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This I Know: A Simple Biblical Defense for LGBTQ Christians
Jesus loves me, this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
These words may ring hollow in the ears of a member of the LGBTQ community. They learned the tune as children. They memorized the words. They delighted in the idea of being cherished by God and guarded by scripture. But somewhere along the way, someone in the church turned the Bible into a weapon and Jesus into an inaccessible friend. Many of the LGBTQ people I’ve come to know have had to learn to trust this song again. They’ve had to be reintroduced to the Jesus who loves them and to the Bible that guards them. I want my LGBTQ brothers and sisters to know, Jesus loves them and the Bible says no different.
You owe no assailant a thorough explanation of your beliefs. Most of your critics could not provide a cohesive theological explanation of their beliefs beyond, “There’s a verse in the Bible that says…” Second, they are not in conversation with you to be convinced of anything themselves. It is not a true dialogue. They are not thinking. They are simply protecting their ideas, dogma, and personal fears from the intrusion of grace. Sadly, people who fail to offer grace have rarely allowed themselves to enjoy the full measure of grace afforded them. In the end they are trying to condemn or convince you. So use these arguments if you wish, or simply hold them close and sing with confidence, “Jesus loves me; this I know. For the Bible tells me so.”
For the Bible tells me so.
These words may ring hollow in the ears of a member of the LGBTQ community. They learned the tune as children. They memorized the words. They delighted in the idea of being cherished by God and guarded by scripture. But somewhere along the way, someone in the church turned the Bible into a weapon and Jesus into an inaccessible friend. Many of the LGBTQ people I’ve come to know have had to learn to trust this song again. They’ve had to be reintroduced to the Jesus who loves them and to the Bible that guards them. I want my LGBTQ brothers and sisters to know, Jesus loves them and the Bible says no different.
You owe no assailant a thorough explanation of your beliefs. Most of your critics could not provide a cohesive theological explanation of their beliefs beyond, “There’s a verse in the Bible that says…” Second, they are not in conversation with you to be convinced of anything themselves. It is not a true dialogue. They are not thinking. They are simply protecting their ideas, dogma, and personal fears from the intrusion of grace. Sadly, people who fail to offer grace have rarely allowed themselves to enjoy the full measure of grace afforded them. In the end they are trying to condemn or convince you. So use these arguments if you wish, or simply hold them close and sing with confidence, “Jesus loves me; this I know. For the Bible tells me so.”
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2018
27 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 24, 2021
This was recommended to me by a faithful Christian who happens to be gay, because they knew I cared very much about someone in my life that loves Jesus, and was figuring out that they were too.
I read it it one hour and it was very helpful and full of hope. I passed it on to my loved one and they found it encouraging too.
I read it it one hour and it was very helpful and full of hope. I passed it on to my loved one and they found it encouraging too.
May 23, 2018
Jim Dant started the book by stating that it was not meant to be an exhaustive resource, and he was right. This book is a brief pocket guide that is a good starting place, but should not be the extent of someone's prayer and study on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. While overall positive, there were a few moments in the book where he describes conversations with people who contacted him to declare him a "false teacher" or to discredit his church's ministry. In these encounters, he kindly asked them about their own personal lives (have they repented from all sin, do they follow all of the Levitical laws to the t, etc). While intended to be positive, it read more like "you're still a sinner, too, and no better than an LGBTQ+ Christian." In other words, it felt like he was saying LGBTQ+ were sinning, but everybody sins. Based on the ministry of his church, I'm sure that's not the intended tone, and I would suggest revising some of that language in a later edition. Overall, a good read, but not the best resource for someone serious about learning more about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church and in reconciling with LGBTQ+ communities.
May 23, 2018
Looking for a short, non academic easy to understand biblically based argument in favor of same sex relationships? This is the book for you. And the bonus is that it is written by a southern baptist minister, one who has taken a flack and criticism from folks for his church’s open and affirming stance on LGBTQ people. This is a quick read but also one that will help all those struggling to reconcile their faith with their sexuality or that of someone they love. It’s informative, thorough, and simple.
February 10, 2018
How refreshing. This is how I feel about what it is to follow Jesus and to love others as Christians were commanded to do.
April 6, 2019
Well-written with a lot of good to take away.
The purpose is clear and well-intentioned: illuminate just how un-Christlike and unfounded many popular opinions are regarding LGBTQ+ individuals and their places in religion and churches, esp. as espoused by those who aren't queer and know little about being so. In this respect, it's recommended reading for all people, not just queer people.
I'm still wrestling with how I feel about the tone. I've lived all my life in the South. I'm used to hearing derogatory comments about queer people in the course of daily life. I'm also used to people using the Bible, God, or cherry-picked lines from Levitican purity laws to cast those opinions as dogmatically correct. I'm totally behind Mr. Dant in wanting to educate; people sure could use a lot more education rounding out most of their opinions, myself included. But this book feels like a concealed carry in an already-violent landscape, and I'm not sure yet if it's the kind that keeps you safe or the kind that fans the flame.
The whole structure feels confrontational: "When someone lobs this scripture at you, offer them this interpretation of the text." While I agree with his points, most of which distill to "if you're a Christian, the new covenant has freed you of archaic laws and brought you into living with Jesus and love," maybe it isn't for us to teach, but just to love. Accept that some people need education and love them anyway. The book gives intelligent, thoughtful ways to educate people when they ask for it. But if we go out into the world thinking we can "fix" everyone's wrong opinion, aren't we doing the same thing this book is meant to "arm" us against?
Maybe my views are too colored by recent events. We've had local protests at the library claiming queer people are detested by God. We've had Whole denominations voting to deny us rights the state and country afford us in 2019. Maybe part of me feels a certain way in that light, or maybe it's just more of life as usual. Time will tell; I intend to revisit this many times as I work to answer my questions.
The purpose is clear and well-intentioned: illuminate just how un-Christlike and unfounded many popular opinions are regarding LGBTQ+ individuals and their places in religion and churches, esp. as espoused by those who aren't queer and know little about being so. In this respect, it's recommended reading for all people, not just queer people.
I'm still wrestling with how I feel about the tone. I've lived all my life in the South. I'm used to hearing derogatory comments about queer people in the course of daily life. I'm also used to people using the Bible, God, or cherry-picked lines from Levitican purity laws to cast those opinions as dogmatically correct. I'm totally behind Mr. Dant in wanting to educate; people sure could use a lot more education rounding out most of their opinions, myself included. But this book feels like a concealed carry in an already-violent landscape, and I'm not sure yet if it's the kind that keeps you safe or the kind that fans the flame.
The whole structure feels confrontational: "When someone lobs this scripture at you, offer them this interpretation of the text." While I agree with his points, most of which distill to "if you're a Christian, the new covenant has freed you of archaic laws and brought you into living with Jesus and love," maybe it isn't for us to teach, but just to love. Accept that some people need education and love them anyway. The book gives intelligent, thoughtful ways to educate people when they ask for it. But if we go out into the world thinking we can "fix" everyone's wrong opinion, aren't we doing the same thing this book is meant to "arm" us against?
Maybe my views are too colored by recent events. We've had local protests at the library claiming queer people are detested by God. We've had Whole denominations voting to deny us rights the state and country afford us in 2019. Maybe part of me feels a certain way in that light, or maybe it's just more of life as usual. Time will tell; I intend to revisit this many times as I work to answer my questions.
July 5, 2022
This book is a Grace filled, Jesus will for every human being, work.
In this busy world it is hard to accomplish things like reading a book these days. This is an engaging 1 hour read if you would like to be reminded of the love of Christ and his command that we are to love one another no matter who they are. If you are wanting to read this book from the perspective of shallow or hypocritical judgement it may touch and warm your heart.
In this busy world it is hard to accomplish things like reading a book these days. This is an engaging 1 hour read if you would like to be reminded of the love of Christ and his command that we are to love one another no matter who they are. If you are wanting to read this book from the perspective of shallow or hypocritical judgement it may touch and warm your heart.
February 13, 2018
Reality Check
I already knew where I stand on this issue. I wasn't looking for defense of that position as much as affirmation. Got that and more in away that the average person-in-the-pew or street or your mirror can get, too.
I already knew where I stand on this issue. I wasn't looking for defense of that position as much as affirmation. Got that and more in away that the average person-in-the-pew or street or your mirror can get, too.
December 25, 2021
This is an excellent book describing the liberal understanding of LGBTQIA+ in a Biblical and Christian context. It's clear language makes it easy for all types of people to understand. I highly recommend it!
July 14, 2019
What an eye opening book. It is very well written and does a fantastic job of showing how compassion should work
December 7, 2022
Very educational and faith-affirming. If you belong to the LGBTQ+ community and are also Christian, this book is for you to help you in your journey to acceptance and balance of who you are and your beliefs.
The book is short, it goes straight to the point and presents its perspective with an accessible explanation for everyone.
This is a particularly good reference for simple answers to what seem like complicated questions.
The book is short, it goes straight to the point and presents its perspective with an accessible explanation for everyone.
This is a particularly good reference for simple answers to what seem like complicated questions.
July 7, 2018
Excellent book for anyone challenged with the clobber passages often misused towards our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. This book will bring spiritual nourishment and healing to many who have been wrongfully been abused by our faith communities. Great for family members, great for church studies, you will have hope for our future church after reading this book.
March 21, 2026
This book is a short, simple “argument-based” book. The format of “argument/response” felt like a “gotcha!”- however the tone was kind and gentle, and the preface and conclusion explicitly state that this premise falls short, but was necessary for the book’s sake.
I was happy to read it, and whole-heartedly agree with his “arguments”.
I was happy to read it, and whole-heartedly agree with his “arguments”.
March 10, 2019
If anyone in your circle struggles with their faith and their own identification, please share this book. I have both read the book and heard Jim Dant speak, and this defense will bring peace to those who need it. It is an important topic for the LGBTQ Christian community.
February 4, 2020
If you have friends of all kinds, do not miss reading this. Put an end to all the misinterpretations of the Bible to persecute people. Encourage love , kindness, and tolerance. Stop the hate that some project and blame on the Bible. God made us all!!!
October 6, 2020
A must read for anyone in the church who considers themselves an ally for the LGBTQ community!
December 15, 2024
As a Catholic pansexual, this is the most profound book I’ve read in 10 years.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews