Queer Lessons for Churches on the Straight and Narrow

by Cody J. Sanders

Winner of the National Bronze Medal for Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans Non-Fiction in the 2014 Independent Publisher Book Awards,  Queer Lessons for Churches on the Straight and Narrow  is about changing the questions we ask about sexuality, gender identity, and faith. Sanders helps us imagine new pathways into old conversations by shifting our attitude from one of  suspicious scrutiny  toward LGBTQ people to one of  compassionate curiosity . Less concerned with answering questions, it aims to cultivate our imagination for asking  new  questions. Sanders asks, "What can  all  Christians learn from LGBTQ people that will enhance our lives and strengthen our communities of faith?"  Lessons are offered on the themes of  relationship ,  community ,  faithfulness ,  love ,  violence , and  forgiveness .

174 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2013

Reviews

[Catherine Wicker · Rating 5 out of 5]

While texas is at the center of debate around LGBTQIA issues this book looks at the history of the church and the ways that it has helped and hurt the queer community. The author also takes the reader to think about questions the congregation should ask themselves and how to forgive after harm has occurred in the congregation. I highly recommend for anyone to read and consider if they work around faith.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the author has excellent points, but I wonder if he could make them more forcefully. I doubt the people who need to be reading this won’t do it, and if they did they’d just scoff. On the other hand, perhaps my critique is better directed at the fact that a more forceful thrust is needed in the first place. In any case, church folks need to be reading books like this one.

[Kali Cawthon-Freels · Rating 5 out of 5]

As timely now as it was when first published. For churches willing to engage, this book offers conversations far more constructive than the worn-out Bible-quoting stand off that usually happens when debating the lives of LGBTQ+ people.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. It turned some preconceptions sideways and encourages the use of other perspectives.