There are several new books scheduled to be released in 2009 pertaining to sexual identity, the church, and/or therapeutic approaches. It is great to see more coming our way. My hope is that these authors will address the issues from a fresh perspective and not simply repeat the mantras that sometimes permeate these discussions. These authors come from a variety of persuasions—some more moderate and others more conservative. Highlighting them here does not necessarily constitute agreement with all philosophies espoused. In the coming year, I hope to review several of them on this blog.
Andrew Marin, founder of the Marin Foundation, seeks to “educate, equip and provide both the religious and GLBT communities with tangible experiences and relevant teaching that brings each group to have a better and more clearly defined understanding of the other.” Andrew speaks around the country drawing both sides into respectful dialogue. He just completed his first book entitled Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community. Andrew writes, “This is not a book that is going to make anyone feel good . . . nor is it a self help book to solve all of the world’s issues. It’s a hard look at the life of the Church and the gay community through the eyes of a straight, evangelical man who has been immersed in the gay community for almost a decade.” Anticipated release date: May 2009.
Chad Thompson has been working on a second book for a few years now. When I ran into him at the 2007 Exodus Conference I asked him about it. He said he had completed four chapters and thought he would be finished in a couple years. He was mum about the topic though (which makes me all the more curious!). In his September 2008 newsletter he states, “I also have a new book coming out, most likely, sometime next year.” His first book, Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would, was well written. If his second book is as good as his first, it will be a great additional resource. Anticipated release date: November 2009 or early 2010.
Mark Yarhouse, the psychologist who co-wrote Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation, has a new book that just came out this month that is not exclusively about sexual identity, but includes a relevant chapter. It is “an integration textbook titled Family Therapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal. It has a chapter on sexual identity – what issues to take into consideration when providing family therapy to sexual minorities, issues working with an adolescent/young adult in a family context, mixed orientation couples, etc.” For more information, visit the publisher’s book page here.
Warren Throckmorton, associate professor of psychology at Grove City College, is working on a book. It “relates to same-sex attracted people who are in heterosexual marriage. There will be a significant section on theories regarding sexual orientation. In that section, [Throckmorton] will take up the problems of reparative drive theory and as such critique the primary means of gathering data for the theory – clinical experience.” Throckmorton maintains a popular blog that often addresses issues of sexual identity and psychology. Anticipated release date: Sometime in 2009.
Wendy Gritter of New Direction in Canada recently launched a blog to promote their upcoming four-part interactive DVD resource for church groups called Bridging the Gap: Conversations on Engaging Our Gay Neighbors. The resource is “intended to be a catalyst for courageous conversations and fearless, love-based relational engagement with gay neighbors, BTG seeks to address prevalent questions, attitudes, and hang-ups that keep Christ-followers from hanging out and being ‘Jesus with skin on’ for the gay people in their circle of influence.” Anticipated release date: March 2009.
Alan Chambers, the president of Exodus International, has a new book coming out called Leaving Homosexuality: A Practical Guide for Men and Women Looking for a Way Out. The promo states that the book “explains the process and clarifies the expectations for those who are skeptical of change or frustrated by an ongoing struggle with same–sex attraction” and that readers will learn to “enter into a new life in Christ, set realistic and healthy expectations, build authentic community, learn to forgive, and overcome the power of sexual addiction.” Anticipated release date: July 2009.
Joe Dallas and Nancy Heche are co-authors of The Complete Christian Guide to Understanding Homosexuality: A Handbook for Helping Those with Same-Sex Attraction. This guide is a “go–to manual for families, church workers, counselors, pastors, civic leaders, schools, and those who themselves struggle with same–sex attraction.” Topics include: what is homosexuality, is it genetic, how should the church respond, gay marriage and adoption, how to respond to a friend who is gay, etc. Anticipated release date: Originally April 2009, but there may be a delay.
There are others writing books who are still seeking publishers or have encountered delays. These include former ministry leader Melanie Spinks , Randy Thomas of Exodus International, and Michael L. Brown of ICN Ministries. Brown’s book is tentatively titled A Queer Thing Happened to America: How a Stealth Agenda is Changing Our Nation. He mentioned in a recent radio broadcast that publishers are concerned the topic is too controversial and they would like him to make changes before publishing it. Whether one agrees with Brown or not, it will likely generate discussion if and when it is published.
A book for women was also scheduled to be published this June, but the two female authors, leaders in the ex-gay movement, have put it on hold due to other ministry obligations. However, therapist Janelle Hallman’s book for/about women came out just last year—The Heart of Female Same-Sex Attraction.
As any one in the writing field can tell you, its one thing to plan to write a book, it’s quite another to actually get it out there. Writing is very challenging and time consuming. Thus, anticipated release dates are always subject to change especially if the publisher wants further editing of the manuscript or if the authors become bogged down with other responsibilities. But, hopefully some of these books will actually make it into our hands this year and generate stimulating discussion.
7 Comments
January 8, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Karen,
Thank you for compiling this list for us. Like yourself, I hope these new books contribute to the public dialogue as opposed to rehashing tired arguments.
I am especially looking forward to reading Marin’s book “Love is an Orientation.” I think his work is crucial as the future of this entire issue is dependent on how the church treats sexual minorities and walks that fine line between grace and truth. I just wish I did not have to wait until April to read it.
As for Chad Thompson’s new book, I hear that it is about dealing with inner shame. I haven’t heard much on this important topic and look forward to reading it.
So I take it we will have to wait until 2010 for your book?
January 8, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Yeah–I am especially looking forward to reading Marin’s book. I suspect it will be a much needed breath of fresh air. It’s great to have a straight guy writing about the issues who has emerged himself in the gay community and has such a love for GLBT people. Its rare that straight folk, especially Christians, do get involved in the discussion at all. This is one of the books I plan to read and review on this blog.
As for my book . . . I have many in my head, but I haven’t had the time to put it on paper. I do hope to write something in the next few years. We’ll see.
January 9, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Andrew Marin is frequently invited to speak in the gay community unlike many ex-gay folks. He is an interesting man; I have spoken at length with him on the phone.
Although he personally believes that gay sex is sin, it is pretty clear that he does not consider that those who do not share that view are precluded from salvation. Brian MacLaren offers the forward of the book which should further illustrate that thought.
Through my time in ex-gay ministries I have found it fascinating that ex-gays don’t find those who engage in gay sex — whether one night stands or in practice committed relationships — to be in any danger of losing their salvation. As long as they express their “struggle” and their not agreeing (in theory) with their behaviour choices they can wake up in regret every morning and go back to bed with their partner at night.
But, take someone who says this is not a major issue and that everyone must work this out for themselves (such as myself), and their salvation is called into question.
I’m guessing that Exodus will not be offering “Love is an Orientation” as a selected book on their shelves.
But, yes, Karen I agree with you on this: Marin’s book is a must-read.
January 9, 2009 at 2:13 pm
P. S.
Karen, while you are selecting timely subjects, I would love to hear your thoughts about Ted Haggard’s upcoming HBO documentary about his life at present. I think you will have some interesting, insightful things to say.
January 12, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Hi AM,
It would be interesting to see the Ted Haggard documentary. I don’t have HBO (or any cable for that matter), so unfortunately, I won’t be able to view it unless it becomes available to rent or something. Maybe it will come out on DVD.
January 12, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Thanks Karen for the list.
We’re really excited about making the final edits on the pilot copy of the “Bridging the Gap” and we’re on target to release in March.
Speaking of books, I have a writing sabbatical planned in summer / fall of 2009. It is a daunting task – and there is always the fear/chance that it will not end in a published work – but as my percolating and research continues, it is exciting to prepare for that assignment.
Blessings in 2009.
January 13, 2009 at 8:41 am
Hey Wendy,
That’s exciting that you are planning to write a book. I would love to read something written by you. You have great thoughts to offer to the discussion. Definitely keep us posted with any developments related to that.
I am also looking forward to seeing the DVD when it comes out.