The returns of love: Letters of a Christian homosexual;

by Alex Davidson

Genres: Sexuality

93 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifty some odd years later and still very relevant. Encouraging read and helped me better understand the non affirming perspective and how the church really needs to step up in the care and support of our brothers and sisters who struggle. A friend recommended this book because the author and I are on a similar wavelength when it comes to our understanding of doctrine and areas where the church needs to improve.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of letters— thoughtful, candid, sensitive, intensely theological, lovingly pastoral— from a man trying to make sense of his homosexuality in light of his Christian faith. One of the best books I’ve ever read about the costliness of discipleship, and about following Jesus in a way that demands denial and sacrifice. Probably very helpful to Christians dealing with similar struggles. Definitely helpful to those of us who have friends navigating these treacherous waters.

[Steven H · Rating 2 out of 5]

A SERIES OF FICTIONAL LETTERS BETWEEN A CHRISTIAN AND A GAY MALE

The author (Alex Davidson) wrote in the Introduction to this 1970 book, “this book does not set out to provide information so much as help---help by sympathy. I write as a Christian who has tried to apply his faith to his practice in this area of life as in others, and I dare hope that some account of my attempt to face the problem may be of value to other Christians similarly place. These letters are accordingly a piece of ‘sexual autobiography’… Peter and I have never corresponded on this subject, though we have often conversed about it. But the substance of the book is autobiographical…” (Pg. 10)

He wrote, “So it appears that God’s prohibitions in the sphere of sexual activity are not arbitrary whims. He has set up a standard, the idea of marriage; and judged against that standard these other practices are seen to fall short in certain definite respects. And if I wasn’t satisfied with a commandment against indulging my unruly passions, then I ought to be satisfied now that I see some reason for the commandment.” (Pg. 37)

He argues, “If these two close friendships [in the Bible] had involved homosexual ACTIVITY, we may be sure it would not have gone unremarked and uncondemned; but in fact the Bible says nothing at all about the intimacy of Paul with Timothy, and of David with Jonathan. We may assure that the relationships were perfectly normal. But even if they were not, still we could infer nothing more than that they sprang from a homosexuality which was constitutional but not practicing… the Bible says nothing against the invert who admits his inclinations but keeps them strictly under control.” (Pg. 41)

He summarizes, “Underneath every development in the homosexual character which the Christian must renounce because it is morally reprehensible, underneath all the indulgence and passion and selfishness, there is a thing which is not in the strict sense sinful… I don’t deny the EVIL of the thing, but evil it certainly is, but I do deny the SINFULNESS of it. The homosexual condition is to be classified with disease, weakness, death, as an evil; not with gluttony, blasphemy, murder, as a sin… Sin… is represented in our situation by homosexual lust and the activity to which it leads. Evil is different. We pray to be delivered from it… a homosexual nature… is morally neutral, and … there can be an affection springing from it which is… as selfless as heterosexual affection can be…” (Pg. 80)

This book will be of interest to some Christians considering LGBT issues.

[Sarah Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it 6/5 if I could <3