Speaking of Homosexuality: Discussing the Issues with Kindness and Clarity
Joe Dallas, Baker Books, 2016
This book is very readable and focuses on how to personally interact with those in the LGBTQ+ movement. Based on his personal experience, Dallas has some very frank and practical advice for engaging those in the LGBTQ+ movement.
But he is also willing to help us see the log in our own eye in the false assumptions we might bring to the conversation. He sums up his approach when he says:
“When we speak about homosexuality, we’re speaking to a culture with whom we’re no longer necessarily on the same page. So it’s in our interest to develop an understanding, not only of our topic, but of the people with whom we’re likely to discuss it.” Pg. 41
Dallas identifies five different types of supporters of the LGBTQ+ movement. (Pg. 41-49). They are:
- Militants: Whether homosexual or heterosexual, are convinced not only that homosexuality is normal but that those who oppose it are contemptible and should be converted or silenced.
- Mainstream: Most same-sex-attracted people and their supporters could be described as mainstream, fellow humans and citizens with whom we have more in common than differences.
- Millennials: As the first generation to come of age in a largely pro-homosemal culture … the disconnect between traditional biblical teaching and their cultural surroundings is larger than any other US generation has experienced.
- Christian Revisionists: Whether openly homosexual or heterosexual but “gay affirm-ing,” Christian Revisionists identify themselves as Christians who believe the Bible is authoritative, and that it’s been broadly misunderstood on this matter.
- Friends and Family: These individuals may also be one of the previous four types of supporters. Because of the personal relationships involved, they must be approached with particular sensitivity.
Dallas also includes some helpful rules for engaging in these conversations. He also plays out the debate on common questions with a helpful point-counterpoint approach to help us understand the perspective of those who disagree with us.