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Questions Christians Ask
Is God anti-gay?
It's the hot topic of the moment. Christians, the church and the Bible seem to be out of step with modern attitudes towards homosexuality. And there is growing hostility towards those who hold a different view. So is God homophobic? And what do we say, and how do we relate to to both Christians and non Christians who experience same-sex attraction.
In this short, simple book, Sam Allberry wants to help confused Christians understand what God has said about these questions in the scriptures, and offers a positive and liberating way forward through the debate.
In this short, simple book, Sam Allberry wants to help confused Christians understand what God has said about these questions in the scriptures, and offers a positive and liberating way forward through the debate.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
418 people are currently reading
3575 people want to read
About the author
Sam Allberry
33 books311 followersSam comes from Sevenoaks in Kent, but studied theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford, and has since worked at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, and now serves at a church in Maidenhead. Hobbies include reading, watching The West Wing and anything to do with South-East Asia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 685 reviews
June 23, 2019
As a homosexual man, I felt that Mr. Allberry's position towards the LGBT community is unsympathetic and unable to understand the core desire for connection and partnership that we all have. As God stated, "It is not good for man to be alone", and yet that is exactly what Mr. Allberry would expect of every LGBT person. It's sad and discouraging that this book can be so highly rated.
February 18, 2018
An interesting biblical perspective on homosexuality. I picked this up as extra reading for my Ethics A Level and would definitely recommend it for those doing the OCR Religious Studies A Level course. It offers an alternate perspective on Christian homosexuality which may be useful for essays. It is a quick, informative read but also somewhat upsetting at times.
April 24, 2014
Sam Allberry’s Is God anti-gay? is a pamphlet dealing with Christians and modern attitudes towards homosexuality. Allberry, an associate pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Maidenhead, UK, is a believer who has battled same sex attraction from his teens years until now. Allberry believes that open conversation on how to deal with same sex attraction is both necessary and healthy.
Allberry begins by distinguishing between “being gay” and having “same sex attraction.” He posits that “being gay” means finding identity in a sexual orientation while “same sex attraction” means having desires that do not define identity. I believe that Allberry makes a necessary distinction here, because a believer who struggles with same sex attraction doesn’t need to find his or her identity in sexual desire, but in Christ. This identity factor is of utmost importance, because someone who identifies as “being gay” cannot reconcile that identity from a biblical worldview. After establishing identity, Allberry establishes the purpose of sex and marriage.
Sex and marriage have purposes of reproduction, pleasure, and mirroring the image of Christ and the church. Allberry explains that Adam and Eve were “made of the same stuff” as in being human, but “made of different stuff” as in being physically different. This differences allows for a reflection of the image of God, reproduction, and pleasure.
Allberry continues to address biblical directives against homosexuality. He explains that the Bible is abundantly clear in its stance against homosexuality. Although many believers seeking to justify homosexuality from a biblical standpoint by claiming that Jesus never talked about homosexuality, Allberry argues that homosexuality is included in the sexual sins that Jesus spoke of, and clarified in the writings of Paul the Apostle. In doing so, Allberry transitions to talk about homosexuality in relation to a believer, to the church, and to the unbelieving world.
In each case, Jesus is the answer. Jesus has the power to change desires; and Jesus gives the all believers the ability to love those who struggle with same sex attraction and those who identify as gay. Although the Bible never promises for same sex attraction and desires for the same sex to be eradicated in this life, he promises to eradicate all sin in the life to come.
Allberry exhorts believers to treat homosexuals with love, and to treat them as individuals, not as statistics or stereotypes. In doing so, he urges believers to share the gospel with unbelieving homosexuals, but to share it as if the Good News is for them, not against them, because it is for them. He references Al Mohler’s exhortation that believers should love gay people more than their gay friends love them, and that believers should love homosexuals more than they love their homosexuality.
This short pamphlet is extremely helpful in cultivating a biblical view of homosexuality and in determining how to deal with same sex attraction as a believer, as a church in relation to other believers, and as a church in relation to the world.
November 8, 2023
Sam Allberry is a gay Christian who says his faith is "a wonderful source of comfort and joy." Yet that faith requires him to be single and celibate. Unless he changes his sexual orientation, he faces a life sentence of no sex and living alone. I can't imagine much joy in that, but to each his own.
A good marriage is one of the life factors most strongly and consistently associated with happiness, says psychologist Jonathan Haidt in The Happiness Hypothesis. Those who enjoy a good marriage and the experiences of raising children and of spoiling grandchildren understand what a harsh rule it is to deprive fellow believers of those life factors.
Allberry's faith offers only two hopes to gay Christians: 1) that their sexual orientation will change, or 2) that they marry someone of the opposite sex anyway without change. I wonder how straight Christians would react if they were presented with that Hobson's choice? Allberry makes a series of dubious assertions to justify that life sentence. Here are some of them:
▪︎Because the first marriage was between a man and a woman -- Adam and Eve -- therefore that is the only permissible form of marriage. The Old Testament patriarchs, however, typically had more than one wife at a time. Polygamy also diverges from the Adam-and-Eve model, yet scripture does not generally denounce these patriarchs as sinners for their polygamy So variance from the monogamous model was permitted, but purportedly not from the heterosexual model; this seems like an arbitrary interpretation rather than a principled one.
▪︎" We are simply not designed for miltiple sexual relationships," claims Allberry. Maybe not, but DNA analysis indicates that polygamy was the norm for long periods of human existence. That's why modern humans have almost twice as many female as male ancestors. While almost all women were bearing children, reproduction was reserved for a smaller number of men.
▪︎Jesus said marriage is exclusively for heterosexuals and is forbidden to homosexuals, according to Allberry's interpretation. Of course no verse to that effect exists. If it really were a significant rule, one would think Jesus would have clarified it. Ironically, a sexual sin Jesus did specifically condemn -- remarriage after divorce, which He called adultery -- is rarely talked about nowadays by Chistians, even though it is far more widespread than same-sex relations. In fact, four out of five evangelicals staunchly support an admitted serial adulterer in the White House.
▪︎The destruction of Sodom is proof that God rejects homosexuality, Allberry asserts. It is clear from Genesis 19 that the men of Sodom wanted to rape Lot's visitors. Allberry's error is in equating homosexual rape with consensual sex between married men.
Heterosexual rape is just as wrong, but no Christians claim that therefore consensual sex between men and women is wrong, too. Besides, later verses indicate that Sodom's sins included oppression, indifference to the poor, etc. In short, it's a scriptural perversion to cite the destruction of Sodom as proof that God condemns homosexuality.
▪︎Leviticus 18 and 20 call same-sex behavior an "abomination." That's also what Paul calls long hair on men (1Cor. 11:14.) The Leviticus verses may have referred to men abusing boys, as opposed to sex between consenting adults. But Allberry interprets these verses broadly, rather than narrowly.
▪︎Allberry cites Romans 1:18-32 where Paul condemns "shameful lusts" and "shameful acts" between men. Paul also calls it a disgrace when women don't cover their heads in church, saying such women should have their heads shaved.(1Cor. 11:6). He also condemns women who braid their hair or wear gold or pearls. (1Tim. 2:9)
Few Christians today subscribe to the Pauline views on head covering and hair braiding, dismissing them as applicable only in culture in which they were given. Yet they insist Paul's words about homosexuality are universal, even though in his day little was understood about sexual orientation and its profound psychological roots. It seems arbitrary to pick and choose, in the absence of a clear rule, which New Testament prohibitions don't count anymore and which ones do.
▪︎ Sex outside of marriage is forbidden to all Christians, regardless of their sexual orientation. A variety of surveys of evangelicals, however, reveal that the large majority do not practice what they say they believe. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 who identify themselves as evangelicals are almost as sexually active as their non-Christian peers.
Yet young gay Christians are expected to follow the rule that their straight counterparts commonly violate. Gays are more likely to be confronted about their sexual sin in the public square than are straight fornicators. In short, there is gross hypocrisy in insisting that gays must follow a restriction that most Christians don't. Like it or not, the traditional sexual ethic has collapsed. It won't be revitalized by books like this.
One Allberry statement I agree with is that "what the Bible says about homosexuality...needs to be looked at as part of the wider message of the gospel." We should view the handful of passages about same-sex relations in light of broad principles such as "love your neighbor as yourself," which is called the summary of the whole law. (Gal. 5:14)
This Golden Rule tells us to cultivate compassion. That compassion should affect how we read the few verses. Jesus often chose compassion over the law, by healing on the Sabbath, by eating with the unwashed, by not stoning the adulteress. As Jay Michaelson writes in God vs. Gay, “Leviticus does not shape the boundaries of compassion; compassion shapes the boundaries of Leviticus.” ###
A good marriage is one of the life factors most strongly and consistently associated with happiness, says psychologist Jonathan Haidt in The Happiness Hypothesis. Those who enjoy a good marriage and the experiences of raising children and of spoiling grandchildren understand what a harsh rule it is to deprive fellow believers of those life factors.
Allberry's faith offers only two hopes to gay Christians: 1) that their sexual orientation will change, or 2) that they marry someone of the opposite sex anyway without change. I wonder how straight Christians would react if they were presented with that Hobson's choice? Allberry makes a series of dubious assertions to justify that life sentence. Here are some of them:
▪︎Because the first marriage was between a man and a woman -- Adam and Eve -- therefore that is the only permissible form of marriage. The Old Testament patriarchs, however, typically had more than one wife at a time. Polygamy also diverges from the Adam-and-Eve model, yet scripture does not generally denounce these patriarchs as sinners for their polygamy So variance from the monogamous model was permitted, but purportedly not from the heterosexual model; this seems like an arbitrary interpretation rather than a principled one.
▪︎" We are simply not designed for miltiple sexual relationships," claims Allberry. Maybe not, but DNA analysis indicates that polygamy was the norm for long periods of human existence. That's why modern humans have almost twice as many female as male ancestors. While almost all women were bearing children, reproduction was reserved for a smaller number of men.
▪︎Jesus said marriage is exclusively for heterosexuals and is forbidden to homosexuals, according to Allberry's interpretation. Of course no verse to that effect exists. If it really were a significant rule, one would think Jesus would have clarified it. Ironically, a sexual sin Jesus did specifically condemn -- remarriage after divorce, which He called adultery -- is rarely talked about nowadays by Chistians, even though it is far more widespread than same-sex relations. In fact, four out of five evangelicals staunchly support an admitted serial adulterer in the White House.
▪︎The destruction of Sodom is proof that God rejects homosexuality, Allberry asserts. It is clear from Genesis 19 that the men of Sodom wanted to rape Lot's visitors. Allberry's error is in equating homosexual rape with consensual sex between married men.
Heterosexual rape is just as wrong, but no Christians claim that therefore consensual sex between men and women is wrong, too. Besides, later verses indicate that Sodom's sins included oppression, indifference to the poor, etc. In short, it's a scriptural perversion to cite the destruction of Sodom as proof that God condemns homosexuality.
▪︎Leviticus 18 and 20 call same-sex behavior an "abomination." That's also what Paul calls long hair on men (1Cor. 11:14.) The Leviticus verses may have referred to men abusing boys, as opposed to sex between consenting adults. But Allberry interprets these verses broadly, rather than narrowly.
▪︎Allberry cites Romans 1:18-32 where Paul condemns "shameful lusts" and "shameful acts" between men. Paul also calls it a disgrace when women don't cover their heads in church, saying such women should have their heads shaved.(1Cor. 11:6). He also condemns women who braid their hair or wear gold or pearls. (1Tim. 2:9)
Few Christians today subscribe to the Pauline views on head covering and hair braiding, dismissing them as applicable only in culture in which they were given. Yet they insist Paul's words about homosexuality are universal, even though in his day little was understood about sexual orientation and its profound psychological roots. It seems arbitrary to pick and choose, in the absence of a clear rule, which New Testament prohibitions don't count anymore and which ones do.
▪︎ Sex outside of marriage is forbidden to all Christians, regardless of their sexual orientation. A variety of surveys of evangelicals, however, reveal that the large majority do not practice what they say they believe. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 who identify themselves as evangelicals are almost as sexually active as their non-Christian peers.
Yet young gay Christians are expected to follow the rule that their straight counterparts commonly violate. Gays are more likely to be confronted about their sexual sin in the public square than are straight fornicators. In short, there is gross hypocrisy in insisting that gays must follow a restriction that most Christians don't. Like it or not, the traditional sexual ethic has collapsed. It won't be revitalized by books like this.
One Allberry statement I agree with is that "what the Bible says about homosexuality...needs to be looked at as part of the wider message of the gospel." We should view the handful of passages about same-sex relations in light of broad principles such as "love your neighbor as yourself," which is called the summary of the whole law. (Gal. 5:14)
This Golden Rule tells us to cultivate compassion. That compassion should affect how we read the few verses. Jesus often chose compassion over the law, by healing on the Sabbath, by eating with the unwashed, by not stoning the adulteress. As Jay Michaelson writes in God vs. Gay, “Leviticus does not shape the boundaries of compassion; compassion shapes the boundaries of Leviticus.” ###
August 12, 2017
I really had no interest in reading this book - I only read it because the author is giving a talk, we are live streaming it at church, and I wanted to know whether I would be able to go without punching a hole in our overhead projector. I really struggle with the way LGBT people are preached about in churches, and I was worried this book would follow a similar vein of confusion, poor communication and a wistful longing for days gone by - when gay people weren't out and you could still slap your secretary on the bum without ramifications. I'm not gay but I'm also not a huge jerk, so I've struggled a lot with these kinds of resources in the past. (Also, LGBT people are people, not "a hot topic of the moment "- way to be weird, blurb.)
First off, a strong warning - I would not recommend this book to non-Christians. A couple of people in the reviews have and honestly, I think that's very short sighted. It assumes a lot of biblical knowledge and assumes that readers put God's way first in their lives - obviously this is not the case for non-Christians. I don't think it's a good evangelistic resource.
Another review pointed out that the book also fails to apologise for a lot of the ways the Christian community has harmed LGBT people in the past. This is really true - the book doesn't really discuss any history at all, and also focuses largely on the people you'd expect - cis gay and lesbian people with strong relationships in the church.
There are lots of other bits too that I found very problematic - I couldn't possible mention all of them in such a short review. BUT there were some bits I just loved. The parts about how Christians can react when people (both Christian and non-Christian) come out to them were really good - spoiler, it's be nice to them and keep being their friend. I also liked the author's suggestions about how adhering strongly to traditional (and non-biblical) gender roles can make churches tough places for lots of people, but especially LGBT people; and about welcoming gay couples into churches.
It was also great to read a book of this kind written by someone who is actually SSA (his preferred term). The author was always compassionate, and didn't rely on any junk science like a lot of Christian books of this kind do. There were some parts where I was mad and felt the generational difference between us but overall he came across well and seemed like a nice dude. If you're Christian, and especially if you're an old Christian white dude who doesn't have gay friends, I'd recommend this book. I hope frankly, that older more conservative Christians do read it and that, despite its faults, it can have a positive impact around the way we treat and speak about LGBT people/SSA in our churches.
First off, a strong warning - I would not recommend this book to non-Christians. A couple of people in the reviews have and honestly, I think that's very short sighted. It assumes a lot of biblical knowledge and assumes that readers put God's way first in their lives - obviously this is not the case for non-Christians. I don't think it's a good evangelistic resource.
Another review pointed out that the book also fails to apologise for a lot of the ways the Christian community has harmed LGBT people in the past. This is really true - the book doesn't really discuss any history at all, and also focuses largely on the people you'd expect - cis gay and lesbian people with strong relationships in the church.
There are lots of other bits too that I found very problematic - I couldn't possible mention all of them in such a short review. BUT there were some bits I just loved. The parts about how Christians can react when people (both Christian and non-Christian) come out to them were really good - spoiler, it's be nice to them and keep being their friend. I also liked the author's suggestions about how adhering strongly to traditional (and non-biblical) gender roles can make churches tough places for lots of people, but especially LGBT people; and about welcoming gay couples into churches.
It was also great to read a book of this kind written by someone who is actually SSA (his preferred term). The author was always compassionate, and didn't rely on any junk science like a lot of Christian books of this kind do. There were some parts where I was mad and felt the generational difference between us but overall he came across well and seemed like a nice dude. If you're Christian, and especially if you're an old Christian white dude who doesn't have gay friends, I'd recommend this book. I hope frankly, that older more conservative Christians do read it and that, despite its faults, it can have a positive impact around the way we treat and speak about LGBT people/SSA in our churches.
April 25, 2014
I fear that we have already descended into the sloganeering phase of the argument over homosexual acts, just as we did long ago with abortion. “It’s a choice!,” shout the pro-choicers. “It’s a life!,” shout the pro-lifers.
With regard to homosexuality, “It’s a choice!” isn’t exactly the Christian position. And this seems to be the special contribution of a man like Sam Alberry. He is clearly a Bible-believing, gospel-loving, evangelical Christian. And yet he experiences same-sex attraction (SSA). He did not choose to experience these desires (that’s why “it’s a choice” isn’t a good slogan in this debate); but precisely because he is a Christian (and a pastor) he has chosen not to act on them. He will not validate and reify that attraction by calling himself a “gay Christian.” He lives a celibate life.
Alberry explains theologically how regenerated people could experience SSA, and he explains exegetically in a short space how wrong it is to try to twist the Bible into validating homosexual acts. Little of this material is new; Alberry’s virtue is his ability to explain it winsomely in short space, backed up by his personal testimony and experience.
I will mention, however, that Alberry made one key argument that needs to be added to every Western Christian’s understanding. It’s key because it reminds us that we may not let the sloganeering between conservatives and “the gay Christians” turn into an agree-to-disagree, permanent standoff. We can’t agree; we can’t grant Christian recognition to people who endorse homosexual behavior.* Why? Because otherwise we face the judgment of our Lord, Alberry says. He points to Christ’s words to the church at Thyatira in Revelation 2. Christ holds them accountable because they “tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols” (Rev. 2:20). A number of erstwhile evangelicals have become modern-day Jezebels. Just because Thomas Nelson publishes their books doesn’t mean we’re brothers.
The only criticism I could possibly have would be regarding Alberry’s counsel to pastors who find a homosexual couple attending their church. He said he wouldn’t make their sexual activities the first item of discussion—and I can certainly understand that. I mean, I think I would say, “Hello! Welcome!” first. I wasn’t quite sure I understood what Alberry was recommending, and perhaps the UK is just a different culture, but it seems to me that along with the call to faith in the gospel (which Alberry rightly makes central) comes Jesus’ call to repentance. I wouldn’t incorporate anyone into the life of the church in any way who hasn’t already received that call with obedience. Again, I was a bit confused as to what Alberry was saying here.
The book is brief. It’s biblical. You could easily hand it to a Christian struggling with same-sex attraction—or a church struggling with how to help its members bear that particular temptation. I definitely recommend this book, and I appreciate Sam’s willingness to make himself vulnerable before the Christian community for our own good.
I received a review copy from Christian Audio, and Sam himself read the content. I think that’s the best way to experience an audio book—I like to hear the author himself.
*There is a difference between an immature Christian who doesn’t yet understand the issues and a leader who is morally obligated to know better. I don’t say that we refuse to call the former “Christians.”
With regard to homosexuality, “It’s a choice!” isn’t exactly the Christian position. And this seems to be the special contribution of a man like Sam Alberry. He is clearly a Bible-believing, gospel-loving, evangelical Christian. And yet he experiences same-sex attraction (SSA). He did not choose to experience these desires (that’s why “it’s a choice” isn’t a good slogan in this debate); but precisely because he is a Christian (and a pastor) he has chosen not to act on them. He will not validate and reify that attraction by calling himself a “gay Christian.” He lives a celibate life.
Alberry explains theologically how regenerated people could experience SSA, and he explains exegetically in a short space how wrong it is to try to twist the Bible into validating homosexual acts. Little of this material is new; Alberry’s virtue is his ability to explain it winsomely in short space, backed up by his personal testimony and experience.
I will mention, however, that Alberry made one key argument that needs to be added to every Western Christian’s understanding. It’s key because it reminds us that we may not let the sloganeering between conservatives and “the gay Christians” turn into an agree-to-disagree, permanent standoff. We can’t agree; we can’t grant Christian recognition to people who endorse homosexual behavior.* Why? Because otherwise we face the judgment of our Lord, Alberry says. He points to Christ’s words to the church at Thyatira in Revelation 2. Christ holds them accountable because they “tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols” (Rev. 2:20). A number of erstwhile evangelicals have become modern-day Jezebels. Just because Thomas Nelson publishes their books doesn’t mean we’re brothers.
The only criticism I could possibly have would be regarding Alberry’s counsel to pastors who find a homosexual couple attending their church. He said he wouldn’t make their sexual activities the first item of discussion—and I can certainly understand that. I mean, I think I would say, “Hello! Welcome!” first. I wasn’t quite sure I understood what Alberry was recommending, and perhaps the UK is just a different culture, but it seems to me that along with the call to faith in the gospel (which Alberry rightly makes central) comes Jesus’ call to repentance. I wouldn’t incorporate anyone into the life of the church in any way who hasn’t already received that call with obedience. Again, I was a bit confused as to what Alberry was saying here.
The book is brief. It’s biblical. You could easily hand it to a Christian struggling with same-sex attraction—or a church struggling with how to help its members bear that particular temptation. I definitely recommend this book, and I appreciate Sam’s willingness to make himself vulnerable before the Christian community for our own good.
I received a review copy from Christian Audio, and Sam himself read the content. I think that’s the best way to experience an audio book—I like to hear the author himself.
*There is a difference between an immature Christian who doesn’t yet understand the issues and a leader who is morally obligated to know better. I don’t say that we refuse to call the former “Christians.”
October 26, 2016
Like most books you'd find in a Christian bookstore, this is written for the WASP subculture. It fits the genre nicely. It is consistent with church teachings. It is safe. You can flip through it in a couple minutes and wonder if there really is nothing new under the sun.
If the church followed this book from the start, we would be in a different place. They didn't, though. The church started a war against those different from them. This quick read didn't have time for that history and treats the issue as if we were starting from a clean slate.
If the church followed this book from the start, we would be in a different place. They didn't, though. The church started a war against those different from them. This quick read didn't have time for that history and treats the issue as if we were starting from a clean slate.
April 29, 2021
This was a book of splendid and biblical answers to many questions that Christians living in the current century are asking.
Not only did Allberry write about what the Bible says about homosexuality, he also talked about the picture and purpose of marriage, singleness and how it has been stigmatized and how to love Christian brothers and sisters who deal with same sex attraction instead of freezing up or backing away from them.
I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in the topic, but I would greatly encourage my Christian friends in my age group to read this, especially the section on singleness. It was been incredibly helpful for me and my understanding of what the Bible says.
Not only did Allberry write about what the Bible says about homosexuality, he also talked about the picture and purpose of marriage, singleness and how it has been stigmatized and how to love Christian brothers and sisters who deal with same sex attraction instead of freezing up or backing away from them.
I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in the topic, but I would greatly encourage my Christian friends in my age group to read this, especially the section on singleness. It was been incredibly helpful for me and my understanding of what the Bible says.
January 15, 2018
todos que indicaram , falaram assim : finalmente um livro com uma abordagem diferente !
eu não poderia dizer diferente. Para além de um livro que pode auxiliar a igreja a como se portar mediante os desafios nesse assunto , esse livro é devocional. Esse homem demonstrar ser um Cristão genuíno , que encontrou em Cristo plena satisfação , diante de suas lutas.
Um livro muito bonito , tocante , sensível e que todo cristão , que independente se passa ou não por esse tipo de luta , deveria ler !
Deus abençoe esse pastor , autor e a editora monergismo , por disponibilizar esse livro em português . É certo que Deus é glorificado com essa publicação !
eu não poderia dizer diferente. Para além de um livro que pode auxiliar a igreja a como se portar mediante os desafios nesse assunto , esse livro é devocional. Esse homem demonstrar ser um Cristão genuíno , que encontrou em Cristo plena satisfação , diante de suas lutas.
Um livro muito bonito , tocante , sensível e que todo cristão , que independente se passa ou não por esse tipo de luta , deveria ler !
Deus abençoe esse pastor , autor e a editora monergismo , por disponibilizar esse livro em português . É certo que Deus é glorificado com essa publicação !
May 15, 2018
Excellent treatment of the subject! Please read and think through this book.
October 2, 2022
It’s honestly terrifying how many 5 star reviews this book has
June 21, 2022
"God's message for gay people is the same as His message for everyone, repent and believe. It is the same invitation to find fullness of life in God. The same offer of forgiveness and deep, wonderful life-changing love."
This is an excellent book to understand what the Bible says about homosexuality and the approach Christians should be taking. I've been sharing Scripture all month to highlight what the Bible says about this topic, as well as pride, but haven't been going into much detail. Allberry does an excellent job at succinctly explaining the differences between the Law and the New Covenant (Jesus), as well as addressing other common arguments based in a misunderstanding of Scripture. It's also important to note that Allberry himself experiences same-sex attraction, but recognizes acting upon them as sin, and thus has committed to living a single life.
This is an excellent book to understand what the Bible says about homosexuality and the approach Christians should be taking. I've been sharing Scripture all month to highlight what the Bible says about this topic, as well as pride, but haven't been going into much detail. Allberry does an excellent job at succinctly explaining the differences between the Law and the New Covenant (Jesus), as well as addressing other common arguments based in a misunderstanding of Scripture. It's also important to note that Allberry himself experiences same-sex attraction, but recognizes acting upon them as sin, and thus has committed to living a single life.
April 8, 2025
This book presents a thoughtful examination of same-sex attraction and how it relates to Christianity and the teachings found in the Bible. Sam Allberry is a pastor, author, apologist, and someone who has grappled with same-sex attraction, lending him the ability to present this topic with conviction while also imbuing it with compassion.
What made reading this book so much more enriching was meeting with a great group of fellow believers throughout the semester to discuss it. Without this group, I wouldn't have been able to come away with the culminated understanding I had of this book.
We've held many more tangential discussions that meant a lot to me, including the role of multiculturalism/diversity and how that reflects the health of a church, the construct of Biblical marriages and the role of singleness, the weight of sin (both sexual and nonsexual sin), and how our upbringing influences the insights (or biases) we hold today. I feel I have learned so much through these discussions, and I will always be so grateful for both those discussions and the friendships that were made possible through them! <3
What made reading this book so much more enriching was meeting with a great group of fellow believers throughout the semester to discuss it. Without this group, I wouldn't have been able to come away with the culminated understanding I had of this book.
We've held many more tangential discussions that meant a lot to me, including the role of multiculturalism/diversity and how that reflects the health of a church, the construct of Biblical marriages and the role of singleness, the weight of sin (both sexual and nonsexual sin), and how our upbringing influences the insights (or biases) we hold today. I feel I have learned so much through these discussions, and I will always be so grateful for both those discussions and the friendships that were made possible through them! <3
March 6, 2021
There is much to commend about this book. There are also a few points with which I take issue. This was written before the more recent events and theological debates took place which made more people aware of how to parse some of the finer theological details addressed in this book. Having observed some of those theological debates, I wonder if Mr. Allberry would have gone back to sharpen some sections to a finer point if possible.
July 18, 2013
The answer to the question Is God Anti-Gay. NO, the verse and many others that support that is "those who are heavy laden" come to me. And as Jesus himself said that he only came for the sick and just as the sick know they need the doctor, those that are in sin know we need a savior. When we take Jesus as a savior, we also need to take him as our Lord, and that is when our heart is changed. So the question is homosexuality a sin? Yes it is and is supported both in the new testament and old. Jesus affirming that God created sex for marriage between a man and a woman to show the gospel. This is explained clearly and supported with scripture in this read. We need to think thru that marriage is gender based and a good Godly marriage shows when a husband and wife understand their gender roles. Unfortunately, we as Christians and the church have missed the mark.
So who should read this book? I hope everyone who calls themselves a Christian will. Sam Allberry himself struggles with same sex attraction and gives very clear instructions on how we are to respond to those that struggle with same sex attraction. In relationships response is crucial; a Godly balance of grace and truth. Grace does not lead others to sin but shares the truth with love. So we as Christians we should be not be anti-Gay but pro-Christ. Sharing the truth with grace.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
So who should read this book? I hope everyone who calls themselves a Christian will. Sam Allberry himself struggles with same sex attraction and gives very clear instructions on how we are to respond to those that struggle with same sex attraction. In relationships response is crucial; a Godly balance of grace and truth. Grace does not lead others to sin but shares the truth with love. So we as Christians we should be not be anti-Gay but pro-Christ. Sharing the truth with grace.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
October 9, 2018
This is the book on homosexuality that Christians need right now. Sam Allberry speaks with both biblical authority and personal experience on this topic. He presents an excellent biblical case for there being only two options for the Christian: heterosexual marriage or celibate singleness. Allberry, a single pastor in England who has struggled with same-sex attraction for years, is firm on truth and orthodoxy while still being compassionate to those who deal with this particular temptation. In this short, accessible book, Allberry briefly tells his story, presents the biblical case against homosexual behavior, and then offers wise counsel to Christians and churches dealing with this issue.
January 2, 2021
My biggest grievance with this book is the title. From the title, I expected an objective analysis of homosexuality in the Bible. This book is clearly biased and should be appropriately titled to reflect that.
Since I have not seen it mentioned, the problematic metaphors should also be acknowledged. I cannot commend a book that archaically compares sexuality to a "sticky note," implying that the more sex we have, the less capacity we have to be loved. The author literally states that the more sex we have outside of marriage, "the more our capacity for deep and abiding unity is diminished. (18)"
This is biased and anyone looking for objectivity should avoid it.
Since I have not seen it mentioned, the problematic metaphors should also be acknowledged. I cannot commend a book that archaically compares sexuality to a "sticky note," implying that the more sex we have, the less capacity we have to be loved. The author literally states that the more sex we have outside of marriage, "the more our capacity for deep and abiding unity is diminished. (18)"
This is biased and anyone looking for objectivity should avoid it.
March 15, 2022
Short, concise, and answers this question according to the Bible.
“It is the same for us all - 'whoever'. I am to deny myself, take up my cross and follow him. Every Christian is called to costly sacrifice. Denying yourself does not mean tweaking your behavior here and there. It is saying 'no' to your deepest sense of who you are, for the sake of Christ. To take up a cross is to declare your life (as you have known it) forfeit. It is laying down your life for the very reason that your life, it turns out, is not yours at all. It belongs to Jesus. He made it. And through his death he has bought it.
Ever since I have been open about my own experiences with homosexuality, a number of Christians have said something like this: 'the gospel must be harder for you than it is for me', as though I have more to give up than they do. But the fact is that the gospel demands everything out of all of us. If someone thinks the gospel has somehow slotted into their life quite easily, without causing any major adjustments to their lifestyle or aspirations, it is likely that they have not really started following Jesus at all. ”
“It is the same for us all - 'whoever'. I am to deny myself, take up my cross and follow him. Every Christian is called to costly sacrifice. Denying yourself does not mean tweaking your behavior here and there. It is saying 'no' to your deepest sense of who you are, for the sake of Christ. To take up a cross is to declare your life (as you have known it) forfeit. It is laying down your life for the very reason that your life, it turns out, is not yours at all. It belongs to Jesus. He made it. And through his death he has bought it.
Ever since I have been open about my own experiences with homosexuality, a number of Christians have said something like this: 'the gospel must be harder for you than it is for me', as though I have more to give up than they do. But the fact is that the gospel demands everything out of all of us. If someone thinks the gospel has somehow slotted into their life quite easily, without causing any major adjustments to their lifestyle or aspirations, it is likely that they have not really started following Jesus at all. ”
May 11, 2023
An important book for the current age we find ourselves. The updated and expanded edition is an essential work for Christians engaging with culture on topics concerning the LGBTQ community and the Bible. Allberry holds fast to biblical ethics and provides a framework for engaging the LGBTQ community in a way that is loving and filled with truth.
June 29, 2021
An absolutely necessary read in today’s culture and society! Sam Allberry speaks with concise and careful truth with great love and gentleness while being so very raw and honest about his own testimony. I’m thankful for this man’s vulnerability and love of the Lord and how the Lord has used him to speak about this!!!
December 14, 2020
Is God anti-gay? In summary, this book’s answer is “yes”. I commend the fact that it was written by a same-sex attracted man, giving it some credibility. However, the book is very narrow-minded and black and white on a complex and often conflicting issue. It was not helpful that homosexuality was compared to having a sickness (p.43), being unnatural (p.31) and a sign of God’s judgement (p.32). I appreciate that the author is convicted on this issue, but saying these things can be really hurtful, damaging, and demonising to LGBTI people. There were a lot of verses pulled out of a hat to fit any theological statement the author wanted to enforce. Sometimes this was helpful, for example, explaining identity in Christ. Other times, it felt like a vaguely relevant Bible verse had the authority to confirm any statement of the author’s choice. I was surprised that the book said that non-affirming Christians shouldn’t even tolerate affirming Christians (p.74)! And apparently a pulled-out verse from Revelation (a book of apocalyptic genre) is sufficient in justifying this. I have a few other problems with this book. In saying all this, I think it is a sensitive topic that all Christians should investigate with an open mind and heart of compassion. We are called to love our neighbour. This isn’t a choice, but a commandment from God. I disagree with a few ideas in this book, and have differing convictions on the broader topic, and I still think there is better material to read. I recommend “God and the Gay Christian” and “The Plausibility Problem”. I realise that my review is harsh. I haven't properly addressed all the good things in the book (which there are some). I'm not writing this to stir up conflict, but instead to point out my concerns.
April 26, 2021
I have been doing research from different perspectives in order to figure out whether or not I think homosexual behavior is sin, as it's an issue that I am rather conflicted about. Being such a pivotal issue in today's society, it is a question that I feel I ought to pay sufficient thought to.
A book written by a celibate pastor who struggles with same-sex attraction (but chooses not to label himself as gay because doing so too often, in his opinion, implies that homosexuality is a key aspect of one’s identity), Is God Anti-Gay was the first book I have read on the subject, and I just finished revisiting it a few years later. When I first read Is God Anti-Gay, I quite liked it, giving the book four stars—but, on the reread, it paled vastly in comparison to any other book that I have read on the subject. Alberry’s book, in comparison, seems too short for its own good. I found myself wanting to know more about Alberry’s personal story. And the part of the book that explores the Biblical passages about homosexuality does not delve into the text nearly as deeply as I might have liked it to; Alberry often fails to acknowledge in his analysis what, I feel, are some of the strongest arguments on the affirming side. His exegesis strikes me as overwhelmingly basic. And, on the whole, the book feels more like a pamphlet.
Having said all this, Alberry’s work is nonetheless thoughtful. He clearly has a big heart and is very passionate about this issue. While far from the most remarkable work on the subject, Is God Anti-Gay could at least be a decent starting point for someone just beginning to study Christianity and homosexuality.
A book written by a celibate pastor who struggles with same-sex attraction (but chooses not to label himself as gay because doing so too often, in his opinion, implies that homosexuality is a key aspect of one’s identity), Is God Anti-Gay was the first book I have read on the subject, and I just finished revisiting it a few years later. When I first read Is God Anti-Gay, I quite liked it, giving the book four stars—but, on the reread, it paled vastly in comparison to any other book that I have read on the subject. Alberry’s book, in comparison, seems too short for its own good. I found myself wanting to know more about Alberry’s personal story. And the part of the book that explores the Biblical passages about homosexuality does not delve into the text nearly as deeply as I might have liked it to; Alberry often fails to acknowledge in his analysis what, I feel, are some of the strongest arguments on the affirming side. His exegesis strikes me as overwhelmingly basic. And, on the whole, the book feels more like a pamphlet.
Having said all this, Alberry’s work is nonetheless thoughtful. He clearly has a big heart and is very passionate about this issue. While far from the most remarkable work on the subject, Is God Anti-Gay could at least be a decent starting point for someone just beginning to study Christianity and homosexuality.
February 17, 2022
Allberry, a Christian pastor who experiences same-sex attraction, writes a short and compelling book on the Bible's teaching on homosexuality. In explaining the biblical view of God's design for human sexuality, he explains the biblical condemnations of homosexual practice and refutes those who would propose a revisionist perspective of those passages or dismiss them altogether. He writes some helpful chapters on showing love to those who experience same-sex attraction, especially those celibate Christians who live as singles in faithfulness to God's calling. While I would not express things exactly as Allberry does in this book, I found it to be soundly biblical, warm, kind, and pastoral- a book worth recommending to any member of my church or anyone struggling with the Bible's clear teaching on homosexuality.
May 14, 2018
Simples, direto e bem relevante! Leitura para se fazer juntamente em igreja!
January 11, 2022
This book argues for the traditional view that marriage ought to only be between a man and a woman. If that's your view though, this book is not the best argument for the position. At times he basically implies that same-sex attraction is a result of people rejecting God. So to the same-sex attracted person, the message is that this attraction is there because they rejected God. He speaks of sexuality as akin to a post-it note which, besides being a lame illustration, completely lacks grace. In essence, if you are with a lot of people you lose your stickiness and mess up life. This book is brief, which is the point, but such topics cannot be handled well in brief, simplistic writings.
December 31, 2024
A biblical, careful, winsome, and thorough, albeit brief, treatment of a tough topic. Good distinction on the relationship between the Old Testament law to the New Testament believer. Helpful clarification that your sexual attraction doesn’t define who you are. The conclusion on Jesus being the bread of life is beautiful.
November 15, 2024
Short and accessible. Importantly emphasizes the fact that we are not defined solely by our sexuality or our temptations. Keeps the focus on healing brokenness. Describes ways those with same-sex-attraction can lead lives of wholeness and fulfillment, whether married or single. Reinforces points from his other books on how singleness should be honored as a gift, not as a sign that someone hasn't tried hard enough, or hasn't grown up yet. Talks about working from the center first, then going outwards---from the gospel first, to the outer issues of a Christian lifestyle. Urges Christians to listen to people struggling with sexual temptation, and to make sexuality easy to talk about: the church should be ready and equipped to talk about these issues. Encourages Christians to embrace Biblical models of femininity and masculinity, rather than cultural ideas. Highlights the fact that the Bible condemns many different kinds of sexual sins.
I've also read and enjoyed Allberry's other book, on singleness: 7 Myths about Singleness.
Audiobook was recorded in Carlsbad, CA.
I've also read and enjoyed Allberry's other book, on singleness: 7 Myths about Singleness.
Audiobook was recorded in Carlsbad, CA.
December 25, 2023
(4.5)
Really short and good read, lots of perspective and food for thought. Explores the topic of homosexuality based on scripture, the gospel, and his own personal experience and full of truth and grace. Would def recommend to any Christian hoping to understand more about this topic and how the church should respond, especially with it being more relevant these days. He’s good at explaining things quite succinctly too. It looks like there’s a whole series that this book is part of (questions Christians ask), so will probably check out the others too!
Really short and good read, lots of perspective and food for thought. Explores the topic of homosexuality based on scripture, the gospel, and his own personal experience and full of truth and grace. Would def recommend to any Christian hoping to understand more about this topic and how the church should respond, especially with it being more relevant these days. He’s good at explaining things quite succinctly too. It looks like there’s a whole series that this book is part of (questions Christians ask), so will probably check out the others too!
April 17, 2019
Como é bom quando queremos ler sobre algum assunto e o autor vai direto ao ponto. Não faz rodeios. Toca nos pontos delicados da questão de forma bíblica e séria. Uma boa leitura em pouco tempo para uma questão bastante relevante nos nossos dias.
December 29, 2023
The first in what, I’m sure, will be a long line of books for personal heart and mind research 🤍
The brevity of Allberry’s primer does not lend itself to being strong in nuance, but I truly appreciated his chapter on discussing same sex attraction within the Christian Church. I have very little helpful language for this at present and was grateful to be given a gracious, hope-filled starting point.
The brevity of Allberry’s primer does not lend itself to being strong in nuance, but I truly appreciated his chapter on discussing same sex attraction within the Christian Church. I have very little helpful language for this at present and was grateful to be given a gracious, hope-filled starting point.
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