Focus of the Book and Why I Wrote it The Audience to be Reached
“For the Christian, the desire to ‘please’ God is
ever
present. Flaman, through his theological and pastoral perspectives,
helps
us move beyond an often sterile debate full of well-worn arguments, to
enable a fuller listening for God as we live before him.”
–REV. SEAN LARKIN, Archbishop, United Anglican Church
Province II
“Not everyone will agree with the position that Dr.
Flaman
presents in this book but they are sure to be challenged and to hear a
gracious voice that wants to continue the conversation toward
faithfulness
to God.”
–REV. BRYAN CLARKE, Presbyterian/Reformed Christian
Chaplain,
University of Alberta,
www.gracefinder.org
“Homosexuality and Following Jesus explains how
knowing
and living the truth of Christ in love is the answer to the questions
and
difficulties faced by those who experience same-sex erotic attractions
and those who care about and for them. Flaman integrates relevant
gospel
themes with the writings of biblical scholars, theologians, pastoral
ministers
(both Catholic and non-Catholic), and mental health professionals, as
well
as with Catholic teaching and with the testimonies of men and women who
have personally experienced same-sex attractions. This book offers
hope,
showing how healing and virtue are possible.”
–PHILIP M. SUTTON, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist,
Marriage
and Family Therapist, and Clinical Social Worker; Editor, Journal of
Human
Sexuality; Director, International Federation for Therapeutic Choice
“In keeping with scripture, experience, and research
findings
on various aspects of homosexuality, Flaman develops a genuine
Christian
approach to this sensitive issue. This well-organized treatise
addresses
coping with same-sex erotic attractions and with enmity for those whose
perspectives on this issue differ. Highly recommended for Christians
and
non-Christians alike.”
–EUGENE RATSOY, Eastern Orthodox Christian, Professor
Emeritus of Education, University of Alberta
“Beginning with the example and teaching of Jesus,
Dr.
Flaman presents the reader with the opportunity to view homosexuality
through
a compassionate, healing, and biblical lens.”
–REV. STUART W. APPENHEIMER, Brighouse United Church,
Richmond, B.C.
“Paul Flaman’s book is a labor of love and his
appreciation
for the truth is evident. While many works examine the origins of
same-sex
attraction, the approaches to supporting those with SSA, or the
Church’s
teachings on SSA, Flaman uniquely explores how our approach to
individuals
with same-sex attraction must reflect the teachings and the love of
Christ.”
–REV. PAUL CHECK, Executive Director of Courage
International,
a Catholic apostolate ministering to those with same-sex attractions
and
their loved ones
“This book, rooted in excellent scholarship and
sound
moral theology, is written from the heart, a heart full of Christlike
love.
We all can be thankful for Professor Flaman’s superb book.”
–WILLIAM E. MAY, Emeritus Professor of Moral Theology,
Pontifical John Paul II Institute at the Catholic University of
America,
and Senior Research Fellow at the Culture of Life Foundation
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Focus
of the Book and Why I Wrote it
Homosexuality
and related issues today are very sensitive and controversial.Today
many, including many Catholics and other Christians, find these issues
to be confusing.Some are not sure what to think
or
believe. What is written on homosexuality today presents a wide
spectrum
of views.This is also the case of works by
various
authors who identify their approach as Christian.Some
of their conclusions contradict each other on related issues such as
the
biblical teaching on homosexuality, the morality of same-sex genital
relations,
whether or not homosexual persons can become heterosexual, whether or
not
two men or two women can legitimately get married, and so forth.With
my book I hope to contribute to this literature by presenting a truly
Christ-centered
approach to homosexuality from beginning to end.I
am not aware of any other book that does this. I
have found exploring homosexuality in the light of following Jesus, who
is the Light of the World, to be an enlightening experience.
Although
the New Testament does not report Jesus as specifically addressing
homosexuality,
nevertheless, in this small book I have attempted to show that Jesus
has
much to say that is very relevant to considering the related issues and
controversies.Indeed, his example and teaching
help
us to focus on what is most important.Consider,
for
example, his calling us to treat others the way we would like to be
treated,
to respond to the real needs of others in loving others as he loves us,
to live according to the truth, to take up our crosses to find fullness
of life, to avoid sexual immorality, to forgive and be reconciled and
healed,
and to bear much fruit that will last.By
considering
homosexuality in the light of such themes I attempt to help the reader
appreciate that Jesus and his Gospel are “Good News” with regard to
homosexuality,
both for those who personally experience same-sex erotic attractions
and
others such as their family members, friends, pastors, counselors and
teachers.
Homosexuality
is an issue which has caused division in many countries, churches and
families.This
book addresses some ways that we can build unity and contribute to
fulfilling
Jesus' prayer "That all may be one."Among other
things,
this book is also meant to help readers appreciate better the views of
a number of people who have a certain expertise and/or much experience
with regard to homosexuality.This includes some
biblical
scholars, theologians, psychiatrists, psychologists, priests and other
Christian ministers, as well as a number of men and women who have
personally
experienced homosexual desires. Quite
a few experiences and insights of real men and women with same-sex
erotic
attractions are incorporated into the text to illustrate the relevance
and realism of the Gospel for homosexuality.
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