Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate

Justin Lee

Nov 2012 · Sold by Worthy Books

About this ebook

Newly revised and updated! 

An evangelical Christian examines the impact of sexuality, the LGBTQ+ movement, and the future of the church in this thoughtful, deeply researched guide to navigating and mending the social and political division in our families and churches.
 
Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, Lee knew that he was called to a life in evangelical Christian ministry. But questions about his own sexuality forced him to rethink his “love the sinner, hate the sin” approach, sending him on a journey to better understand the Bible, the science, and the history of the church’s gay debate—eventually leading him to become one of the most respected voices on the subject on both sides of the divide. 
 
Filled with personal stories and careful research, Torn provides insightful, practical guidance for all committed Christians who wonder how to relate to gay friends or family members—or who struggle with their own sexuality. 
 
Torn has been a trusted resource for over a decade, and this updated edition features new material to address the impact and aftermath of the “ex-gay” movement, gender identity and the broader LGBTQ+ movement, and an updated and expanded look at where the overall affirming Christian movement is going. It also features new practical recommendations for combating the increased polarization that threatens to tear us apart. 

Ratings and reviews

This is the best book I've read in a long time. I was captivated the entire time, constantly moved to tears not only by Justin's story, but in heartache for how the church has been so poor in expressing God's love to everyone. If you know how you feel about homosexuality and Christianity, read this book. If you don't, read this book. Its an emotional roller coaster and you can't help but me moved, changed, captivated, and heartbroken.

Going to a small, Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod school, this book helped me to get through days of questioning and frustration my senior year of high school due to having endless discussions about this topic and the Bible in a very biased, anti-gay environment. Justin Lee effectively blends Biblical reality using historical context without getting too "only experience" oriented. Everything he hits on is flawless and is a must read. Having a gay brother, this book is the best I've ever read.

Justin Lee hits a home run with "Torn". This book is a must-read for every Christian.

About the author

Justin Lee is the founder and executive director of The Gay Christian Network (GCN), a nonprofit, interdenominational organization working to increase dialogue between gays and Christians and support people on both sides wrestling with related issues.

A passionate Christian from a conservative evangelical background, Justin thought he knew everything there was to know about the Christian approach to homosexuality-until unexpected events turned his world upside down and forced him to reconsider everything he believed. Today, his organization works with individuals, families, and churches to stop the debate from tearing people apart.

Justin's work has garnered national attention and praise from gays and Christians from across the theological spectrum. He has been featured in numerous print, radio, and television venues including Dr. Phil, Anderson Cooper 360, the Associated Press, and a front page article in The New York Times. He is the director of the 2009 documentary Through My Eyes about the debate's impact on young Christians, and the co-host of popular long-running podcast GCN Radio. Justin lives in Raleigh, NC.