In this short book, Allberry answers a variety of questions that Christians and non-Christians may have about same-sex attraction (SSA) and homosexuality. His answers are direct and often practical. Chapters 3-5, which focus on how Christians should respond to both other Christians with SSA and non-Christians living a gay lifestyle, are particularly helpful.

Although written in 2001 Gagnon’s carefully researched arguments still stand. I am not aware of a more thorough treatment of the biblical teaching on homosexuality. Most pastors will not have time to read the 500 pages straight through, so the detailed table of contents and index can function as a helpful, yet primitive Google. Most of the pro-gay lifestyle assumptions the average Christian encounters on the internet or around the coffee station at work are addressed in detail by Gagnon. This is the encyclopedia of biblical interpretation on homosexuality.

I don’t know of a better defense of a traditional definition of marriage. The authors do not write from a Christian perspective so their description of marriage is theologically deflated, God’s ultimate purpose for marriage is left out. However their definitions, illustrations and supporting data are vital for believers to understand as we interact with a culture that has an anemic perspective of marriage.

When the apostle Paul exchanged his role as the persecutor to become the persecuted, many of his new brothers and sisters were skeptical. He was an unlikely convert. When Rosaria Butterfield exchanged her role as lesbian professor to become a follower of Jesus and wife of a pastor, everyone was surprised. Well maybe not everyone…. Pastor Ken Smith and his wife Floy believed every convert is unlikely, so they reached out to Rosaria as they would reach out to anyone else. They asked good questions and opened up their heart and home. This book increased my desire to love the unlikely convert to Jesus.

Dr. Yarhouse has spent many years researching homosexuality and counseling people who struggle with same-sex attraction. For pastors who desire to understand the issues and offer practical help, this book will be a valuable resource. Dr Yarhouse offers helpful summaries of the scientific data and concludes, “Science is able to describe what occurs in nature but not how we ought to live.”