Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate
by Justin Lee
 As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. Nicknamed “God Boy” by his peers, he knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry. But Lee harbored a secret: He also knew that he was gay. In this groundbreaking book, Lee recalls the events–his coming out to his parents, his experiences with the “ex-gay” movement, and his in-depth study of the Bible–that led him, eventually, to self-acceptance.
But more than just a memoir, Torn provides insightful, practical guidance for all committed Christians who wonder how to relate to gay friends or family members–or who struggle with their own sexuality. Convinced that “in a culture that sees gays and Christians as enemies, gay Christians are in a unique position to bring peace,” Lee demonstrates that people of faith on both sides of the debate can respect, learn from, and love one another. The hardcover edition of Torn published November 13, 2012. |
EXTRAS
REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS
The Palmer Perspective, Sean Palmer
Review, Rachel Held Evans Justin on Joy Behar’s Say Anything! Justin’s 5 Tips For Talking to Your Conservative Friends & Family, at Believe Out Loud Justin Lee Interview, NPR All Things Considered Review, Heather Kopp at her blog, Sober Boots |
—— Publishers Weekly
“This book is full of three things that are not always much in evidence in our debates on sexuality—fresh air, common sense and manifest love of Christ. What makes it different is that it is not essentially about arguing a case but abut bridging the gaps of understanding and sympathy that (inside and outside the Church) have distorted or muffled the overwhelming miracle of Gods gift in Christ and in Scripture. I welcome it very warmly.”
—— Honorable Reverend Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
“Lee’s writing is approachable, and he shows compassion for those on all sides of this debate.”
—— Kirkus Reviews
“Disarmingly vulnerable…poignant…”
—— Christianity Today
“In TORN, Justin Lee blends simplicity, clarity, humility, honesty, and vulnerability in a gracious and eye-opening way. The book brings fresh perspectives to old and polarized debates, and it offers a wise and faithful way forward for pastors and other Christian leaders, parents and other family members, not to mention gay men and women themselves. This is the book that every Evangelical, Charismatic, and Roman Catholic Christian should read on the question of homosexuality.”
—— Brian D. McLaren, author of Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World
“Justin didn’t leave the church when he realized he was gay…he has been too determined to show them how much he loves them. This is not the story of how a gay man has reconciled his sexuality inside his Southern Baptist upbringing. This is the story of how one Christian man’s faith taught him to accept himself, serve others who are in need, and bridge the gap for those who do not always understand.”
—— Jennifer Knapp, Singer/Songwriter, Founder of InsideOutFaith.org
“In TORN, Justin Lee speaks for so many other gay and lesbian persons’ unspoken experiences. This book is not about politics, but a life. I hope people read this book and realize the journey of faith and sexuality is a reality—a reality that the Church, whether they agree or not, must face as a legitimate expression of how LGBT people unnecessarily feel TORN between two worlds.”
—— Andrew Marin, author of the award-winning book Love Is an Orientation
“I talk with many young believers who know that they’re gay and wonder how to live with that reality while holding onto their faith. Many of these friends are confused and questioning—and haven’t received a clear word from their churches about how (or if) they are welcome and what form their discipleship ought to take. I know Justin Lee as a compassionate, thoughtful leader who is at the forefront of ministry to these gay Christians, and this book tells the story of that ministry. As a celibate gay Christian myself, I wish I could make this courageous, truth-telling book mandatory for every pastor and church member I know.”
—— Wesley Hill, author of Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality
is the tornbook.com link correct? it seems unrelated.
i’m about to blog a post on gay xtians and i will be featuring justin’s book on it.
i’ll add a link for this page, but not the tornbook.com as it doesn’t seem related…or maybe i’m just not caffeinated enough to connect the Torn dots! :)
Hi Pam, thanks so much for pointing that out. We had mistyped the URL — the correct URL is TornBook.com. I’ve made the change here on the website as well, so thanks again.
We’d love to see your blog post when you’re finished with it. Feel free to leave it here as a reply.
Thanks!
thanks sarah! i’ll update my post with the link…which i just posted moments ago. here ya go :
http://www.pamhogeweide.com/2012/10/03/what-if-being-a-gay-christian-was-not-controversial/
btw,I am an instant fan of Jericho Books. Your first crop of books is amazing. PUt me on a list as a reviewer if you tap bloggers like me. I love what you folks are doing and wish you great success!
Hey Pam,
Thanks so much for the encouragement. Most appreciated!
Wx
Will ‘Torn’ be available for kindle internationally soon?
Hi Angela,
The book is coming out in the UK in January under a different title – Unconditional. You can pre-order the Kindle version here – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unconditional-Rescuing-Gospel-Christians-Debate/dp/1444745417/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1353089640&sr=8-7
Thanks Wendy.
I am in New Zealand and it seems I can’t get kindle books from amazon.co.uk at all. It tells me that I have to go to amazon.com, but it’s not available to me on kindle there either.
Their is so much commotion in regards to both gospel and gays and christians…I cant wait to read Mr.Justin’s Lee Book. However it is about perspectives and neither should disreapect the other… however ti happens and desrespect leads to choas and confusion. Divided the thousands fall to together they conquor. Being Gospel, to mean says sumthin..however their is pressure to which the various use to their advantages and if yo think differently you are a issue are suffering some manner of illness!!! unconsutitional in its entireity. Again, Gays, I have experiences in my life however .. the final decision is mines not anothers..regardless, to some it is a uniform code are langage. This language however should support all and ebrace change an not discriminated in regards to others who are different. TO me that would go for all parties involved..without lies and fabrication..the truths to all deception is revealed. an being christian doesnt mean your better then another..we all had to crawl however some are out right ridicilious with the issue. some seek guidance but even in recieving guidance.. no single entity was without confusion.. a think a universal language should be respected..somewhere..Im mean when you see a ems truck yo know it is a emergency vehicle ..so regardless of who is driving the vehicle they are either taken seriously are not..however they are able to conduct and carry out their duties..some judge and jump to conclusions and really need to asks instead of assume ..that is where the confusion comes in to boost ones own morale..not kool!Control problems…
i was raised in evangelical..”christianity” and i found it the most poisionous vernomous deadly doctrine of man..and destructive