A Book By Dr. Steven Longstone

A Thoroughly Christian Study of Homosexuality

What is this book?

It's a detailed study of Bible passages that address the topic of homosexuality.
It's a learning tool that brings to light aspects of homosexuality too often overlooked.
It's a call to demonstrate a Christ-like attitude to our neighbors, especially to gays.
It's a catalyst for discussion, with a series of probing questions at the end of each chapter.

A growing number of Christians, of all denominational stripes, have important questions about homosexuality that are mostly going unanswered in the ongoing church debate.

Inside the Book

Explore the journey through 17 chapters from understanding today's conversation, examining Scripture, and discovering a Christ-like way forward.

The Situation Today

1: The Sounds of BattleA summary of how attitudes toward gays have evolved and why many churches oppose homosexuality.

2: Why are Gays the Enemy?
Understanding and critiquing many of the arguments levied against gays by today’s churches.

3: Jamie’s Story
A fictional short story about a young man whose realization of being gay has come to the attention of church leaders.

4: Casualties of War
Examples of gay Christians whose lives were turned upside-down when church and family realized they were gay.
5: Painful Persecution
How gays have been treated throughout history, around the world, and in our own societies.

6. Changing Attitudes
How the church’s attitude to several family issues have changed significantly over time.

What the Bible Says

1: Approaching ScriptureHow to approach difficult Bible passages in light of differing Bible translations, paraphrases, and interpretations.

2: The Message of Creation
What the Bible tells us about the creation of male and female, its implications, and the meaning of one flesh.

3: Sodom and Gibeah
Old Testament stories of attempted and actual gang rape and what they tell us about homosexuality today.

4: One Verse in Leviticus
Analyzing in detail each word from a single verse in Leviticus that prohibits homosexual behavior.

5: A Roman’s Story
A fictional short story about a home-church in Rome reading Paul’s letter to them for the first time.

6: Elsewhere in the New Testament
Examining all other verses in the New Testament that prohibit homosexual activity.

A Way Forward

1: Causes of Same-Sex AttractionA synopsis of scientific research into same-sex activity, including nature versus nurture and intersex conditions.

2: The Heart of the Matter
What we know for sure, what we think we know, and how we should respond to this knowledge.

3: Brandon’s Story.
A fictional short story about a church that’s striving to demonstrate a more Christ-like attitude toward gays.

4: Seeking the Mind of Christ
Some practical suggestions for how to demonstrate a more Christ-like attitude to our gay neighbors and friends.

Coming Soon

The Church in Smyrna

Is today's church in America fractured along political lines or unified around the Christian gospel message? Is it a platform for increased power and influence in society or a loving community that brings together diverse populations?

Play Intro

Experience the Book in Audio

Review Comments

"Thorough and informative research. A must read for those of any sexuality on biblical language."

"Excellent book. Very informative and well researched. I highly recommend it to anyone interested int he subject matter. "

"A much needed work. Well researched and brave defence of our LGBT friends and of a loving God. Many evangelicals have forgotten what Grace actually means for all of us - whatever our struggles. Steven Longstone has not. "

Dr. Steven Longstone

Originally from Cornwall UK, Dr. Steve Longstone obtained a PhD in physics from the University of Wales prior to working in central London and various cities across the US. During a long and successful career spanning four decades, he’s had the privilege of traveling to over 80 different countries. A practicing Christian since the age of 12, he’s attended churches in several different denominations, including Methodist, Plymouth Brethren, Baptist, Independent Evangelical, and Anglican/Episcopalian. Dr. Longstone lives with his wife and family in the Atlanta area

25+

Years of Proven Expertise

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A Selection of Other Books on the Topic of Homosexuality

‘Homosexuality: An In-depth Christian Study’ references a wealth of source material and provides an extensive bibliography for those seeking to follow up in detail. The following book titles are recommended for those seeking to learn more about the many different Christian perspectives on homosexuality.

Some questions asked in this book

How would you define a Christ-like attitude toward gays?

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How many gays do you count among your close friends?

Do you believe that God himself has created millions of people with same-sex attraction or an intersex condition?

Is it wrong to experience unwanted desires over which we have no control?

How would you react if your son or daughter announced they were gay?

When is it appropriate to tell others how they should live?

Which commands in Leviticus are relevant today and which are not, and how do we decide which is which?

The teaching that same-sex attraction is a choice contradicts scientific research that claims it's not a choice. What can we learn from this apparent contradiction?

Should bakers have the right not to sell a cake to be eaten at a gay wedding?

To avoid having to perform same-sex marriages in church, should we promote the concept of civil unions for gay couples?

Why has the church's teaching on so many different topics changed through the centuries?

How would you respond to specific anti-gay initiatives introduced at your church?

Your opportunity to suggest new topics for in-depth Christian study

Homosexuality is a controversial and timely topic for study within today’s church, but it’s not the only topic that warrants more detailed consideration. The following titles are under consideration for future volumes in the ‘In-depth Christian Study’ series.