Book Description

Homosexuality is not a recent phenomenon or a newly emerged issue. It exists since the ancient time despite the suppression by tradition and culture. It started to surface in recent years as technology and media have developed in racing speed. The society has become more open and acceptive to the topic; people started to reflect on the traditional thinking on human relationship; voices and discussions regarding homosexuality are getting common. The word “homosexuality” which merely means same sex relationship in the past has evolved to LGBTQ which covers Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders and Queers nowadays. Although there are more discussions, do we truly understand LGBTQ? How should we discern the right and wrong? From Christian perspective, how should see it and live with its community? Does the Bible provide us the answer? In the past, when religions are confronted by issues of homosexuality and LGBTQ, they would quickly jump into a conclusion such as “sin”, “against the nature”, “promiscuity”, “unclean” etc. On one hand, religious communities subconsciously hold different attitudes and mindsets toward LGBTQ community; on the other hand, media coverage and celebrity influence exalt the revolution and advocacy of LGBTQ, so that people or religious bodies who hold different point of views may be labeled as “conservative”, “old-fashioned”, “traditional”, “conventional” etc. Over time, a gap has formed between LGBTQ and religious communities. Nevertheless, before we decide between the right and wrong, or give people a label of unrighteousness, could we jump out of the endless quarrel, opposition, or criticism? Could we adjust our perspective to understand, to observe and to contemplate the matter, so that we can better serve this community and walk with them with the love of Christ while we hold on to the law and principle of God? “Homosexuality FAQs – A Christian Perspective” is a wonderful guide for Churches. It helps readers to understand the issue more comprehensively, find out the viewpoints of the Bible, and learn how to reach out and serve LGBTQ community. This book clears doubts and confusions on LGBTQ through 10 questions in the first section. It tries to rebut general arguments from objective and scientific perspective. In the second section, it discusses LGBTQ from biblical perspective through 16 questions. Lastly, the editors laid out 6 questions to discuss the relation between Christians and the society on LGBTQ issue. Each answer begins with “quick response” to give readers the key concept, then followed by elaboration and more supplementary information. This structure is clear and easy to follow. What I appreciate the most is that it does not merely lay out a pile of data and evidence, but also shares ministry tips at the end of some answers, so that readers can break through the frame of merely knowledge, thinking and critique; and more important they can learn how to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ and us, counsel and serve LGBTQ community. Whether you want to know more the issue or feel the burden to serve the LGBTQ community, this book is worth to read. Bishop Dr Titus Chung Anglican Diocese of Singapore President, National Council of Churches of Singapore