Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

The author aptly descibes how he grew to be more caring and insightful in respecting others. This book is a must for people who feel the need to grow in grace. Thank you!

As a Priest with 42 years experience, it was a joy to read about the honest reflections of a Bishop about a very tricky subject! In "This Far By Grace", Bishop Alexander shares his personal progression through this issue in a way that most laypeople will understand. His theological material may even convince some of the clergy! I have shared this book with several parishioners who agree with me.

The Rev. J. Barry Kramer
Interim Rector
Christ Church, Sparta, NC