Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This book has helped thousands of families and congregations nationwide to rethink traditional evangelical Christian teachings about LGBTQ inclusion. Many Christian denominations, including the United Methodist Church, are calling on all congregations to discuss LGBTQ inclusion now. That's because millions of American families include loved ones who have felt the condemnation of traditional evangelical teachings, leading many of those families to avoid churches. Dr. Gushee offers hope and healing by helping Christians to return to Bible study, prayer and reflection in a way that leads to inclusion.
This is a powerful, inspiring message because it comes from America's leading Christian ethicist. Throughout his career, Dr. Gushee has written many helpful pastoral books for churches, discussion groups and individuals. He is the author of the "Evangelical Declaration Against Torture" and drafted the "Evangelical Climate Initiative." His "Kingdom Ethics" reference book is on pastors' bookshelves nationwide. Now--in what he describes as the most important book of his long career as a Christian teacher--Dr. Gushee gives us this encouraging book that is perfect for Sunday school or small-group discussion.
"For decades now, David Gushee has earned the reputation as America's leading evangelical ethicist. In this book, he admits that he has been wrong on the LGBT issue," writes Brian D. McLaren, author and theologian. Now, in what he describes as the most important book of his long career as a Christian teacher, he has written this book that is perfect for Sunday school or small-group discussion.
Dr. Gushee takes us along his own theological journey as Bible study, research and prayer changed his mind about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender inclusion. Then, in this definitive third edition of this book, Dr. Gushee issues a scholarly response to his critics.
Best-selling Christian author Brian D. McLaren says it best: "Not only is David Gushee's work deep, thoughtful and brilliant; and not only is David philosophically and theologically careful and astute; he is also refreshingly clear and understandable by 'common people' who know neither philosophical nor theological mumbo jumbo."
Synopsis
Changing Our Mind has helped thousands of families and congregations carefully and compassionately rethink traditional religious teachings about full LGBTQ inclusion.
Christian denominations and churches everywhere struggle with the issue of LGBTQ inclusion. With growing scientific evidence, our wider society has taken big steps, but too many religious families and communities have not kept up. As much as ever, many people still experience deep condemnation by evangelical and other churches, getting kicked out or altogether leaving. Dr. David Gushee offers a powerful, inspiring message of hope and healing by helping Christians to return to Bible study, prayer, and reflection in a way that creates a vision for a more inclusive church.
Arguably America's leading Christian ethicist, Gushee has written many helpful books for churches, discussion groups, and individuals. He is the author of the "Evangelical Declaration Against Torture" and drafted the "Evangelical Climate Initiative." His Kingdom Ethics is on pastors' bookshelves nationwide. Now, in what he describes as the most important book of his career as a Christian teacher, Gushee gives us this encouraging discussion on how he changed his mind.
From his own careful Bible study, research, and prayer, Gushee takes us along an conversational theological journey. In one book, he concisely marks out every single component of historic Christian sexual morality. He covers all of the relevant biblical passages and all the theological positions, including the key argument of creation. With a careful study of context and biblical language, he walks us through a principled discussion that is respectful of traditionalists while calling for inclusion and the end of contempt. This definitive third edition also includes Gushee's response to critics and a study guide for small group discussion.
Author Brian McLaren calls Changing Our Mind "deep, thoughtful and brilliant . . . and] refreshingly clear and understandable." It is an eminently useful handbook for any individual or organization that wants to better contextualize traditional church teachings, which have been and must continue to change.