sexual desires and attractions and about the formation of Transformation Ministries.
Out of Egypt: Leaving Lesbianism Behind, by Jeanette Howard (Monarch Publications, England, 1997) A practical tool to help Christians struggling with homosexuality and those who counsel them.

Sexual Abuse & Addition

Sexual Healing: God’s Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives A Reference Manual for Ministering to those Trapped in Sexual Sin & Brokenness, by David Kyle Foster (Mastering Life Ministries, 1998). This book is a study guide written by an ex-gay. It is designed to encourage anyone struggling with any kind of sexual brokenness, to seek and find the one true God and Father of Jesus Christ - who is waiting to restore. Includes readings, exercises, recommended books, worship guide, resource directory and bible references.
Soft Porn Plays Hardball: Its Tragic Effects on Women, Children & the Family, by Judith A. Reisman, Ph.D., (Huntington House Publishers, Lafayette, Louisiana, 1991)