Wednesday, April 19, 2006 | by nathan

Gay Religious Reading

I am always asked to give an accounting of how I reconcile my faith and my sexual orientation. My initial answer is usually, "I don’t bother. Why would you?" But this comes off as glib, and sometimes people really do have questions that need answers, and these books have done a much better job of dealing with those issues than I ever could. So here are the books that have helped me along this journey; I hope they help you, or someone you care about.

These three books are by Jesuit priest and psychoanalyist John J. McNeill, who was booted from the Society of Jesus because he refused to discontinue his ministry to gays and lesbians. The first one, The Church and the Homosexual, is geared more toward Catholics than anyone else, and as such I find the second two much more helpful, especially Taking A Chance on God, which is my favorite gay theology book for several reasons. If you are asking questions, I would recommend you start with these.

These two, unfortunately, are out of print, but if you can find them they are immensely helpful. I got both from Amazon’s used book selections, but are also available at Half.com, so you might try that first; many college libraries also carry them.   

These are five "classic" titles that every gay Christian should read, as should anyone who does not know what to think or believe about homosexuality as it relates to Christianity.  All are highly recommended, clear, and possessed of varying degrees of brevity and conciseness. Theologically these are all good reads, and will give you a lot to think about.

These are stories by and about gay Christians coming to terms with who they are. I always say - and believe strongly - that if you want to understand how to reconcile homosexuality and faith, you must listen to the stories of those who are on that journey, rather than just losing yourself in a maze of theology and interpretation. These are a good place to start doing so. 

If there are any of these about which you would like to dialogue with me, let me know and I will be glad to do so. I may have to reread them, as it has been awhile on some of these, but I am more than willing to do it.