Brownson, James V. Bible Gender Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships. Eerdmans Publishing, 2013.
A thorough, Reformed exegesis of relevant Scripture passages by a distinguished Professor of New Testament at Western Theological Seminary.
Gushee, David. Changing Our Mind: Definitive Edition of the Landmark Call for Inclusion of LGBT Christians with Response to Critics. Front Edge Publishing. 2021 edition revises 2017 edition. Electronic version available for $9.99. Available through many public libraries.
Respected Christian ethicist, Dr. David Gushee, takes the Bible seriously – all of it. Careful Bible study, respect for on-going research, sensitivity to lived experience, and prayer for the Spirit’s guidance combine to offer a rich journey. The book deals with all the challenging Biblical passages in a principled, respectful way, with genuine love for God and all God’s children. The 2021 edition includes a study guide.
Lee, Justin. Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-Vs.-Christians Debate. Jericho Books, 2013.
In depth study of the Bible and personal experience lead to practical guidance for Christians who want to relate to gay friends or family members. Lee also demonstrates that people of faith on various sides of the issue can respect and learn from each other.
Vines, Matthew. Bible Gender Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships. Convergent Books Publishing, 2015.
Careful research, love of Scripture, and deep faith shine through this affirmation of orthodox theology and sexual diversity, by an author with personal experience.
Wilson, Ken. Bible Gender Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships. Read the Spirit Books Publishing, 2016.
A pastor explains his Biblical and pastoral journey to affirming gay relationships and why the church should consider this a “disputable matter.”
Rivera, Bridget Eileen. Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church.
Brazos Press, c. 2021. Paperback available for $25, electronic version for $20.
Christian faith and church life reduces the risk of suicide for every demographic except LGBTQ+ persons. This book presents an honest account of how LGBTQ+ people experience church, in order to help church members, whatever their theological beliefs, understand and do less harm. This book addresses a widely acknowledged gap in the CRC discussion to date.
Baldock, Kathy. Walking the Bridgeless Canyon: Repairing the Breach Between the Church and the LGBT Community. Canyon Walk Express, c. 2014. Electronic versions available for $9.99.
A conversation that starts between a traditional, evangelical pastor and a lesbian, Indigenous woman, leads to a rich exploration of the history of our current struggle, as well as the Biblical texts. The book models respectful dialogue about the wide range of difficult questions faced in local churches.
Chu, Jeff. Does Jesus Really Love Me?: A Gay Christian’s Pilgrimage in Search of God in America. Harper Perennial, 2014.
As a gay man and a journalist, Chu travels across the U.S. on a pilgrimage to get to the heart of the question that has haunted him for years: Does Jesus really love me? He captures spiritual snapshots of Christian America at a remarkable moment, when tensions between both sides in the culture wars have rarely been higher.
Keen, Karen. Scripture, Ethics & the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships. Eerdmans Publishing, 2018.
Karen Keen offers a thoughtful, balanced and biblically grounded discussion. She has both a pastoral heart and a deep respect for biblical authority. She takes a fresh and fair approach to engage both traditionalists and progressives and the LGBTQ+ community; people who feel torn between faith and sexuality.
Hays, Christopher B, and Hays, Richard B. The Widening of God’s Mercy: Sexuality within the Biblical Story. New Haven: Yale University Press, c. 2024. 226 pages.
God’s love as the reason for fully accepting LGBTQ+ persons is often dismissed as inadequate in church circles. This book provides depth and broad Biblical grounding for inclusion as an essential character of a loving God. In a whole-of-Scripture approach, it traces the central story of a God who includes those previously excluded.