Openly Gay, Openly Christian: How the Bible Really Is Gay Friendly

Rating:
Summary: 2 Timothy 2:15
Review: For those in need of a Scriptural explanation regarding the confusion about homosexuality and the Bible, this is a must have book.

Rev. Samuel Kader relentlessly challenges the reader throughout the book to think for oneself and seek to understand what Scripture is really saying. Presented much like a Bible study, Rev. Kader, in a simple, intelligent and no nonsense approach, presents Scripture in an easy, step by step, expository manner. He clearly demonstrates the need for Christians (homosexual or heterosexual) to become acquainted with a concordance, and to become adept in recognizing that the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. Empowered by God, with Bible and concordance in hand, and a willingness to study, it is evident that anyone can come to the knowledge of the truth.

Openly Gay Openly Christian, certainly presents a challenge for the religious right and their interpretation of the Bible regarding this difficult issue. It is also a challenge for individuals who are gay and Christian to become equipped with the word of God. It is no longer simply enough to say "I'm gay and God loves me." Even though that is true, without being acquainted with Scripture and knowing "how" to speak about these issues, it gives very little credibility in the eyes of others who are well versed, to our claim. Considering the intense opposition, it is time to know Scripture and have Scriptural answers for those who may be trying to understand our position in Christ (gay and straight alike). This book is a wonderful reference book on the subject and will stay a part of my Christian library.

Rating:
Summary: Openly Gay, Openly Christian
Review: I am reading this book and I think it is really great. I believe that this book can help a lot of families. It may help true christian families realize that, we are gay but we haven't rejected God. And that is what we really have to worry about
JOHN 3:16
TONY

Rating:
Summary: Openly Gay Openly Christian - How the Bible Really is Gay Fr
Review: In Christianity, the Bible is not the final arbiter of belief or of faith. These two essential features arise from a synergy of episcopal collegiality, consensus of the faithful, venerable tradition, and only then sacred scripture. Only those Christians who have perverted Christianity by extolling the Bible above the other three features are ensnared in its web. And, within this web, the Bible can be made to represent all sorts of contrary positions. This book takes the Bible in this preverse context and then argues that the Bible can be made to represent a point of view that is gay-friendly.

But the Bible makes clear in both Old and New Testaments that homosexuality is not to be approved of. The Levitical Code of Holiness and the Prologue of Paul's Letter to the Romans are unmistakable indictments against homosexuality, even if Christians are no longer bound by the Levitical Code of Holiness, and even if Paul's Prologue is actually a larger piece on his repudiation of idolatry. For these reasons, we can argue that the Bible is less hostile than one might suspect, but it is nevertheless hostile.

But even reaching this state of awareness doesn't do much to resolve the other features that go toward a Christian's understanding of homosexuality. Mitigating the anti-gay rhetoric of the Bible doesn't obviate the perennial teaching of the Christian community (i.e., Church) through its bishops, consensus of the faithful, and venerable tradition that homosexuality does not fit into God's ordained plan of salvation. In this context, re-interpreting the Bible to fit a gay-friendly agenda still pits homosexuality against other, more visceral opposition.

We do see some mainline Protestant Churches re-examining their own ecclesiastical stances; we've seen liberal Judaism do likewise; but Catholics and others have always disapproved of homosexuality based on "evidence" other than the Bible. For them, the issue of homosexuality does not "fit" the natural order, which in turn is a part of the divine order, and the presupposed teleology of "human nature." It is this tradition that has been, and continues to be, the most poigant argument against homosexuality (even if it can be changed).

I give the book 3 stars for its gay-friendly reinterpretation of biblical passages, which it does fairly well; however, given the larger scope of Christian tradition based upon episcopal collegiality, consensus of the faithful, and venerable tradition, this book doesn't begin to scratch the surface that other books, like John Boswell's, have.

Rating:
Summary: FINALLY!
Review: Many presentations of arguments of this kind tend to make some points strongly, while glossing over other areas unconvincingly--making their whole argument easily vulnerable to attack. Finally, this is a book that covers all of the bases thoroughly! Kader is very well researched and his arguments are clearly and solidly presented. This is a wonderful book, and would be appropriate for anyone.

Rating:
Summary: It's about bloody TIME!...
Review: Many years ago, I came to know of the salvation message of Christ, on Halloween night. That was about when I was eight. One problem: I soon discovered I was also gay. Homosexuality and the Christian faith has always held a strained relationship mainly due to doctrinal misunderstandings, and legalism. Two things that quite frankly, Jesus himself spoke vehemently against in his lifetime. As a result of this, people took the scriptures at face value, and by and large ignored the meanings of the words, in favor of the words themselves.

Rev. Kader takes twenty years of his own research, and backs them up with a step-by-step verbal archaeology dig to find the truth, using the legendary Strong's Concordance. ANYONE can follow along with his research, not just biblical scholars. This book should be a must-read on any Christian's book list simply because of it's message of healing, instead of hurting. Answers, instead of antipathy and animosity.

The best part of this book, is that you don't HAVE to agree with every point the Rev. Kader makes... though the ones he does make, are a little hard to ignore if you follow along with your own bible and concordance. I wish that somebody had come to me ten years ago with this kind of common-sense factual research, and walked me through my fears and doctrine-inspired confusion. It would have gone a long way towards my Christian walk with the Lord, to have been taught to accept myself before I could accept the message of Jesus Christ. This is why the Apostle Paul says we should examine ourselves, when partaking of Communion. Because Jesus never cared for what we did... all of us fall short of the glory of God, based on our actions alone. If anything the bible can teach us by the Levitical laws, is that God set up a list of rules that no man save for Jesus, could ever follow completely without sin. Jesus cares for what's in our heart. And gay or straight, we all share the same responsibility to love our partner, instead of lust after the flesh. For lusting after the flesh is idol worship, and as Rev. Kader points out, God hates idol worship and idolators.

In reading this book, I have reaffirmed my walk with Jesus, and my love of Scripture. And I have learned that we must both follow the law of God, and by faith, take the responsibility to follow the law of Man. Because if we try following one and excluding the other, we only rob ourselves of the relationships we share with both. Without God, we would not have love for our fellow man. And without compassion for our neighbor, we would never be able to accept ourselves. Or the lifepartner, the companion we need, for our mortal journey.

The laws of God, are so that we can exist with Him eternally. The laws of Man, are so that we can exist with each other, during our finite time here on Earth. To break the law of man yet keep the laws of God, is to be judged by men yet save our souls for eternity. To break the laws of God while keeping the law of man, is to be judged by God if we refuse Jesus as our defense counsel, even if we lived a pleasant existance on Earth. Even serial killer Ted Bundy will be in Heaven... because he accepted the price Christ paid. Not just for him, but for us all. And THAT, is the lesson I learned through reading this book. I truly hope that as it helped me, it may also help others to accept themselves, and accept God's eternal love. No matter where, what, or who they are.

Rating:
Summary: Very good for Christians wondering how to reconcile this
Review: Rev. Kader does a very good job. Every Christian should read this book. It answers those hard questions and brings hope! Both straight and gay Christians will find it enlightening..the Bible really is gay friendly!

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books of its kind!
Review: Rev. Kader has both a deeply analytical mind and a deeply loving spirit. In this well-researched and carefully phrased study, he challenges homophobic readings of the Bible and uses his knowledge of scripture to show the Bible as "gay-friendly." He also uses his experiences to show the results of homophobia within the church and the questionable value of "ex-gay" ministries. This is one of the best books of its kind!

Kader might overstate (and re-state) some of his points at times, but only because so many hearts are so hardened by arrogance, bigotry, or self-hatred. This book is perfect for anyone who's gay and/or Christian, as well as for the loved ones of gay people.

Rating:
Summary: Spiritual Self-Defense for GLBT Christians
Review: Sam Kader does an excellent job of explaining the "true meanings" of anti-gay clobber passages in his book "Openly Gay, Openly Christian". When I started reading this book, I was almost sure that the Scriptures condemned homosexuality, but now I see that they don't even come close to condemning homosexuality as we know it today. Kader looks at all of the elements that caused these verses to be written and hypothesizes that Paul was probably condemning things like temple prostitution and rape, not consensual sex within a committed relationship. Also, Kader takes a look at pro-gay situations in the Scriptures, citing references to the story of David & Jonathan and also quoting the words of Isaiah & Jesus about the significance of eunuchs. Kader's argument is both thorough and convincing; it demands a look from people who are wishing to gain more insight as to why churches are so vehement in their anti-homosexual rhetoric. It is also a good book for gays to use as a form of defense if they are attacked for being both gay and Christian, because Kader points out so eloquently that "gay" and "Christian" are not mutually exclusive terms, even for those approaching the Scripture from a fundamentalist viewpoint.

Rating:
Summary: Thanks Rev. Kader
Review: This book has allowed the Christ spirit to fill the void in me that so many want to create. I feel whole again. At first, I thought it was going to be too technical for me to understand with all of the original text translations, but Rev. Kader does an excellent job of fully discussing each translation. He kept me interested in it, to where I couldn't put the book down. I recommend this book as a "must read" on every Christian's book list, because it shows how important it is for the Church to become whole again, to include ALL of God's children. God Bless you Rev. Kader!

Rating:
Summary: 1 Star Comparison above is flawed !!
Review: This is an excellent book which presents irrefutable research. It clearly illustrates where the modern day biblical translations are flawed by showing you the original Hebrew or Greek text so you can see for yourself how the REAL words of God have been distorted. Once you read this book carefully and see these distortions, you will clearly understand that the bible can no longer be used to support discrimination against homosexuals. Love between two people is something which God believes is beautiful--- irregardless of gender.

Which is why I found it disturbing that some reviews (including one by a Top 1000 Reviewer) are obviously from people who did not actually read the book. I also find it disturbing that some of the Recommended Items that have been suggested here are also from people who have obviously not taken the time to read this book either. Our sexual identity is a gift from God (so we don't need therapy) and "Openly Gay Openly Christian" clearly shows that the King James bible is flawed (therefore not an appropriate recommendation either)!

People should read this book so they can see that the only people God condemns are those who persecute others. If you still carry bigotry and hatred in your heart, please read this book so that the healing can begin!