(Downtown Monroe)
Since the 1970s I have read, extensively, all sides of the gay marriage discussion within Christianity.
Yesterday I picked up yet another book on this issue. It's free, on Kindle, if you have prime.
A War of Loves: The Unexpected Story of a Gay Activist Discovering Jesus, by David Bennett
The Foreward is by N. T. Wright, who says, "This is a brave and wise book."
Editorial Reviews
Review
David Bennett’s page-turning writing gripped me from beginning to end, and I feel sure that his perspective on what it means to give our sexuality to God is something that every Christian of our generation needs to consider. -- Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, director, Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, director, Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics
This is an incredibly raw and authentic book! David paints a beautiful and compelling picture of what it looks like to desire Christ above all else. His affections for Jesus make me excited to be a Christian. -- Preston Sprinkle, president, Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, Preston Sprinkle, president, Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender
A refreshing and powerful book. This is one of the top books I will recommend to Christians who want to know how to better love their LGBTQI friends and also to seekers---whether gay or not---who are open to considering Jesus’ invitation. -- Sean McDowell, professor, Biola University; speaker; author, Same-Sex Marriage, Sean McDowell, professor, Biola University; speaker; author, Same-Sex Marriage
A timely, thoughtful, and often moving story which will be hugely helpful to a lot of people. David’s honesty and humanity shine through these pages, even as he handles difficult questions through the lens of his experience. This is a gift to the contemporary church. -- Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King’s Church London, Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King’s Church London
Here is a voice as countercultural as it is compelling, capable of engaging the whole Christian community, whether gay or straight, in a vital debate. I have no doubt that David Bennett’s story is going to become an essential part in a complex jigsaw for many. -- Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Rd, Guildford, Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Rd, Guildford
Many lesbian, gay, and bisexual people feel they cannot be true to both their sexuality and the Christian faith. David demonstrates that integrity and authenticity are possible for gay Christians, sharing beautiful insights about love, friendship, and following Jesus too. -- Rev. Dr. Sean Doherty, Christian ethicist; author, The Only Way Is Ethics, Rev. Dr. Sean Doherty, Christian ethicist; author, The Only Way Is Ethics
This book is designed to make all of us think about our ultimate love and to work through how we should engage in a long debated area, whether inside of the church or outside of it. It is well worth the read. -- Darrell L. Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, Darrell L. Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
David Bennett’s book presents a particular lived Christian experience which deserves hearing. I am grateful to all who are contributing their learning, experience, study, and prayer to help us all to proclaim afresh the gospel of Jesus Christ. -- Sentamu Eboracensis, Archbishop of York, Sentamu Eboracensis, Archbishop of York
One of the most significant books on one of the church’s most pressing subjects by one of today’s most inspiring young thought leaders. David Bennett is a prophetic witness, a truth teller, a tender pastor, and a faithful follower of Jesus. This generation needs to hear this man. -- Rev. Simon Ponsonby, author; pastor of theology, St. Aldates Church, Oxford, Rev. Simon Ponsonby, author; pastor of theology, St. Aldates Church, Oxford
This is the searingly honest story of one romanced by God against all expectations. Bennett’s example of giving his whole self, including his sexual self, to the Christ who died for him is an act of Christian witness for our time. -- Rev. Dr. Michael P. Jensen, rector, St. Mark’s Darling Point, Sydney; author, Martyrdom and Identity, Rev. Dr. Michael P. Jensen, rector, St. Mark’s Darling Point, Sydney; author, Martyrdom and Identity
This is an incredibly raw and authentic book! David paints a beautiful and compelling picture of what it looks like to desire Christ above all else. His affections for Jesus make me excited to be a Christian. -- Preston Sprinkle, president, Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, Preston Sprinkle, president, Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender
A refreshing and powerful book. This is one of the top books I will recommend to Christians who want to know how to better love their LGBTQI friends and also to seekers---whether gay or not---who are open to considering Jesus’ invitation. -- Sean McDowell, professor, Biola University; speaker; author, Same-Sex Marriage, Sean McDowell, professor, Biola University; speaker; author, Same-Sex Marriage
A timely, thoughtful, and often moving story which will be hugely helpful to a lot of people. David’s honesty and humanity shine through these pages, even as he handles difficult questions through the lens of his experience. This is a gift to the contemporary church. -- Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King’s Church London, Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King’s Church London
Here is a voice as countercultural as it is compelling, capable of engaging the whole Christian community, whether gay or straight, in a vital debate. I have no doubt that David Bennett’s story is going to become an essential part in a complex jigsaw for many. -- Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Rd, Guildford, Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Rd, Guildford
Many lesbian, gay, and bisexual people feel they cannot be true to both their sexuality and the Christian faith. David demonstrates that integrity and authenticity are possible for gay Christians, sharing beautiful insights about love, friendship, and following Jesus too. -- Rev. Dr. Sean Doherty, Christian ethicist; author, The Only Way Is Ethics, Rev. Dr. Sean Doherty, Christian ethicist; author, The Only Way Is Ethics
This book is designed to make all of us think about our ultimate love and to work through how we should engage in a long debated area, whether inside of the church or outside of it. It is well worth the read. -- Darrell L. Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, Darrell L. Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
David Bennett’s book presents a particular lived Christian experience which deserves hearing. I am grateful to all who are contributing their learning, experience, study, and prayer to help us all to proclaim afresh the gospel of Jesus Christ. -- Sentamu Eboracensis, Archbishop of York, Sentamu Eboracensis, Archbishop of York
One of the most significant books on one of the church’s most pressing subjects by one of today’s most inspiring young thought leaders. David Bennett is a prophetic witness, a truth teller, a tender pastor, and a faithful follower of Jesus. This generation needs to hear this man. -- Rev. Simon Ponsonby, author; pastor of theology, St. Aldates Church, Oxford, Rev. Simon Ponsonby, author; pastor of theology, St. Aldates Church, Oxford
This is the searingly honest story of one romanced by God against all expectations. Bennett’s example of giving his whole self, including his sexual self, to the Christ who died for him is an act of Christian witness for our time. -- Rev. Dr. Michael P. Jensen, rector, St. Mark’s Darling Point, Sydney; author, Martyrdom and Identity, Rev. Dr. Michael P. Jensen, rector, St. Mark’s Darling Point, Sydney; author, Martyrdom and Identity
About the Author
David Bennett is from Sydney, Australia, and is reading for a DPhil (PhD) in theology at the University of Oxford. He is a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and holds an Oxford postgraduate degree in theology, as well as a master’s degree in analytic theology from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
