Staff Pick
This unique, conversation-starting book does a great job of spanning the divide
between LGBTQ children and their conservative Christian parents who disagree
with their sexual orientation/identity/lifestyle for religious reasons. Drew and
Brad Harper designed this book so that both groups' points of view would be represented, so that both groups might actually be willing
to read it, and as a result, might be able to get along better with each other.
In addition, it's actually pretty entertaining in parts, and the story of Drew
Harper (the gay son) definitely resonates with me personally. It's exactly the
type of book I wish I could have read with my parents upon coming out. Recommended By Nicholas Y., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Can an evangelical theologian and his gay son overcome the differences in belief that threaten to destroy their relationship? For Brad and Drew Harper, that question wasn’t theoretical—and neither was the resounding yes they found after years of struggle.
Part personal travelogue, part road map full of practical how-tos, Space at the Table is a guide, showing us a way through the roadblocks that threaten to devastate both families and the broader evangelical and LBGTQ communities. Speaking from their own experience, Brad and Drew offer an invitation to join them in a place where love is stronger than the beliefs that divide us.
Review
"This book is brave, vital, and future-altering. From the first page to the last, Drew and Brad Harper share the full complexity and compassion of their familial love. This book can save lives." Stephen Winter, award winning director of Chocolate Babies and Jason and Shirley
Review
"Brad and Drew Harper's Space at the Table fills a cavernous void in the evangelical conversation around homosexuality. At once theologically orthodox and lovingly relational, this book will be enormously helpful to individuals and families caught in the painful space between evangelical belief and the real-life presence of a gay loved one. People should make a space at their table for these authors and their remarkably irenic book." Tom Krattenmaker - USA Today Board of Contributors - Author, The Evangelicals You Don't Know
Review
"Brad and Drew Harper have written an incredibly relevant book with the potential to influence a culture that is skeptical of evangelical Christian and LGBTQ reconciliation. They invite us into their conversation as father and son, evangelical and gay, and show us that love and dialogue are not only possible, but necessary and beautiful. The Harpers demonstrate what it looks like to come to the table with honesty and humility, while acknowledging the fullness of who they are and what they believe. I want ALL of my friends, no matter who they are, to read this book." Kevin Palau, President of the Luis Palau Association, and author of Unlikely: Setting Aside our Differences to Live Out the Gospel
About the Author
Since 1999, Brad Harper has been a professor of theology at Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon. From 1986 to 1999, he served as a pastor and church planter in two evangelical churches in St. Louis, Missouri. Because his son is a member of the gay community, Brad has spent years building bridges and friendships there. He has also listened to the coming out stories of many evangelical college students behind the closed door of his office. Over the last several years, Brad has spoken to churches, conferences, pastors groups, ministry leaders, and hundreds of college and seminary students on the topic of Christianity and homosexuality. Brad is the father of three adult children and lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife, Robin. He holds a BA in biblical studies from Biola University, an MDiv from Talbot Seminary, and a PhD in theology from St. Louis University.
Drew Stafford Harper was originally issued in St. Louis, Missouri, and was assembled in Portland, Oregon; New York, New York; and Cairo, Egypt. He is a freelance journalist and an actor, so he lives where the work is. Drew has played a bestselling author on stage, but this is his first book in real life.