Homosexuality: A New Christian Ethic

Rating:
Summary: IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING
Review: I am a Christian who has formerly had a homosexual relationship after years of struggling with homosexual desires (as a Christian). The question I wrestled with and every one who has struggled with homosexuality wrestles with is "Why do I have these feelings?" Elizabeth Moberly's book answers this question. The most healing thing in this book is that she says that the homosexual drive is a legitimate drive and is one that a man or woman does not choose for him or herself, but it is a desire that stems from dysfunction in child-parent relationships. This desire to be properly loved and raised by the same sex parent is absent or lacking; consequently, this legitimate need, if it is not met, becomes sexualized in same sex attractions for some people. I can only speak for myself, but in my case, this is exactly what happened to me. (Again, I was a born-again Christian when I was struggling with homosexuality, and my parents were also evangelical Christians -clergy even). Granted, my general sin nature and exposure to living in a pro-gay culture didn't help either, but it was only when I came to understand the child-parent connection to my homosexual drive and allowed God to meet these legitimate needs for love that I have been freed from these desires. There is freedom. There is healing. Don't believe the lie that there isn't. But it isn't easy. It doesn't happen in one day. It takes time - and failure. It requires great courage and the willingness to trust God to meet your needs. It may be the hardest thing you ever do, for like any sin, if we do not depend on God, we can always fall back into the sin in the same way a former alcoholic can go back to the bottle or someone who has repented of an extra-marital affair can be tempted to engage in another. For those of you who are parents: get this book. I do not condemn my parents; instead, I have learned to forgive them and to understand their own needs and issues. We are all in this together. Finally, I trust that as I pray for a Christian spouse, God will provide. Don't give up on the God who made man and woman to be "one" Don't give up on what you know to be true. This book will help you on your journey.

Rating:
Summary: Emotionally Abusive
Review: Moberly espouses studies and treatments that have been totally disavowed by every reputable organization from the American Pychiatric Association on down. She employs the old trick of quoting others out of context in order to support her practices. These "treatments," to me, are akin to the practice of taking a person who is left-handed and tying that hand down so that the individual may learn to be a "normal" right-handed person.

Rating:
Summary: Repeating the "Big Lie"
Review: Moberly espouses studies and treatments that have been totally disavowed by every reputable organization from the American Pychiatric Association on down. She employs the old trick of quoting others out of context in order to support her practices. These "treatments," to me, are akin to the practice of taking a person who is left-handed and tying that hand down so that the individual may learn to be a "normal" right-handed person.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening
Review: Moberly really hits the nail on the head with this book on a Christian view on how those dealing with homosexuality can find healing in Christ. Although the book is written very much like an essay or research article (which it probably was), the truth behind what Moberly is saying is rewarding and incredibly insightful. She offers the view that homosexual leanings are due mostly to a detachment from the same-sex parent earlier in life. This thought, although incredibly eye-opening and true, is presented as the ONLY reason and other views may need to be considered. Great book!

Rating:
Summary: Great Help For Those Looking For Healing
Review: Moberly really hits the nail on the head with this book on a Christian view on how those dealing with homosexuality can find healing in Christ. Although the book is written very much like an essay or research article (which it probably was), the truth behind what Moberly is saying is rewarding and incredibly insightful. She offers the view that homosexual leanings are due mostly to a detachment from the same-sex parent earlier in life. This thought, although incredibly eye-opening and true, is presented as the ONLY reason and other views may need to be considered. Great book!

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening
Review: Moberly's book is one in which every person, both Christian and non-Christian, should read. She purports a view of homosexuality that ties up loose ends which have always been present for homosexuals and heterosexuals. And her tautological argument is one which will only leave you with answers instead of more questions, which so many other theories on homosexuality, both for and against, leave you. If you are willing to read this book with an open mind and without any premeditated repudiations, you will glean much insight and understanding.

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Summary: Sexuality Is More Complicated Than This
Review: The reason why so many right-wing Christians, among others, believe homosexuality is a choice, and thus why it can be "corrected" through religious therapy like this, is because the vast majority of human beings are bisexual to some extent. On this one needs to read the Kinsey Report and other medical reports on sexuality to better comprehend the data. Buyer beware: if you are truly 100% gay, you cannot change your orientation, and this book will only make you more unhappy, not less.

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Summary: Q:What causes homosexuality? A:Read this book.
Review: This book is awesome at explaining the issues behind the symptom of homosexuality. It is small, but chock-a-block full of truths about why people become homosexuals. I couldn't put it down because I kept going "Yeah, that's right! Tell me more!". Its the first book that I recommend to people who are homosexuals, but who want to change. I'd also recommend it to people who want to help people who want to change as it looks at the underlying issues, not the symptom. Homosexuality is a sin and God hates all sin, but if you're motivated and ask for God's help it is possible to change. I've seen it happen in my own life and its great! Thanks Elizabeth Moberly

Rating:
Summary: Q:What causes homosexuality? A:Read this book.
Review: This book is awesome at explaining the issues behind the symptom of homosexuality. It is small, but chock-a-block full of truths about why people become homosexuals. I couldn't put it down because I kept going "Yeah, that's right! Tell me more!". Its the first book that I recommend to people who are homosexuals, but who want to change. I'd also recommend it to people who want to help people who want to change as it looks at the underlying issues, not the symptom. Homosexuality is a sin and God hates all sin, but if you're motivated and ask for God's help it is possible to change. I've seen it happen in my own life and its great! Thanks Elizabeth Moberly

Rating:
Summary: compassionate, intellectual, and biblical
Review: This book is very short, cogent, biblical, and clear. If someone wants to argue against the Bible, then they might not like this book. But for those who want to love homosexuals as themselves and not be prejudiced or mean-spirited, then this is a great book to read. Strikingly, Moberly directs homosexuals NOT to stifle their homosexual urges, and yet not to act them out sexually either. Her thesis is that homosexuality essentially is not a sexual issue, but a relational issue. I agree with her--because I know firsthand that eating disorders are not primarily about food. They're about relationships--just like homosexuality is. While homosexual acts are sinful, just telling someone gay to be celibate is an inadequate and unwise response. Anorexics don't suddently get well when someone proudly tells them to eat more. Likewise, homosexuals don't suddenly "turn hetero" or develop the ability to be celibate when someone proudly tells them to "straighten out." If followers of Christ would heed the wisdom in this book, the Church would probably become a respite for homosexuals and a community in which more people could testify together of the healing grace of God.