Maddie is a lesbian, but she's not attracted to women. I'm probably more pure than any other guy my age. Let's have a cordial conversation. One of the most important books for teens, Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2020. I don't, Jordan was taken aback. : Some who believe in Jesus, and others who despise the Christian faith. It shouldnt be shamed. And they have stories. Preston Sprinkle, Living in a Gray World: A Christian Teen's Guide to Understanding Homosexuality (Zondervan, 2015) In this book, the delightfully named Preston Sprinkle aims to help Christian teens understand homosexuality. Men who feel more like women, and women who feel like men. Jordan thought. Im a college pastor who has continually wanted a biblical, compassionate resource to give to students and youth who are either struggling with same sex attraction or trying to figure out what the Bible says about homosexuality. How can we best love people who are same-sex attracted among us? is sort of a catchall identifier for everyone else who feels marginalized based on their sexuality. For now, I'll use the term. I have had conversations already that have informed me of the nature of the issue, and it's not like a "born this way" situation. He might as well have been stuffed in a cage and sold to the zoo. Preston and his wifeChris, live in Boise, Idaho, with their 3 daugthers and 1 son. Everything is explained so clearly and the author does a great job of having a relatable conversation so as not to come across harsh. Just concern yourself with being too much like Jesus. Each one of these people has some experience with homosexuality. One thing I've learned from talking to gay people over the years is that words really matter, especially in this discussion. I asked the librarian to put a book on hold for me. We need to be careful with this term. He didn't want to go in there, but knew he had to. I didn't decide this. ", The leader continued, "You know, Jordan, what God thinks about homosexuals? "Jordan, we can't condone someone with your lifestyle," another leader interjected with polished conviction. I've introduced you to Dan, Maddie, Justin, Jordan, Lesli, and Eric because there's something we really need to agree on up front. Yes, a big old stone will probably break your bones, but words have the power to crush your heart. was painfully blurred. I really appreciate Sprinkle's straightforward approach as well as Biblical scholarship. Eating disorders, depression, and suicide are often caused by hurtful words. One where hard questions are raised and genuine answers are given. In fact, he's one of the most life-giving humans I've ever hung out with. -- Francis Chan, pastor and bestselling author of Crazy Love and You and, Preston Sprinkle is the president of Theology in the Raw, which started as apodcast and has grown into muchmore, includinganannualExiles in Babylon Conference, hosted in Boise Idaho. You're sitting in the front row at church and the preacher keeps talking about ". To have a clear and deep book that is easy for any student to pick up and read is such a gift. I don't, Jordan was taken aback. The author uses debunked theories about homosexuality, transgender, and intersexed people. When in doubt, just stick to LGBT. I would highly recommend this book. Wouldnt make eye contact with me. This leads to the black and white worlds to mesh together to become this gray void we live in. He walks through the complexities well and stays true to the Word. We'll talk about all this stuff in chapter 4. What if someone's actually straight, but they've had same-sex experiences in the past? Who are us? Ignorance is the greatest weapon of the enemy. There's no alternative for. Millions of people have been psychologically and emotionally slaughtered over something they were called more than twenty years ago. I don't struggle with wanting to have sex with children.". That is, the average of three color channels . And sometimes there are several other letters added to the mix, like LGBTQTIAP (. He grew up a lot like Justin, but Jordan believes that acting on homosexual desires is a sin. Sometimes it's inevitable to use the words "us" or "them." Living in a Gray World helps to begin a conversation with teens about the language and terminology used by those who identify as LGBTQ. Or you could use the well-known acronym LGBT. Recovery from an eating disorder involves learning to think and live in shades of gray. Lifestyle. A lesbian is a woman who feels like a woman, and who's attracted to other women. My point is to be very careful about using these terms and to make sure you don't cause people to feel like some less-than-human "other.". That is, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender. And the confusion continued to dehumanize Jordan limb by limb. Most questions require a lot of thought and honest discussion. I am hopeful that this book is accepted by a teenager who is on the brink of questioning these things because of peer influence. What if someone is only slightly gay? Please try again. (Even though it is written for the 15-22 yo demographic so they should read it too!) If there's one thing I've learned, it's that we've got to put flesh on this topic. You've already met my friend Jordan. When he came out to his parents about being gay, they told him he was an abomination and kicked him out of the house. Amazon has encountered an error. I mean, we can't have you working with our children! Jordan is one of the most amazing Christians I've ever met. Lifestyle?! We put look at people as people and not as an issue or an agenda. It also means you are missing the personal growth that emerges from experiencing the troubles and tribulations our life on earth brings us. I'm not going to lecture at you, cram info down your throat, or even tell you what you must believe. In todays world, the topic of homosexuality seems to be part of everyday conversation in the media, in politics, and even inside churches, with pressure to accept one view or the other. and many more titles. There was a problem loading your book clubs. It is simple, effective and widely used. I hoped that picking up 'Living in a Gray World' may give me something new: a new understanding. Unable to add item to List. I wanted to know what the bible said. Before we really dive into our conversation, we need to get on the same page about some important words. Ive found this to be an essential guide for the believer in navigating the hyper sexualized and multi sexualized world we live in today. What if your sister is a lesbian, or you sometimes wonder if you might be as well? What I'm about to say will be foundational to everything I write in this book. Some gay and lesbians who act on their attraction, and others who don't. "Jordan, we can't condone someone with your lifestyle," another leader interjected with polished conviction. Preston Sprinkle does an excellent job arguing for the importance of loving and accepting all people, especially those of the LGBTQ community. My hope is that hearing their stories will help us "put flesh" on the topic of homosexuality. What do you mean? Just concern yourself with being too much like Jesus. In a world filled with confusing messages and influences that are directly opposed to my beliefs, I was SO glad to find this book. He had to tell them. Preston has held faculty positions at Nottingham University, Cedarville University, and Eternity Bible College. Through honest conversation, real-life examples, and biblical research, Dr. Sprinkle unpacks what we can know to be true, and how Scriptures overall message to us today allows us to move forward and find answers that align with Gods intent. For now, I'll use the term. What if they're not acting on it. No, they aren't. Prestonis also the founder andpresident ofthe Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. I'm probably more pure than any other guy my age. My friend Jordan was anxiously waiting in his car outside the church office. The term, is often used as a synonym for "same-sex attraction" (or SSA) and doesn't necessarily mean that the "gay" person is acting on that attraction. They all have a unique set of experiences, joys and fears, things they hate and love, things that make them smile and other things that make them crazy mad. : 2022-23 | Issue 07. I love that the author doesnt tell the reader HOW to think, but challenges the reader with the facts and studies and scriptures and arguments at hand, and then asks the reader what they think.Again, this is such an important moment in the church to show the love of Jesus to those who often feel they have been discarded by the church or disapproved of. I think it's time to have a conversation about homosexuality. How can, best love people who are same-sex attracted among, us? In the context I minister, this topic comes up on a weekly basis. Plenty of Great stuff. Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021. I'm not a, I don't struggle with wanting to have sex with children. Unfortunately, many gay and lesbians feel like this whenever they hear Christians talk about ", gay people" or other such "they/them"-type words. is sort of a catchall identifier for everyone else who feels marginalized based on their sexuality. My point is to be very careful about using these terms and to make sure you don't cause people to feel like some less-than-human "other.". In Gray World, Green Heart, Robert Thayer identifies three conflicting forces - topophilia (love of land and nature), technophilia (affection for and dependence upon technology), and. But we need to be very clear about what we mean. Jordan was helping out in the youth group at church and had just completed a year of college. People who have been raped into lesbianism, and people who have been born with same-sex attraction. This book seems to fit the bill: it is attractive, well-written, and faithful to biblical . Take the word lifestyle. Ive found this to be an essential guide for the believer in navigating the hyper sexualized and multi sexualized world we live in today. When many Christians hear the term, they immediately think of sexual immorality. Dr. Sprinkle shares biblical truth and compassion about this important topic. Preston Sprinkle has encountered these same questions, and as a theologian and a college professor he has dealt with these issues firsthand. I haven't even touched another person. When many Christians hear the term gay, they immediately think of sexual immorality. By living a lukewarm life you are trying to suspend yourself in an unnatural world created by you and mankind, not God. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold. He didn't want to go in there, but knew he had to. Lifestyle. My point is to be very careful about using these terms and to make sure you don't cause people to feel like some less-than-human "other.". When he entered the room, he was greeted with smiles. She didn't choose to feel this way. in our conversation as a description of someone who is attracted to the same sex. Everything can be summarized into this: Love all people. Learn more. It breaks down the Christian doctines in a way that doesn't feel judgmental or hateful. A year later, he committed suicide. I'm not going to pretend that there's one cookie-cutter answer to every question. So whether you are gay or straight or somewhere in between, you have a unique story. And the confusion continued to dehumanize Jordan limb by limb. He grew up a lot like Justin, but Jordan believes that acting on homosexual desires is a sin. While I don't believe this to be true, it does fit with Christian beliefs and again does not say that these people are terrible. Living in a Gray World explores with readers: Homosexuality and other related issues, such as what it means to identify as transgender and intersexWhat the Bible says about homosexualityHow to cultivate a heart for people Dr. Sprinkle shares biblical truth and compassion about this important topic. I'm probably more pure than any other guy my age. Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. Prestonis also the founder andpresident ofthe Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. I'm sure you have questions. Are we talking about people having sex with someone of the same gender? Good Condition. He could hardly say the words out loud in the safety of his car. What if they're not acting on it now, but maybe they will in the future? In repeat cross-sectional analyses, participants living closer to a new motorway junction were more likely to report using a car at follow-up than those living further away (odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI . And the confusion continued to dehumanize Jordan limb by limb. His hands were trembling and his face dripped with sweat. Everything is explained so clearly and the author does a great job of having a relatable conversation so as not to come across harsh. But psychologically and mentally, she identified as a male. So let's have that discussion. Thank you, Preston Sprinkle, for taking the time to write this much-needed book! And that's why Maddie is a lesbian. So if someone asks you, "What's your view on homosexuality?" Although she had many excellent qualities - she was creative, had a great capacity for . in this discussion. Unfortunately, many gay and lesbians feel like this whenever they hear Christians talk about "those gay people" or other such "they/them"-type words. But I think this book can still be a discussion. What I found was a helpful resource written in a concise and understanding manner that I would feel confident suggesting to my students to read. And this short read gave me exactly that.What I noticed straight away was how qualified this author was to write this book. : 21 Conversations from a Historically Christian View, Grace/Truth 2.0: Five More Conversations Every Thoughtful Christian Should Have About Faith, Sexuality & Gender. Sometimes the English language demands it. New York Times bestselling author Dr. Preston Sprinkle has encountered these same questions, and as a theologian and a college . He also makes a very good argument that Jesus first LOVED sinners and then called them into repentance and notes that as Christians we have no basis to ask others to ask non-christians to step away from sin, but we can lovingly introduce them to the God and saviour who can. Justin breaks all the stereotypes of what some people say "makes" people gay. It shouldnt be looked down upon. Sometimes it's inevitable to use the words "us" or "them." Im a college pastor who has continually wanted a biblical, compassionate resource to give to students and youth who are either struggling with same sex attraction or trying to figure out what the Bible says about homosexuality. Think about it: Pretend you are fifteen years old and struggling with same-sex attraction. For now, I'll use the term gay in our conversation as a description of someone who is attracted to the same sex. I agree with much of what Preston Sprinkle writes in this book. Something went wrong. It is the core of a leaders work. And unfortunately, many gay and lesbian individuals have been slashed by words that feel like razor blades across their eyeballs. We're going to look at the Bible, psychology, and philosophy. Just like you and me and everybody else, they're different. Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2023. He had recently come to grips with the fact that he was attracted to guys, and he'd even mustered up the courage to tell his pastor. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club thats right for you for free. I know. But with 6 teenagers of my own, this is an excellent resource that balances truth and grace backed by solid theology and scriptural foundations as well as scientific research. We need to be careful with this term. Preston M. Sprinkle is the president of Theology in the Raw, which started as apodcast and has grown into muchmore, includinganannualExiles in Babylon Conference, hosted in Boise Idaho. This book is not written as a book. I've even used these terms a few times already, in case you didn't notice! (Some of you don't need to pretend.) Dan isn't very religious and he often gets frustrated with conservative Christians. ", The first friend I want to introduce to you is Dan. We're talking about people. He breaks apart myths and assumptions on both sides of the topic. Goodness gracious.Anyway, none of that is about this book specifically, but it certainly affirmed why I was reading the book and why the book is so desperately needed.I cant say that I agree with 100% of what is said in these pages. He didn't know what to say. Millions of people have been psychologically and emotionally slaughtered over something they were called more than twenty years ago. So if someone asks you, "What's your view on homosexuality?" Your writing gives insight into a very deep struggle and a world that is often confusing to many. 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