So, I’ve been thinking and praying about the topic for my next book. Actually, I’ve already started the proposal and written part of the introduction.
The book is about the church’s view of homosexuality.
Here’s the premise:
Many Christians look at homosexuality as an epidemic – a contagious plague that must be avoided. Damnation is preached instead of grace extended. As a result, those living in the homosexual lifestyle run from the church without a concept of what a personal relationship with Jesus Christ looks like. The purpose of this book is to remind the church that people don’t go to hell because they are gay; they go to hell because they don’t know Jesus. The book will equip the church to extend love and grace to this lifestyle without approving of the sin.
I need your thoughts.
Would you read it or am I opening a can of too much controversy? Please share your thoughts with me below…
I would read it! And either way, its a hot issue in the church (i think) so anyone who goes there will be stirring something. I believe that if God leads you in that direction, He will give you the wisdom to share the message.
I believe many in the church will actually be relieved to see it addressed. So many families in our churches today are touched personally by this issue, and they don’t know how to relate to their own gay loved ones or friends. I think a book like this would not only help us relate to the gay populations but open the door for the church body to communicate and share with each other about their own that they have been keeping secret.
I agree with you Rosella, hence my saying i’d read the book and i believe it’s something that should be addressed. Thing is, I believe “how” the message is shared is very important. It can mean the difference between taking down walls and building up more walls. Hence my belief that if the Lord is leading Sundi to write this book, she should go ahead, full steam – He will provide the wisdom and courage needed.
(and am not American by the way so our cultural contexts maybe a little different. though the principles may still apply. )
It’s a strong, controversial message, that’s for sure.
I would read it and gladly help you promote it , the gays need love too and to know Jesus loves them but not their lifestyle! Go for it!
You’re right, but be careful calling them “the gays”. That can be discouraging.
How did i stuble upon this? the part “remind the church that people don’t go to hell because they are gay” is ok but “they go to hell because they don’t know Jesus” its like saying if you haven’t read the bible you will go to hell, then if you read the bible you will see that there are atlest 4 or 5 different people thats writen things that opose each others opinions… so how do you get to know jesus? you dont… your going to hell either way, you cant please the bible.
You get to know Jesus by reading the Bible and by the Holy Spirit opening God’s Word to us and helping us to understand it. We will never be able to live it “perfectly”, because only Jesus is perfect. It’s called grace. By grace we are saved once we have asked Jesus to forgive us. It’s really that simple. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, ask for forgiveness and accept it as a gift, not something you have to earn. Trust God to help you grow and understand how he wants you to live. If you are sincere, God will show you the way.
Go for it Sundi Jo! It’s an issue that needs to be dealt with in the church. But please be sure to cover the other side that seems to think that it’s okay to be that way “because God made me that way and He loves me anyway.” That is a large part of the trap, in my opinion.
As for the guest who thinks we can’t know Jesus and that you can’t “please the Bible”, I know God led you here for a reason. You CAN know Jesus – that’s why the Bible was written. There are places that, to the heart that does not know Him, can seem contradictory. But when read in context the Word never contradicts itself.
Thanks Jim. Good point on covering the other side.
YES! I would read it & then I would be obnoxious & make all my friends read it . I have even been know to leave books out in public so I can harass perfect strangers too! Seriously though, as a Pastor’s wife, I promise you that this is so very very needed & wanted.
Thanks for the confirmation Jalal.
Yes, I would read it, and it is a message that needs to be written. The church especially needs to hear it! I agree with your premise wholeheartedly. If God is leading you to write it you have no choice but to write it. Love you Sundi Jo!
Thanks Rosella.
I would definitely read this book and share with my church family. This is something that I believe a lot of the churches unintentionally fall short on. How do you help someone come to terms with what their doing or how their behaving is effecting their spiritual growth and at the same time win them over to God. After all, winning people over to God is our only job as a Christian. I think for the most part we do pretty good at this with people that have never heard of Jesus Christ or the bible but how do you tell someone that claims to be a Christian that their actions do not follow what the bible says without being judgmental or offensive.