Customer Reviews

Beyond Gay

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I'm a married heterosexual who read David's book because I'm an orthodox Catholic interested in the agonizing debates over sexual matters within Christianity. I was quite surprised by how much "Beyond Gay" had to say to me, a straight man, about the theology of the body. David challenged me to think a lot more deeply about the way *all* of us consider our bodies, and the use of our sexuality. "Beyond Gay" cuts through so much cant and jargon to tell an *honest* story from a compassionate survivor of the sexual revolution. It is indispensable for priests, pastors and lay persons who seek to understand gay folks in charity, while leading them to fidelity to Biblical teaching. And it has almost as much to teach straights about the proper use of their own sexuality. What an unusual, wise book. It should be on the bookshelf of every culturally engaged Christian -- Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox.

Morrison has written a loving, compassionate, yet unequivocal portrait of "gays", and shows how wrong many Christians are in their approaches to same-sex attracted people. His recommendations on how to deal with youth who question their sexual identities are particularly important for parents. I am sorry that Morrison will (inevitably) experience attacks from extremists on both sides of this issue. Truth is harsh as well as holy, and courage is required to seek and accept it. Thank you, David, for expressing Paul's "more excellent way" in this wonderful book.

This is a good book. Most books dealing with Christianity and homosexuality tend to fall into two groups: ones that try to harmonize the two and others that push re-orientation. This book steers a middle course: it doesn't try to justify gay sex biblically, and it doesn't take the position that inside every homosexual is a heterosexual yearning to burst out. A gay Christian doesn't have to choose between Exodus and the Metropolitan Community Church, but it is a rare treatment of the subject that ackowledges that.

This volume is written from a Catholic perspective, which is likely of more interest to Catholics, but is not completely lost on others (like me). I didn't focus too much on the specific catechism references, and skimmed quickly over the chapter on sacrements. The point is that it's not something you have to be a Catholic to be able to read.

The Catholic leadership appears to have a lot better attitude about gays in the church than those in some Protestant denominations. The "Always Our Children" statement, given in an appendix, is very sensitive and touching, without being compromising.

Much of the book is autobiographical in nature. However, it provides information and advice that will be of use to anyone who's gay but who looks at the Bible and realizes that gay sex is sinful (no matter how reluctant that realization may be). It also has a lot of information that is beneficial for non-gays.

I recommend this book if you're struggling to understandChristian teachings about homosexuality, whether for yourself or aloved one.

The author gently points out problems with some popular approaches to the subject, from "gay-friendly" gospel readings which try to redefine God in one's own image, to "change ministries" which assume that God's will for all of us is heterosexual marriage. Speaking from personal experience, he explains how he found workable answers in Catholicism, with its clear, consistent teachings about the true meaning of sexuality, and the value and dignity of each human being.

As the title suggests, the book shows that it's foolish to define ourselves (or others) in sexual terms. We're all one in Christ, whatever gender we are and whomever we're attracted to, and the moral laws apply to us all equally. And although there are many voices, from Freud to Calvin Klein, telling us that sex is the most wonderful and important thing in life, we know the truth: that the most wonderful and important thing in life is the cross.

It must have taken a lot of courage to tell such a personal story. Thanks, David!

David Morrison shares candidly of his own journey from gay activist to chaste Catholic. He offers realistic hope for those with unwanted same sex attractions.

In describing his own discovery of the truths behind Catholic teaching on sexuality, Morrison gives us more than just pious religious sentimentality. He gives a gutsy desciption of his own transition. This book shows a faith that goes beyond doctrine and into the heartfelt experience of the grace of God.

This book was recommended to me by a married friend who believed it was essential for both married and unwed couples regardless of sexual orientation. I am a Protestant Christian and appreciated David's God given ability to speak the truth in love. One may not agree with everything written in this book, nonetheless, the book presents a witness to human need for and journey to find true authentic intimacy with others and God. Best of all, David does not vilify or demonize the opposing sides to the issues surrounding same-sex attraction.

David writes from a Roman Catholic perspective which I am not very familiar with. Yet for me this perspective did not take away from the value of this text. After completing this book (which was borrowed from a library)I immediately bought four copies to share with clergy and other friends. I praise God for David and all who have the courage to speak lovingly and truthfully in difficult issues.

If you wish to understand the homosexual condition from a first-hand and Catholic perspective, then here is the place to start. In a clear and inviting style Morrion describes his journey from gay-activist to committed Catholic.

Included as well is some discussion of the causes, effects, and treatement of homosexual attraction and lifestyle. For someone who knew very little about the issues at the time of reading, I found that it helped me to look upon gay people with not just compassion, but also understanding.

David Morrison presents a compelling story of his journey into and through homosexuality. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in this hot cultural issue. Morrisons writing is engaging and thoughtful. His conclusions are faithful to church teaching and to his own conscience.

I'm a seventeen year-old girl who is a practicing Catholic. I was very confused when talking about the homosexual issue. This book not only helped me realize that you are to love the sinner and hate the sin but it also taught me that it is possible for homosexual's to live a chaste life. I also was taught through this book that many homosexuals just want to be loved, and their search has been a difficult one, as pointed out in Morrison's book that hardly any homosexuals remain monogamous, that some have many, many partners. The problem with today's society is that heterosexual's are just as wrong. They don't even know that sex before marriage is wrong, so it's very difficult for them to understand that homosexual's are not to perform sexual acts and to remain chaste. Thank You, David, for writng this book and offering hope to other homosexuals.

It is a very straightforward biography with a very important theological message as its theme. The message gives hope to the hopeless. It's not the most interesting presentation- it kind of reads like the stories they read on NPR- so it may not be the best book to start with. I still give this book my recommendadion- it is informative and a must-read (but not a first-read) for anyone who is dealing with Homosexuality in their life or has an acquaintance who is struggling with it.