I just finished reading a really interesting book called A War of Loves by David Bennett. It is subtitled The Unexpected Story of a Gay Activist Discovering Jesus.
Question: What would it mean for an atheist gay activist to become a Christian?
Good question. No…great question. One David answers fully. At 14, he came out to his parents. At 19, he encountered Jesus Christ. At this moment his life changed forever. But…and this is key…that change did not happen overnight. This book is his journey…and a well-traveled and documented journey it is. Throughout the 250+ pages of this book you will ride the highs and lows with him. You will tear up (your eyes); you will want to tear him up due to some of his actions and reactions (to the Bible when his mother read it to him after his moment of salvation, for example). You will travel with him to France and his native Australia as he seeks God and more education. You will identify with his sin struggles (not necessarily his homosexuality, but sin that lingers). And you will find your heart and mind stretched as he “fleshes” out his beliefs and his faith.
Some might wonder why I am recommending this book, and for those who don’t know, why I am reading so much on this topic and have more in my cue). The little town of Spencer has a very active, and at times militant, PRIDE group led by a young man (as in according to my age) who was raised in the local Nazarene church but now identifies as an atheist. And yes, that breaks my heart. I want to know how to reach him with Jesus.
This did not start out to be a book review nor an endorsement…although it has turned out to be both. I wrote down several quotes in my Moleskine and want to share just one of them. I plan to use the others in future posts.
If we come to Scripture with our minds made up, expecting to hear from it an echo of our own thoughts and never the thunderclap of God’s, then indeed he will not speak to us and we shall only be confirmed in our own prejudices. We must allow the Word of God to confront us, disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior. John Stott- quoted on page 123
What Mr. Stott says is true. No matter the topic or thought. We should not come to God’s Word with our minds made up or with preconceived ideas and then look for proof. No….we read and allow its words to become our standard. To quote Bennett: “God does not discriminate, but He calls believers of all kinds to a standard.” (quote from p.242)
I’d like to recommend you read this book, not for fodder, but for a better understanding of the “gay” mindset if we are ever to reach them with our friendship and with the Gospel. You will also deeply appreciate his two appendices.
This sounds like a powerful book, Bill. And at this time, as the UMC is facing a future split over the issues of gay marriage and openly gay clergy, it might be just the read I need.
Blessings!
It was a good and powerful book Martha. The split, sadly, is here. But I do believe you will benefit from the book.
I think the key as you have quoted… is not being closed minded with our own thoughts. I can speak for myself. The chest of knowledge contained between my two ears is indefinably smaller than the infinite knowledge of our Maker, Father, Savior.
I like the way you put that Ryan: the chest of knowledge between my ears…Made me chuckle.
Great post. Bill, I commend you for seeking understanding. I’m going to look this book up. Thanks.
Thanks for the kind words Diane. It is a good book and read quickly.
It’s wisdom from God that opens up the eyes, heart, and minds to the fact that most of us read and study God’s word with prejudice and looking for His perfect Word to align with our fallen minds.
It’s a remarkable person that can go through that and stand up against the world for God. Good for him. Praying for him.