This book is a 'theological memoir' written by a gay man who believes that following Jesus and being faithful to God must involve abstinence from any sexual relationship outside of monogamous, heterosexual marriage. Some Christians will read this and think this is obvious, while others will read it and consider it to be an unnecessary or even oppressive belief.
For me, it was fascinating to read a gut-wrenchingly honest account of what it looks like for a guy to choose to live a life that is faithful to the historic teaching of the Christian church on this controversial and complex issue. Often Christians have a 'position' on the subject without thinking about how the church could and should support those who find themselves longing for an intimate same-sex relationship but choosing instead to remain celibate as a sign of their faithfulness to Christ. Wesley Hill challenges us to do just that - to anticipate 'the end of loneliness' in the way we do community today.
He is also good on how the church should be welcoming and yet be a transformative community - 'anyone who joins such a community should know that it is a place of transformation, of discipline, of learning, and not merely a place to be comforted or indulged'.
This book should challenge, inspire and disturb you. One great thing he does here is combine personal stories with extensive reading and cutting edge theology, to great effect. And his thoughts on 'the end of loneliness' alone are worth the price of the book. This is surely an issue that affects all, single or married, gay or straight, male or female. He says 'I have come to realise my need to take the New Testament seriously that groaning and grief and feeling broken are legitimate ways for me to express my cross-bearing discipleship to Jesus.' In dealing with this one subject, he gives us a theology for addressing all of our brokenness, whether sexual, relational or physical.
Also enlightening are his chapters about well known Christians with same-sex orientation like Gerard Manley Hopkins and Henri Nouwen, and how they processed their struggles in their own contexts.
It is very difficult for Christians to even begin to address this issue without being accused of being judgemental or bigoted, but Wesley Hill, in his openness and vulnerability and with theological acumen, provides a safe arena in which to discuss some of the harder truths of Christian discipleship, and specifically the struggles of many Christians who are wanting to be faithful to Jesus while coming to terms with their sexual desires.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking greater understanding on this subject, whether Christian or not, it is written in a gracious and compassionate way, with great understanding but not with any sort of judgemental attitude.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Washed-Waiting-Reflections-Faithfulness-Homosexuality/dp/0310330033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296163658&sr=8-1
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