Ebook
What does it mean to be gay ... and a Christian? Beginning with how the Bible describes the Church, author Nate Collins outlines a vision for community life that challenges Christians to examine obstacles that inhibit spiritual unity. This new vision calls straight and non-straight believers alike to patterns of Christian obedience that respect and honor their similarities and differences.In addition, Collins provides a theological framework for understanding how Genesis 1-2 describes both gender and sexuality. He then unpacks biblical concepts like desire, lust, and temptation, and applies them to modern constructs like sexual attraction and orientation.Collins explores the theme of identity, focusing on facets of personal identity that are central to the experience of Christian gender minorities. He looks at what Scripture says about the formation and function of Christian identity, highlighting several theological and sociological tensions. Collins writes for believers who have a traditional sexual ethic and provides a compelling vision of gospel flourishing for gay, lesbian, and other same-sex attracted individuals.
Part 1: The Main Ideas
Chapter 1: Sex, Gender, and the Bible
Chapter 2: Reforming Friendship, Reclaiming Eros
Chapter 3: Sexual Orientation
Chapter 4: 'Gayness' in Theological Perspective
Part 2: Identity Matters
Chapter 5: Christian Identity
Chapter 6: Gender Identities
Chapter 7: Gay Christian Identities
Chapter 8: Minority Identity Problems: Stereotypes, Intersectional Invisibility, and Marginalization
Part 3: A Way Forward
Chapter 9: A Reconciliation Theology for Gender Minorities
Chapter 10: Gay Vocations
Chapter 11: Straight Vocations
Appendix: A Brief Reflection on Intersex and Transgender Identities