God's Gay Agenda

by Sandra Turnbull

Turnbull looks at being queer from the Scriptural perspective and presents a view point that we look at homosexuality today far different then in ancient times. She goes through the clobber passages and sheds light on them. Turnbull points out that thee reall is no such thing as tradition, that marriage as we call traditional is fairly new in the time realm of time, and that today in the Middle East marriage is seen far differently. Personally I believe that we should take the Bible in the context of its times, and view homosexulaity from the perspective of reason, and evolving concept of our times. This book is weak in the sense it uses the translatins of the Bible NKJV and NIV that are used by conservatives and are not good translations to begin with, and she seems to plead the cause a little to much.

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Sandra Turnbull is an international speaker at conferences, churches, Bible schools, and leadership seminars. She is the founding pastor of The Glory Center in Bellflower, California. Sandra holds a Biblical Studies degree from Evangel University and a Master of Arts from the Claremont School of Theology.
As a pastor, teacher and author, Sandra addresses in a cutting edge manner the integration of the Christian faith with a biblical approach to homosexuality. From an evangelical, Spirit-filled perspective, Scriptures used to condemn homosexuality are carefully examined in light of the Biblical context with historical accuracy. The red letter words of Jesus on the subject of eunuchs are also addressed from a historical perspective illuminating the issue of sexual orientation.
The traditional stance by the Christian Church on homosexuality is challenged and a loving, Biblical approach is offered. This book will profit pastors, churches, families, parents, gays and lesbians, and all those interested in reconsidering homosexuality in the light of the Scriptures.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ‘gay agenda’ is a familar phrase to anyone who has imbibed their fair share of Christian radio. A 29 minute video produced in 1992 (entitled The Gay Agenda) fueled fear that homosexuals comprised an organized movement determined to undermine the values of society. The original video used footage from gay pride parades as evidence of the subversive nature of homosexuality. It helped fuel homophobia among conservatives for decades. In God’s Gay Agenda, Sandra Turnbull argues for a different sort of gay agenda–God’s agenda for homosexuals.

Sandras Turnbull is a pastor with evangelical and charismatic commitments. She speaks of the authority of the Bible and the reality of spiritual gifts and prophecy for today. She also happens to be gay. She came out twenty-five years ago when she met her life partner through YWAM in Amsterdam. Like all such stories of LGBT people from conservative religious backgrounds, she struggled with her sexual identity and tried to go straight. When she reconnected with the woman she fell in love with a couple years later, they both studied the Bible and came to the conclusion that homosexuality was not a sin but a God given identity.

In the pages of God’s Gay Agenda she shares some of her own journey,discusses relevant passages from the Bible and argues for the full inclusion and acceptance of homosexuals in the church. She has an extended discussion of eunuchs and describes herself as ‘natural-born eunuchs.’ While I did not find Turnbull’s exegesis compelling, this is an intelligent and passionate defense of homosexual inclusion. It is a worthwhile read. Too many pro-gay theologies undercut scriptural authority. Whether or not you buy Turnbull’s interpretation of particular passages, it is refreshing to see the care she takes in trying to understand these passages in their ancient context.

Whenever I review a book like this, I run the risk of alienating my readers. I have friends all across the theological spectrum and this is a divisive issue. Conservative friends will not buy Turnbull’s thesis and may wonder why I would read this book. My more liberal friends will wonder why I do not endorse this book in every respect. I think my conservative friends would benefit from reading this book if only to hear Turnbull’s story and know that there are gay Christians sincere in their efforts to live faithfully to the gospel.

But I do think some of her Biblical explanations are overblown. Linking all the homosexual prohibitions to idolatrous practices (i.e. temple prostitutes) is not a new approach, but I don’t think it does justice to the evidence. Other times, Turnbull’s word studies turn up suggestive approaches, but they remain inconclusive. On the other hand, I think her discussion of the sin of Sodom not being about homosexuality, so much as inhospitality and rape is fundamentally correct.

I give this a three-and-a-half star review. Books like this are important and I think Turnbull does an admirable job of articulating her views in an irenic manner. With marriage equality as a hot political issue, this is not a discussion that is going away anytime soon and I think knowing how different Christians approach the Bible on this issue is important. Turnbull writes:

Wherever you are with the issue of homosexuality, I would like for us to begin by agreeing on one foundational truth about the Gospel. Is it not true that anyone who comes to Christ Jesus and believes in their heart and confesses with their mouth that Jesus rose from the dead and is Lord a recipient of God’s grace? After all, isn’t God’s love inclusive of all people and for the “whosoever?” (6)

Wherever we stand on the issue of homosexuality (sin, orientation, viable option), there are issues more fundamental to the gospel and Turnbull points the way to a more gracious discussion.

I recieved this book from the publisher via Speakeasy in exchange for my honest review.

[Lynne Levandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOD’S GAY AGENDA: GAYS AND LESBIANS IN THE BIBLE, CHURCH AND MARRIAGE by Sandra Turnbull
Publisher: Glory Publishing
Date published: October 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9883863-0-3
Nonfiction/Inspirational
Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Gay-Agenda...
Obtained via publisher.
Rating: 5

GOD’S GAY AGENDA: GAYS AND LESBIANS IN THE BIBLE, CHURCH AND MARRIAGE by Sandra Turnbull is an incredible, eye-opening book that every believer should read.

Turnbull has had personal experience with the issue of gays and lesbians and enough religious training to make true believers in Christ take a more in-depth look into this taboo subject. This book is phenomenal in its scope, covering areas of this persecuted, often condemned ‘nation’ of people I have never heard before. Extremely well researched and well written, GOD’S GAY AGENDA: GAYS AND LESBIANS IN THE BIBLE, CHURCH AND MARRIAGE has given this believer an entirely knew perspective on the matter. Although I cannot say I am totally convinced, I have certainly come away with new eyes and fully intend to learn more, through seeking God further on the matter and doing my own research.

GOD’S GAY AGENDA: GAYS AND LESBIANS IN THE BIBLE, CHURCH AND MARRIAGE does an excellent job in discussing the three types of eunuchs from Jesus’ perspective and also the role they are to play in the future of the Church. Having looked up the Scriptures and Hebrew/Greek meanings of the terminology Turnbull discusses, it is clear she is right on the money. By looking at the clobber verses she mentions, that most believers are aware of in Scripture, it is easy to take the meaning of them at face value. But, as Turnbull discusses them more in depth, referring to history and the true meanings of certain words as shared in Greek and Hebrew, it gives the reader cause to consider that, perhaps, all we have been taught is indeed a lie or a misinterpretation of the truth.

I cannot say enough good things about Turnbull’s courage in writing what may very well be the truth on this subject, and I strongly urge every believer to read GOD’S GAY AGENDA: GAYS AND LESBIANS IN THE BIBLE, CHURCH AND MARRIAGE, to ignore the critics and naysayers, and form your own opinion about these unique individuals who are so special to God. The time is indeed short, considering all that is happening in our world, and it is interesting to note that, perhaps, this particular ‘nation’ of people, as Turnbull refers to them, are indeed some of the people that God may use to help bring about the final harvest of believers throughout the world.

I must again make it clear that I am not completely convinced on this matter, particularly regarding marriage among same-sex individuals, but I am going to do my utmost to learn the Truth for myself.

I urge anyone interested to read GOD’S GAY AGENDA: GAYS AND LESBIANS IN THE BIBLE, CHURCH AND MARRIAGE, to consider the truth for yourself. Because if we have been wrongfully ignoring, hating, persecuting, judging gays and lesbians all these years, then major changes must take place in our own hearts and, more importantly, in the Church before Jesus Christ returns. Because He wants His Bride spotless, and it never will be if those He loves are continually rejected by other believers.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Fedeal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Emily Fuentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read. Both challenged and confirmed some of my views, thoughts, beliefs and theology. In short I would say 1/3 of her points were very strong with the needed evidence (Sodom and Gomorrah), 1/3 could only be seen as theories as the opposite point still seemed to have equal weight (cultural significance of Leviticus) and 1/3 were weak arguments (her arguments about Eunuchs were figurative for the first type and literal for the second- unfair measuring rod). Worth reading.