Synopses & Reviews
A refrain heard relentlessly by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith is: "God hates fags!" Whether it's hurled as a direct insult or stated more subtly in a "Love the sinner, hate the sin" theology, the message to GLBT ears is the same: "God hates you and so do we!" From this kind of blatant attack, to "ex-gay" ministries, to faith-based arguments for a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution against "gay marriage," to the divide in churches like the Episcopal Church over a gay bishop, the faith of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith is constantly under assault. In such a toxic religious environment, many GLBT people abandon their faith, believing that God hates them or at the very least will not love them unless they give up or deny their sexual orientation.
Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christianswill help the reader reclaim the spiritual self that criticism from society and religion has led them to give up. There are lots of books on gay and lesbian spirituality and/or Christian faith. Most are apologetics or debate-like responses to Christian conservative viewpoints. But there arent any books that are simply a guide to being Christian and gay--how to do it, not by having the best apologetic or proof-text but by shoring up the inner life and ones self-esteem as one who is loved by God regardless of what others have to say on the subject. Bulletproof Faithempowers readers to withstand even the most aggressive assaults without fear, doubt, or anger by providing:
*A useful working knowledge of biblical history
*Solid, proven tactics that can be used successfully when faced with an attack
*Spiritual practices (such as meditation and prayer) that enhance and strengthen faith
*Practical tools to discover one's "authentic self": the bulletproof part of each of us
*Guidance on how to turn attacks into opportunities for spiritual growth
The best thing about Bulletproof Faithis that it doesnt argue; instead the authors approach--born out of 10 years of being on the frontlines in the controversies surrounding gay and Christian identity--is to teach readers to draw on their own inner strength and to return abuse with the spiritual Aikido of gentleness, compassion, reverence--and strength.
Review
Chellew-Hodge, a former journalist, is a UCC pastor who runs the online magazine Whosoever.org. Her experiences as a gay Christian searching for how to live with integrity while contending with sometimes hateful opposition inform this book. The “spiritual survival tips” that conclude each chapter serve not only as summaries but also as direct points of advice for GLBT persons coping with inevitable conflict. She also includes brief meditation exercises. Chellew-Hodge offers a realistic voice of experience filled with compassion and love—not just for her intended audience but also for their attackers. Although some may find her impulse to forgive premature, Chellew-Hodge does not naïvely excuse much less accept the abusive language and behavior of antigay Christians. This is not a book explaining relevant Bible passages and their interpretations, though Chellew-Hodge advocates biblical literacy beyond literalism. Instead, it is a confident, sensible approach to handling the opposition and self-doubt that can undermine a GLBT person's sense of worth and belonging as a Christian. (Oct.) (Publishers Weekly, August 11, 2008)
Review
"Bulletproof Faith by minister Candace Chellew-Hodge helps readers reclaim the spiritual self…This book is not an argument against Christian conservative viewpoints, but instead a guide to being Christian and gay. It focuses on how to strengthen your inner life and self-esteem as one who is loved by God regardless of what others have to say on the subject." —The Phoenix (Nov 2008)
Synopsis
This thoughtful, practical guide shows readers a way through the minefield of condemnation and persecution faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians and helps foster a faith that is bulletproof—impervious to attacks, yet loving and savvy in its approach.
Bulletproof Faith is filled with useful insights and proven spiritual practices that deflect attacks and enhance and strengthen faith by turning attacks into opportunities for spiritual growth.
About the Author
Candace Chellew-Hodge is a United Church of Christ minister and founder of the online magazine Whosoever for GLBT Christians. She is an award-winning former television and radio journalist as a news writer, reporter, and editor with CNN. For a free study guide and more resources for this book visit www.bulletproofbook.com.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction: There Is Only One Side.
Chapter 1: Becoming Bulletproof.
Chapter 2: Losing Our Religion.
Spiritual Survival Exercise: Reclaiming Our Authentic Self.
Chapter 3: Learning to Love the Questions.
Chapter 4: Wisdom Before Weapons.
Spiritual Survival Exercise: Surrender Before Battle.
Chapter 5: Learning the Outward Moves.
Chapter 6: The Gift of the Enemy.
Spiritual Survival Exercise: Breathing into Our Pain.
Chapter 7: The Only Thing That Counts.
Chapter 8: You Know Your Faith Is Bulletproof When . . ..
Chapter 9: "No Weapon Shall Prosper".
Spiritual Survival Exercise: Is That Your Final Answer?
Notes.
Recommended Reading.
Online Resources.
About the Author.