Lee - Torn: rescuing the Gospel from the gays-vs.-Christians debate

In TORN, Justin Lee blends simplicity, clarity, humility, honesty, and vulnerability in a gracious and eye-opening way. The book brings fresh perspectives to old and polarized debates, and it offers a wise and faithful way forward for pastors and other Christian leaders, parents, and other family members, not to mention gay men and women themselves. This is the book that every Evangelical, Charismatic, and Roman Catholic Christian should read on the question of homosexuality.

Brian D. McLaren, author of Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and
Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World
(brianmclaren.net)

Justin didnt leave the church when he realized he was gayhe has been too determined to show them how much he loves them. This is not the story of how a gay man has reconciled his sexuality inside his Southern Baptist upbringing. This is the story of how one Christian mans faith taught him to accept himself, serve others who are in need, and bridge the gap for those who do not always understand.

Jennifer Knapp, singer/songwriter, founder of InsideOutFaith.org

In TORN, Justin Lee speaks for so many other gay and lesbian persons unspoken experiences. This book is not about politics, but a life. I hope people read this book and realize the journey of faith and sexuality is a realitya reality that the church, whether they agree or not, must face as a legitimate expression of how LGBT people unnecessarily feel torn between two worlds.

Andrew Marin, author of the award-winning book
Love Is an Orientation (www.themarinfoundation.org)

So many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people give up on Christianity because they cannot reconcile with who they are, with what they were brought up to believe that the Bible teaches about sexuality. Here is a wonderfully told story of a brave young homosexual man who has struggled to hold on to his faith while still affirming himself as gay. This is a must-read.

Tony Campolo, Eastern University

Justin Lee has been put through the ringer by the church. Yet, unlike so many others of his generation, he hasn't given up on the church. Instead, he's put a great deal of effort into reforming the church, and he's done so with a virtue that so many lack: hope. If the Christian church is ever to treat LGBT persons the way that Jesus would treat them, then we need to pay close attention to the pages of TORN.

Tony Jones (tonyj.net) theologian, author of The New Christians

The most important book Ive read in years, and the first Id recommend to anyone interested in bridging the divide between the LGBT community and the church. Justin has given us a precious gift with this story. May we receive it with the same courage and faith with which it was delivered.

Rachel Held Evans, blogger, author of Evolving in Monkey Town
and A Year of Biblical Womanhood

Justin Lee's TORN is a wise, informative book that's nothing short of a gift. Through both theological and personal lenses, Lee tears the masks off of the gays vs. Christians culture war. An important read for all Christians, TORN shines a bright light on how this polarizing topic is affecting people, the church, and the Gospel of Christ.

Matthew Paul Turner, author of Churched and Hear No Evil

TORN sheds light on one of the most important and divisive issues facing the church. If you're looking for a deeper understanding on this or are just trying to make sense of the whole debate, this is the book.

Jay Bakker, pastor of Revolution Church NYC, author of Faith, Doubt, and Other Lines Ive Crossed, Fall to Grace, and Son of a Preacher Man

I talk with young believers who know they're gay and wonder how to live with that reality while holding on to their faith. Many of these friends are confused and questioningand haven't received a clear word from their churches about how (or if) they are welcome and what form their discipleship ought to take. I know Justin Lee as a compassionate, thoughtful leader at the forefront of ministry to these gay Christians, and this book tells the story of that ministry. As a celibate gay Christian myself, I wish I could make this courageous, truth-telling book mandatory for every pastor and church member I know.

Wesley Hill, author of Washed and Waiting: Reflections
on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality

With gracious spirit, intelligent sense of proportion, and, above all, prayerful and rigorous honesty in pursuing a deeply biblical perspective, Justin Lee engages the churches latest sad assault against folks they still have failed to hear. What hes lived and learned and written needs to be received with gratitude and given prayerful reflectionnot to agree or disagree with this or that, but to listen with the love that fulfills the law and the prophets.