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

Justin Lee

Nov 2012 · Sold by Jericho Books

About this ebook

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.
  As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, he knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry. But Lee harbored a secret: He also knew that he was gay. In this groundbreaking book, Lee recalls the events--his coming out to his parents, his experiences with the "ex-gay" movement, and his in-depth study of the Bible--that led him, eventually, to self-acceptance.

But more than just a memoir, 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. Convinced that "in a culture that sees gays and Christians as enemies, gay Christians are in a unique position to bring peace," Lee demonstrates that people of faith on both sides of the debate can respect, learn from, and love one another.

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.