Think Biblically and Act Lovingly During Pride Month
As I ran along Francis Road the other day, I noticed a sign next to the footpath up ahead. As I jogged past, I saw that it was an advertisement for an upcoming Moreton Bay Council event in recognition of Pride Month, which, as I discovered, is taking place throughout the month of June.
The fact that I work for a Christian church located on the campus of a Christian school is probably why I was previously unaware of this fact. But I know this is not the case for many of us. I know many of us have these conversations placed front and centre at our schools, universities and workplaces.
How should we, as followers of Jesus, think biblically and act lovingly during Pride Month? I want to point you towards a few resources which I hope will be helpful as we think about loving our neighbours, while courageously holding onto the counter-cultural yet life-giving teaching of Scripture. If reading a book isn’t your thing, I’ve also included a few links to related videos and podcasts.
Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? by Rebecca McLaughlin
This short 128-page book kindly and truthfully responds to common arguments that the Bible condones same-sex relationships. For a podcast episode with Rebecca on this topic, check out this episode of Knowing Faith.
Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam Allberry
This short, readable book explains clearly and simply what we can say with certainty from the Bible about marriage, sexuality and same-sex attraction.
Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World by Rachel Gilson
This book helps parents teach young children what the Bible says about sexuality proactively and positively, to equip them to live faithfully in a LGBT-affirming culture. Rachel has also shared her own story of conversion to Christ in her book Born Again This Way.
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield
Rosaria Butterfield was a tenured professor of English Literature and a lesbian before she became a follower of Jesus in 1999. This book is her autobiographical testimony and a wonderful witness to the power of loving our neighbour. Here is a link to watch Rosaria share her story at a biblical counselling conference.
Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry
I haven’t read this story of Jackie’s conversion yet, but Tim Challies recommends it highly in his review. Jackie also shares her testimony in this talk from Focus on the Family.
Strange New World by Carl E. Trueman
To understand the seismic shifts which have taken place to bring us to this point in human history, I highly recommend this book by professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College, Carl E. Trueman. For a short, well-produced video about some of the ideas in the book, check this out.
I hope these resources will help you to think biblically and act lovingly so that we might continue to serve those around us searching for life—a life that is only found in Jesus.
Grace and peace,
Adam
