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Walking the Bridgeless Canyon: Repairing the breach between the Church and the LGBT community
In 2001, Kathy Baldock, a straight conservative evangelical Christian, met Netto Montoya, a lesbian Native American, on the local hiking trails near her home in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Their friendship challenged Baldock's cultural and religious beliefs about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. In "Walking the Bridgeless Repairing the Breach between the Church and the LGBTQ Community," Baldock uncovers the historical, cultural, medical, and political filters of discrimination through which the LGBTQ community is seen. With a foundational context firmly established, she examines the most controversial filter of what the Bible says about same-sex behavior. Ten years of research, as well as relationships with thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, led to answering important How did history, culture, science, and politics intertwine to create social discrimination against the gay and transgender communities? When and why did the conservative Christian community turn their focus on the gay and transgender communities? Should Christian fellowship be extended to gay and transgender people? Should Christian marriages, be granted to same-sex couples? What is happening within the LGBTQ Christian movement today? Baldock carefully constructs a historical timeline narrative as she untangles the details of various influences and influencers. Along the way, she shares fascinating stories and testimonies enriching the journey. Finally, for those who are wondering how they might enter into productive and respectful conversations about the intersection of faith and sexual orientation or gender identity, this book offers the resources and tools needed to make informed, wise, and Christ-centered choices.This book has a companion Discussion Guide intended for personal, group, or Bible study use.*****As a biblical scholar and a gay man, I sometimes have people ask me for reading suggestions on LGBTQ issues and Christianity. I can usually recommend a book on some aspect of the topic, and another on another aspect. But Kathy Baldock’s book is the best I know right now for covering many of the relevant history, science, scripture, politics, and even “self-help” suggestions at the end. I’ll be recommending this book as the number one place to start for many people in the future. —Dale B. Martin, Woolsey Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Yale University*****Kathy Baldock is one of the most tireless, dedicated, and influential advocates for LGBT Christians in the evangelical church. Her work has helped to transform the lives of thousands of people, and her ministry is a model of the kind of effective, conciliatory bridge-building work the church desperately needs. In Walking the Bridgeless Canyon, Baldock guides the reader on a fascinating journey of how the church has responded to the LGBT community--and how we all can and should do better. Brilliantly researched, accessibly written, and lovingly expressed, this book is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the intersection between the conservative church and the LGBT community. I highly recommend it--and its remarkable author.--Matthew Vines, president of The Reformation Project, author of the book God and the Gay Christian, Random House
- GenresLGBTNonfictionReligion
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 26, 2020
The only problem with this book is that I didn’t learn about it sooner. Based on a mention during a recent sermon, I ordered it and couldn’t put it down. After spending much of my life unquestioningly believing what I heard from pulpits, the past four years have shown me the need to be a more critical consumer of religious doctrine. My understandings of Jesus’ dispositions and commands haven’t lined up with mainstream church practices and stances on several issues of late, and this book’s deep dive into scriptural translations and the science of gender-related issues now have me understanding why. I still love Jesus, maybe even more now, but my disappointment in discriminatory and judgmental church practices has me sad and embarrassed about Christianity.
October 12, 2021
This is a fantastically researched and presented book. I can't recommend it highly enough for any Christian. Deep moments of conviction and moments of outrage that our brothers and sisters have been treated this way. I definitely left the book with a renewed vigor to let ALL of our LGBTQIA brothers and sisters know we are sorry for what has been done in the name of Christ, and I, for one, will work to right these grievous wrongs.
September 10, 2022
This book is very well researched and cited. It does, however, read like someone's PhD thesis +-someone who is trying to punish themselves for a wrong they've done. Very dense, and unrelenting. Both of these are difficult for me since I already know a lot of the material, so I'm really seeing the negative energy.
By all means, read this book, but in small pieces, probably with discussion. And don't forget the self care.
(Didn't finish it due to the above)
By all means, read this book, but in small pieces, probably with discussion. And don't forget the self care.
(Didn't finish it due to the above)
March 3, 2024
I’ve read a lot of books on this topic but this is by far the most comprehensive and well-researched. I appreciated how she detailed the political and social history of the topic and then tackled Scripture. The last chapter of personal stories by people she has met was heart-breaking. Definitely worth reading.
October 17, 2026
Kathy’s book explores historical, cultural, psychological, medical, social, religious, and personal aspects that have led her to affirm same-sex relationships. Beginning from her personal experiences with queer-identifying individuals, she discovers that her predispositions about queer people held through her lens have been inaccurate and that queer folks are not the kind of people that she thought them to be. Through her relationships with these queer-identifying people, she developed cognitive dissonance in her views and began to question whether Scripture actually condemns homosexuality or if the Church has gotten things wrong all throughout history.
As an essentially-reformed theologically-leaning individual, I find problems with Kathy’s hermeneutical approach in coming to her view. Rather than centering her argument on Scripture and the authority of God’s word, her discussion takes an approach to show how queer folks have been damaged by homophobic discrimination and violence, and that because of these harms, Christians should affirm same-sex relationships. The length of discussion on the “clobber passages” in Scripture (25 pages) and the placement of it in the middle of the book somewhat indicates the priority of Scripture in this book overall. I think the book is more effective in helping Christians understand the mindset and hurt experienced by LGB people (there was limited discussion on transgender identity in the book as that is not Kathy’s focus) in recent history, than in addressing God’s intentions, design, commandments, and guidance on this subject in Scripture. In her discussion of Scripture, Kathy addresses some common views and offers an alternative interpretation to dismiss the application of these verses to committed, same-sex relationships today. Some points I agreed with (i.e. the explicit use of the translated word “homosexual” in the Bible in some translations, a portion of her introductory analysis on the message of Romans), some points I believe overstepped some core logical foundations (i.e. thoroughness in examining the nature of all types of same-sex relationships during Jesus’ time, interpretation of greek words, that no Levitical prohibition on a topic implies such topic is good), and some points I found to be incorrect or lacking thorough exegesis (i.e. discussion on Genesis 1:22 - should be looking at Genesis 1:28-30; or the proposition that “male and female” is culturally-bound language and biblical principles about marriage can be applied to same-sex relationships). For example, later in the book Kathy discusses the term “one flesh” (pg. 264). She claims “one flesh” is repeated several times throughout the Old Testament to describe covenant relationship - however, this is only used to describe Adam and Eve’s one flesh union in Genesis 2:24. Every other instance refers to “flesh” and not “one flesh”. With the inherent sex difference of the use of “one flesh” and subsequent quotations of it in the New Testament, even as Jesus quotes, there is a significant difference between the “one flesh” of sexual union and “flesh” of kinship bonds. Going through at length to discuss all of my agreements and disagreements with her interpretation may not be suitable for this review. I would recommend reading Preston Sprinkle’s book, Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage, for a generous approach that examines agreements and responses to the major arguments that are made for same-sex marriage.
Kathy uses many stories and quotes from LGB-identifying folks throughout her book. There were several examples of people who were in marriages between a man and a woman, then one individual realized they were gay/lesbian after a number of years, fell into adultery with someone of the same-sex, and then the marriage ended in divorce and/or remarriage to someone of the same-sex. The inclusion of these stories almost seemed that the author was validating their infidelity as a reason to support their same-sex behavior - not to say this was Kathy’s intention.
Many events that Kathy uses to describe political, religious, and social history are clearly terrible acts of violence and discrimination. I have sorrow for people who have experienced such depths of harm because of their attraction to the same sex. I also have sorrow for the people who have acted that way toward queer-identifying people and use Scripture wrongly to justify their discriminating behavior. A compassionate and loving Christian response to individuals with same-sex attraction or who desire same-sex sexual relationships looks far differently than these examples of violence and discrimination, or even reparative therapy.
About 95% of the events that she describes occurred in the last 100 years during political and religious movements. To strengthen her argument, she should have presented such hostility, or lack of hostility, since the time of Paul’s writings or before. Evidence shows that the concept of an inborn, biologically driven same-sex desire has existed since Aristotle, Parmenides, and Soranus, and that consensual same-sex relationships, especially between females, was not unknown during the writing of the New Testament. Additionally, the negative cultural attitudes for male same-sex sexual relationships between equals was starting to wane as evidenced by literature during Paul’s day. If there is evidence of affirmation of same-sex relationships when Jesus was on earth, interaction between Scripture and its audiences regarding this topic, or if there is evidence of early Church responses to this cultural shift, it would have been to Kathy’s benefit to include this in her book.
Kathy discredits the options that Christians can faithfully live out if they experience same-sex attractions - particularly those of celibacy and of mixed-orientation marriages. She concludes that same-sex union is almost always necessary, and while some Christians choose these paths of celibacy or mixed-orientation marriages, they (or their spouse) will either experience lifelong pain and suffering or will end in divorce eventually. I believe this conclusion lacks faith and discredits the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain someone with such a conviction, and discounts the testimony of countless Christians who have repented and turned from their sin.
Marriage was made for the covenantal, one-flesh union between a man and a woman, a mystery that depicts Christ and His church. From Genesis 2 to Ephesians 5, we see continual reference to and affirmation of this type of relationship that includes servant headship and empowered submission, bonded through selfless love and service, to point each other to Christ, draw closer in faith to the One who created marriage, and to glorify God forever. As a result of the fall, our desires and actions have been forever stained by sin. It is through the cross of Jesus that we receive forgiveness, the grace of Him that we are restored in relationship, through Scripture that we come to know him and his righteousness, and in faith that we put our trust in Him, repent from our brokenness, and give him glory forever.
Overall, I would recommend reading this book to understand the layers of pain that LGB identifying folks carry and to understand some of the reasoning that leads people to develop affirming theology. I would also recommend reading other material from other sides, and to check your spiritual posture as you read and research this topic. As a result of this book, I feel better prepared to have discussions with other people about this topic and to do so with more informed compassion and hospitality.
As an essentially-reformed theologically-leaning individual, I find problems with Kathy’s hermeneutical approach in coming to her view. Rather than centering her argument on Scripture and the authority of God’s word, her discussion takes an approach to show how queer folks have been damaged by homophobic discrimination and violence, and that because of these harms, Christians should affirm same-sex relationships. The length of discussion on the “clobber passages” in Scripture (25 pages) and the placement of it in the middle of the book somewhat indicates the priority of Scripture in this book overall. I think the book is more effective in helping Christians understand the mindset and hurt experienced by LGB people (there was limited discussion on transgender identity in the book as that is not Kathy’s focus) in recent history, than in addressing God’s intentions, design, commandments, and guidance on this subject in Scripture. In her discussion of Scripture, Kathy addresses some common views and offers an alternative interpretation to dismiss the application of these verses to committed, same-sex relationships today. Some points I agreed with (i.e. the explicit use of the translated word “homosexual” in the Bible in some translations, a portion of her introductory analysis on the message of Romans), some points I believe overstepped some core logical foundations (i.e. thoroughness in examining the nature of all types of same-sex relationships during Jesus’ time, interpretation of greek words, that no Levitical prohibition on a topic implies such topic is good), and some points I found to be incorrect or lacking thorough exegesis (i.e. discussion on Genesis 1:22 - should be looking at Genesis 1:28-30; or the proposition that “male and female” is culturally-bound language and biblical principles about marriage can be applied to same-sex relationships). For example, later in the book Kathy discusses the term “one flesh” (pg. 264). She claims “one flesh” is repeated several times throughout the Old Testament to describe covenant relationship - however, this is only used to describe Adam and Eve’s one flesh union in Genesis 2:24. Every other instance refers to “flesh” and not “one flesh”. With the inherent sex difference of the use of “one flesh” and subsequent quotations of it in the New Testament, even as Jesus quotes, there is a significant difference between the “one flesh” of sexual union and “flesh” of kinship bonds. Going through at length to discuss all of my agreements and disagreements with her interpretation may not be suitable for this review. I would recommend reading Preston Sprinkle’s book, Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage, for a generous approach that examines agreements and responses to the major arguments that are made for same-sex marriage.
Kathy uses many stories and quotes from LGB-identifying folks throughout her book. There were several examples of people who were in marriages between a man and a woman, then one individual realized they were gay/lesbian after a number of years, fell into adultery with someone of the same-sex, and then the marriage ended in divorce and/or remarriage to someone of the same-sex. The inclusion of these stories almost seemed that the author was validating their infidelity as a reason to support their same-sex behavior - not to say this was Kathy’s intention.
Many events that Kathy uses to describe political, religious, and social history are clearly terrible acts of violence and discrimination. I have sorrow for people who have experienced such depths of harm because of their attraction to the same sex. I also have sorrow for the people who have acted that way toward queer-identifying people and use Scripture wrongly to justify their discriminating behavior. A compassionate and loving Christian response to individuals with same-sex attraction or who desire same-sex sexual relationships looks far differently than these examples of violence and discrimination, or even reparative therapy.
About 95% of the events that she describes occurred in the last 100 years during political and religious movements. To strengthen her argument, she should have presented such hostility, or lack of hostility, since the time of Paul’s writings or before. Evidence shows that the concept of an inborn, biologically driven same-sex desire has existed since Aristotle, Parmenides, and Soranus, and that consensual same-sex relationships, especially between females, was not unknown during the writing of the New Testament. Additionally, the negative cultural attitudes for male same-sex sexual relationships between equals was starting to wane as evidenced by literature during Paul’s day. If there is evidence of affirmation of same-sex relationships when Jesus was on earth, interaction between Scripture and its audiences regarding this topic, or if there is evidence of early Church responses to this cultural shift, it would have been to Kathy’s benefit to include this in her book.
Kathy discredits the options that Christians can faithfully live out if they experience same-sex attractions - particularly those of celibacy and of mixed-orientation marriages. She concludes that same-sex union is almost always necessary, and while some Christians choose these paths of celibacy or mixed-orientation marriages, they (or their spouse) will either experience lifelong pain and suffering or will end in divorce eventually. I believe this conclusion lacks faith and discredits the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain someone with such a conviction, and discounts the testimony of countless Christians who have repented and turned from their sin.
Marriage was made for the covenantal, one-flesh union between a man and a woman, a mystery that depicts Christ and His church. From Genesis 2 to Ephesians 5, we see continual reference to and affirmation of this type of relationship that includes servant headship and empowered submission, bonded through selfless love and service, to point each other to Christ, draw closer in faith to the One who created marriage, and to glorify God forever. As a result of the fall, our desires and actions have been forever stained by sin. It is through the cross of Jesus that we receive forgiveness, the grace of Him that we are restored in relationship, through Scripture that we come to know him and his righteousness, and in faith that we put our trust in Him, repent from our brokenness, and give him glory forever.
Overall, I would recommend reading this book to understand the layers of pain that LGB identifying folks carry and to understand some of the reasoning that leads people to develop affirming theology. I would also recommend reading other material from other sides, and to check your spiritual posture as you read and research this topic. As a result of this book, I feel better prepared to have discussions with other people about this topic and to do so with more informed compassion and hospitality.
November 22, 2024
Phenomenal reference book and does such a good job explaining how things came to be the way they are, and then connecting the threads of different aspects all together. It is very dense, and in the beginning I was struggling, but I love this book. The author does a great job of making the book easy to reference (since each chapter is about the history from a particular aspect, like slang, psychology/psychoanalysis, etc.), but then the later chapters connect to previous ones.
Ex (in much less formal words): you know all this crazy stuff currently being described? Remember that last chapter when X thing was happening? All of that was happening at the same time!
Ex (in much less formal words): you know all this crazy stuff currently being described? Remember that last chapter when X thing was happening? All of that was happening at the same time!
June 14, 2023
A must read for church leaders or for those LGBTQ+ persons who have been hurt.
A long title, but it sums up who should read this book. You WILL learn something. I first found Ms. Baldock on YouTube, then on her web site. She helped a 68-70 year old queer man to be able to reconcile his faith and sexuality. I’m truly grateful for her witness.
A long title, but it sums up who should read this book. You WILL learn something. I first found Ms. Baldock on YouTube, then on her web site. She helped a 68-70 year old queer man to be able to reconcile his faith and sexuality. I’m truly grateful for her witness.
April 15, 2021
Walking the Bridgeless Canyon is the MOST thorough book on the subject of LGBT+ people in the Bible that I have ever come across. It not only addresses the Bible, but it also tackles the political and scientific contexts that eventually led to anti-gay theology.
August 11, 2021
I learned so much from this book. I love that she backs up all her information with personal stories that really being the details to life. This is such an important topic, and the learning from it can truly be life saving.
December 16, 2023
A must-read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews