Book Review: Is God Anti-gay?
Sam Allberry does a wonderful job exemplifying grace and truth as he addresses an increasingly relevant question in our culture. It is clear from his book that this issue is close to his heart, being a man who experiences same sex attraction while also being a respected leader in the evangelical church. Is God anti-gay? is concise yet rich in content. Allberry spends time discussing some of the various scriptures that address homosexuality, but what really resonated with me was the practical approach he took on how to interact with someone who experiences these feelings, whether they are a believer or not. Here are a few takeaways from reading this book.
1. God cares about your sex life
“God is the one who makes humankind male and female, and God is the one who commands them to be fruitful and increase in number. Sex is God’s idea. It was not our invention but his gift.” (15) This is a good reminder for the Church. We often are bashful talking about sexuality, but the Lord is not blushing. He ordained sexuality. And, while we are embarrassed and silent about sex and sexuality, the World has a lot to say. It is making very clear value statements, so I am not surprised when the Bible’s stance seems unclear or awkward. God explicitly discusses his intentions for sexuality as His gift, so we should not assume that he does not care.
2. God is not fixated on your sex life
“What the Bible says about homosexuality does not represent everything God wants to say to homosexual people; it is not the whole message of Christianity.” (26) In my experience, the conversation about homosexuality is not effective when Christians focus on homosexuality as the center of the problem. We all have the same problem being addressed by the Bible; we do not glorify the Lord as we should. Starting there brings humility and commonality. The problems that the Bible addresses are deeper and more numerous than a person’s sex life. We quarrel over symptoms when the Bible is focused on fixing the root.
3. Deliverance is not guaranteed
“Change in this life is possible but not promised.” (50) I would imagine this might warrant some resistance. I also felt defensive as I read Pastor Allberry’s insights on the subject. The power of the Lord is limitless, and we should pray as though we are overcomers. But, temptation never ceases until we are fully in the presence of the Lord. I have many friends who have experienced same sex attraction. Some of them have claimed full deliverance, and they are married with kids and say they genuinely do not experience those feelings anymore. For other friends, these feelings are like a knife in their side. They are always confronted with these feelings and at times they feel out of control and hopeless. The temptation is substantial for them. Why are some delivered in this life and others not? Allberry does a wonderful job discussing this (especially since he is one that still experiences the feelings), but that question could be asked of any temptation. Homosexuality is not a unique frustration. I also have friends who have been alcoholics, drug addicts, heterosexual sex addicts, and I have seen the spectrum with them as well. Your struggles do not define you and they do not indict the Lord. From the womb to the tomb, the Fall has touched every area of life. All things are being renewed, but nothing is complete on this side of Heaven. “We can think that same sex attraction is the issue in our Christian life, as though no other sins or struggles warranted serious attention.” (46) We need to maintain perspective.
4. The Church is the best place to deal with same sex attraction (believe it or not).
“The church on earth is God’s visual aid to the spiritual world of what [God] is like.” (64) What should we do if a gay couple starts coming to our church? What can the church do to support Christians facing this issue? Can’t Christians just agree to differ on this? These are just some of the questions that are asked in this book, and I appreciate Allberry’s sensitivity and candor in answering them. The Church has a generally poor reputation with this topic. Part of that is legitimate, and part of that is just the Church’s unwillingness to buy into this increasingly post-modern culture (praise the Lord for this). I am thankful that Allberry takes time to challenge the way many churches have handled this issue. He writes about how to interact with singleness, marriage/family ministries, when to address homosexuality, how to address it, etc. The Church would benefit from reading his thoughts on the matter. He points to Christ as the ultimate hope for change and healing and gives helpful tips on how the Church can embody that here on earth.
Is God anti-gay? Sam Allberry explicitly says no, but it is a loaded no. Homosexuality is not the unforgivable sin. God is not overwhelmed and disgusted when he sees this sin. He does not withhold love until he sees that people are making progress towards heterosexuality. Yet, it is clear that homosexuality goes against God’s heart for his people. I would commend anyone to read Allberry’s book. If you are a Christian, non-Christian, heterosexual, homosexual, or unsure, Is God anti-gay? will provide helpful insights that honor God and love people well.
