Father Thomas Hopko draws on the wisdom of the Orthodox Christian Church and the Holy Scriptures to help us understand same-sex attraction, with both compassion and clarity. Combining theological and pastoral insights, this small gem will aid pastors, those who experience same-sex desires, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the nature of our identity and our sexuality. This book is in reality a primer on how to overcome the passions through the traditional Christian ascetic struggle, which of course applies to everyone "... In a winsomely accessible manner, he draws on the treasures of Orthodoxy to invite all of us to move from disputation to reflection, and from there to the wholeness for which we are created by God.” Richard John Neuhaus, Editor-in-Chief of First Things "... The argument is closely reasoned and touches on many aspects of this issue that are often ignored in popular presentations...A provocative book that will surely help everyone who reads it!" Timothy George is dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and an executive editor of Christianity Today.
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About the Author
Thomas Hopko is Dean Emeritus of St Vladimir's Seminary and a retired professor of dogmatic theology. He has authored numerous works on all aspects of the Orthodox Church's faith and practice. His writings have been translated into 15 languages. He has also produced countless CDs and audiocassettes. Fr. Hopko is a world-renowned lecturer at various Orthodox and ecumenical forums.
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55 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful but don't expect the un expected,
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This review is from: Christian Faith And Same Sex Attraction: Eastern Orthodox Reflections (Paperback)
The Author: Father Tom Hopko, one of America's leading Orthodox theologians, author of many books, professor emeritus at St. Vladimir's Seminary.
Writing style: Succinct, clear, to the point. The whole book is just 126 pages, about half of those being notes. Topic: The relationship between Orthodox Christianity, love, and same-sex attraction. You will expect the author to scripturally and traditionally explain why same-sex genital relations are incompatible with Christianity. He does a good job of this, citing not only the Bible and Patristics but many current authors who disagree. Father Tom also does a superb job of differentiating for Enlish-only readers, that Love has four components, Agape (charity), Storge (affection), Philia (fraternal love), and Eros (sex). He points out that in our fallen world, that it will be inevitable that many of us will have sinful passions of every sort, including an interest in same-sex pornia. He clearly separates this manifestation of God's providential permission from God's Essential Love. In so doing, he shows that platonic same-sex love- in the form of agape, philia, and storge, is quite normal but argues convincingly that same-sex genital attraction joins a pantheon of other sinful desires, from gluttony to theft, as something we may have urges towards and even natures towards, but that we must deal with, not succumb to. He then spends that last third of his monograph suggesting ways to live a Christian life and be welcome in the church and to deal with not only same-sex eros but a host of serious vices. Perhaps his two most telling quotes are relegated to the footnotes. He quotes Saint Anthony to point out that all asceticism and mortification is not good, and that it can be pointless at times. He also has a wonderful quote about Christian living from the late Father Alex Schmemann; "It's how you deal with what you've been dealt." Many readers who are same-sex practitioners won't want to read that their eros is a cross to bear, not a divine love. On the more fundamentalist end of the spectrum, some might have expected more condemnation from Father Tom (because they don't understand the Orthodoxy hermenuetic of Love, perhaps?). Yet, Father Tom does a passionate defense of civil law, the civil rights of those in same-sex unions, and passionate chastisement of those who are too judgemental. All readers will have to admit that this work is logical, compassionate, well-organized and researched, and in synchrony with mainstream Orthodox theology. This is not a ponderous tome; it is a fresh and modest monograph. Those interested in the topic should take time to read it.
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Offers fresh perspectives on this sensitive issue,
This review is from: Christian Faith And Same Sex Attraction: Eastern Orthodox Reflections (Paperback)
Below is a review of Fr. Hopko's book that was unfortunately received by the publisher after the book had already gone to press, and was therefore not included with the final publication. Dr. Elizabeth Stuart is a Professor of Christian Theology at the University of Winchester. She is also a lesbian and a leading UK theologian specializing in Queer Theology. I believe the review speaks eloquently to the value of this book for those on both sides of this emotionally-charged issue. Her review is as follows:
"Although I profoundly disagree with the stance taken towards homosexuality in this book I found it a delight to read. It is a careful, compassionate and comprehensive discussion of contemporary same-sex attraction from the perspective of the Orthodox tradition. It is informed by gay and lesbian theology and other alternative perspectives. I would recommend it to all who study or who are personally involved in the issues around same-sex relationships in the Christian tradition, perhaps particularly to those not part of the Orthodox tradition, for the rich theology of that tradition frames the debate in very different terms to those of other denominations. This book holds out the possibility of a debate which need not fracture the Church nor create alarming levels of animosity between Christians. For this reason alone, it is worth reading and engaging with."
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good for anyone!,
By Iarfhlaith Benjamin (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christian Faith And Same Sex Attraction: Eastern Orthodox Reflections (Paperback)
This book on patristic care for those who may be dealing with any sexual problems, it approaches not only homosexual attraction but general sexual deviance as defined by Christian teachings. The author Fr. Hopko approaches the topic with care, respect, and love for those who may fall into sexual problems. It is a must read for any pastor or church leader of any denomination!
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