Gifted by Otherness

Gay and Lesbian Christians in the Church

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Inspiration & Meditation, Spirituality
Cover of the book Gifted by Otherness by M. R. Ritley, Church Publishing Inc.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: M. R. Ritley ISBN: 9780819225375
Publisher: Church Publishing Inc. Publication: September 1, 2001
Imprint: Morehouse Publishing Language: English
Author: M. R. Ritley
ISBN: 9780819225375
Publisher: Church Publishing Inc.
Publication: September 1, 2001
Imprint: Morehouse Publishing
Language: English

In the past two decades or so the issue of homosexuality has taken center stage at national and regional denominational meetings and in local church communities. The response of the majority of churches ranges from condemnation to toleration of the gay and lesbian community, neither of which offers much hope for homosexual Christians. In Gifted by Otherness L. William Countryman and M. R. Ritley conclude that being gay or lesbian is not actually a problem at all; rather it is a vocation, and, in fact, a gift to today's church. As "outsiders" gay men and lesbians challenge the church to be inclusive of all God's children—the central message of the gospel. "God has drawn us to this difficult place," they write, "in order to reveal God's grace to us and in us and through us." Basing their book on retreats they have presented to churches and seminaries, Countryman and Ritley explore what it means to affirm, not merely accept, being gay or lesbian, as well as Christian. Written primarily for the lesbian/gay community, they explore the ways in which they can appropriate and re-tell the biblical story, and find confidence in their unique spiritual journey and gifts. This pro-active and self-affirming book provides new hope for those who feel that it is impossible to be gay or lesbian, as well as Christian.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In the past two decades or so the issue of homosexuality has taken center stage at national and regional denominational meetings and in local church communities. The response of the majority of churches ranges from condemnation to toleration of the gay and lesbian community, neither of which offers much hope for homosexual Christians. In Gifted by Otherness L. William Countryman and M. R. Ritley conclude that being gay or lesbian is not actually a problem at all; rather it is a vocation, and, in fact, a gift to today's church. As "outsiders" gay men and lesbians challenge the church to be inclusive of all God's children—the central message of the gospel. "God has drawn us to this difficult place," they write, "in order to reveal God's grace to us and in us and through us." Basing their book on retreats they have presented to churches and seminaries, Countryman and Ritley explore what it means to affirm, not merely accept, being gay or lesbian, as well as Christian. Written primarily for the lesbian/gay community, they explore the ways in which they can appropriate and re-tell the biblical story, and find confidence in their unique spiritual journey and gifts. This pro-active and self-affirming book provides new hope for those who feel that it is impossible to be gay or lesbian, as well as Christian.

More books from Church Publishing Inc.

Cover of the book Soul Banquets by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Holiness and Community by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Deacons and the Church by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Pilgrim by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book The Complete Guide to Godly Play by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Our December Hearts by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Meditations on the Psalms by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book A Greening of Imaginations by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Peculiar Faith by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Fearless Church Fundraising by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Engaging the Spirit by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Marked for Mission by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Christian Holiness and Human Sexuality by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Joy in Disguise by M. R. Ritley
Cover of the book Faith in the Neighborhood: Belonging by M. R. Ritley
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy