This Far by Grace: A Bishop's Journey Through Questions of Homosexuality [Paperback]

Neil J. Alexander (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2003

In this thoughtful and timely book, Bishop Alexander explores his journey through the theological, scriptural, and pastoral aspects of the questions surrounding homosexuality and the Christian faith. Writing in the weeks after the General Convention of the Episcopal Church approved the appointment of the church's first openly gay bishop, Bishop Alexander offers a personal view of his changing outlook—from exclusion to acceptance—on this important issue. He also offers thought-provoking perspectives on scripture and tradition. This Far by Grace will prove a vital resource for discussion and reflection by individuals, parishes, and dioceses.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'From fear to love, from conditional to unconditional, from judgment to mercy,’ this is the conversion experience of one wise bishop whose caring discernment on the vexed subject of homosexuality is what the over-heated Episcopal Church needs now more than ever. There could not be a more timely or useful book than this for a church in turmoil, a fine example of pastoral, personal, and prophetic theology. (Professor Peter J. Gomes )

About the Author

J. NEIL ALEXANDER is the bishop of Atlanta. He has taught at the University of the South School of Theology, and General Theological Seminary in New York City. Originally ordained a Lutheran pastor, he has served parishes in Murray Hill, New Jersey, Cowan, Tennessee, and New York City.

J. NEIL ALEXANDER is the bishop of Atlanta. He has taught at the University of the South School of Theology, and General Theological Seminary in New York City. Originally ordained a Lutheran pastor, he has served parishes in Murray Hill, New Jersey, Cowan, Tennessee, and New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 85 pages
• Publisher: Cowley Publications (May 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561012246
• ISBN-13: 978-1561012244
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #769,547 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Than Meets the Eye, July 30, 2004

By 

Hans Castrop (La Crosse, WI United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: This Far by Grace: A Bishop's Journey Through Questions of Homosexuality (Paperback)

This book makes me want to become an Episcopalian.The bishop not only exaimes the "hot" passages that have been used against gays but reflects on scripture, worship, prayer and service from an Episcoplian perspective. His explanation of Midrash as an aid in interpretation and his appreciation of traditon and liturgy in Christian life are compelling and inviting. His emphasis on using your mind as well as your heart when you read the Bible is certainly a needed reminder in our time. Bible study is a part of the Christian calling. Understanding the clutural setting of these particular passages as well as so many others helps us see that there is more here than meets the eye. In the first chapter he shares his own journey from an anti-gay Christian to an affirming Christian. For those who might fear that the "evangelical" way of reading scripture is the only way,this is a valuable book. By going beyond the narrow question of homosexuality to the larger questions of faith, the bishop helps us view the entire matter from a wider perspective.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What The Spirit is Saying to the Church, October 9, 2005

By 

R. E. Van Keuren "Bob Van Keuren" (Atlanta GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: This Far by Grace: A Bishop's Journey Through Questions of Homosexuality (Paperback)

Bishop Alexander is a gifted theologian and pastor and he is also my diocesan bishop here in Atlanta, and I know him as a good and decent man. For that reason I would be expected to read his book on this most important subject. I am gratified to be able to say this short book is one of the most cogent and well-reasoned I have ever read on the subject of gays and lesbians and the place they should have in the Church. Some might assume that since Bishop Alexander voted to confirm Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire that he must be a "liberal" and that's that. As This Far By Grace indicates, his current position that gay people and their relationships can indeed be channels of grace is one he came to gradually and over time. He relates his own personal journey and looks critically at those scriptural passages that have been used to attack homosexuality. He does not merely engage in a battle of "proof texts" by quoting one passage to refute another; he examines the context of each and concludes that none of these Bible passages contemplates anything like a committed or monogamous relationship. For Episcopalians who have an open mind on this issue but may not fully understand it, this book treats their possible reservations with respect; it is not a polemic. It could be read by itself, or in combination with "To Set Our Hope On Christ," the US Episcopal Church's theological justification for ordination of gays to holy orders and for placing positive value on gay relationships. Together they set forth a strong case that justice for gays and lesbians is indeed what the Spirit is now saying to the Church.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He articulates what you have been feeling, October 22, 2004

By 

Nancy Currier (Upstate NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: This Far by Grace: A Bishop's Journey Through Questions of Homosexuality (Paperback)

This is an articulate account by someone who was there. Bishop Alexander guides you through scriptural references and invites you to consider his perspective on homosexuality and then to find your own path. This is an excellent "guide book" for the thinking Christian on this important issue.