Andrew Marin’s of the Marin Foundation promotes his new book Love is an Orientation in this video.
I have not seen the book but I am very hopeful to get a copy soon. I feel very positive about what Andrew describes about his work and look forward to reading more.
7 thoughts on “Love is an Orientation: Andrew Marin”
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@Phelim McIntyre: The problem with beginning a sentence with “homosexuality” is that the term is too broad. I think that Andrew regards homosexual behavior as sinful and homosexual orientation/proclivity/inclination as not sinful.
The Roman Catholic church distinguishes between the orientation and the actions by calling the first an “intrinsic disorder” and the second “sin.” Intrinsic disorders, like sin, are a result of the Fall, but do not per se result in separation from God, much like being born with one kidney is an intrinsic disorder. I’m not Catholic, but I find the distinction useful. “Revisionism” implies a change from a more conservative view. The Catholic Church’s view is a long-held conservative view, is my view, and is–if I read him right–Andrew’s view.
Andrew’s book avoids saying what he would say about all that precisely because he is trying to say something with which you should agree whether you hold that same-sex attraction is sinful or not, to wit LOVE gays unconditionally. Let’s not fault him for what he does not say.
Debbie – I have read Andrew’s book and would define him as a sexual revisionist (homosexuality is not a sin so we can reach out in God’s love and not worry about his behaviour).
So, does this mean you are now ready to give us your review of Marin’s book, Warren? Some of us have been patiently waiting. 🙂
Gene! Cool to have you commenting. I intend to review Andy’s book this school year and am glad to know you are in the tribe.
I need to get your wife’s book also. That would dovetail nicely with the Golden Rule Pledge I promote in the Spring.
Andrew Marin’s book does a great job! I spent the 1997-1998 academic year thoroughly involved in the gay subculture of Cornell University in a way similar to Marin’s immersive presence in his gay neighborhood. Marin’s observations hold true to my experience that year. I focused on 2 of the 14 gay groups on campus (social, political, religious, bisexual, …). The religious group, although run by a Pagan (the capital letter means a Wiccan ran the group), was so open to hearing about Jesus that every week they asked for more than my brief answers offered.
There are other Christians who have helped with this dialog in the past. (Google any of these names for details.)
Maggie Heineman founded the website Bridges Across the Divide in 1997. Chad Thompson wrote Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would in 2004. Alan Chambers wrote God’s Grace and the Homosexual Next Door in 2006. Emily Parke Chase wrote What Do I Say To a Friend Who’s Gay in 2006 to help Christian teens to relate to gay peers. (Truth in advertising: She’s my wife.)
Only the first- and last-mentioned writers follow Marin’s advice in using “gay” instead of “homosexual” as a way of meeting the GLBT person where he or she is. Christian publishers make titles, not Christian authors, and they must look backward with an eye toward sales as well as forward with an eye toward culture-changing.
May Andrew Marin’s tribe increase!
LOL. This does sound amazing…almost too good to be true. I know I shouldn’t say that but we’ve witnessed here how polarized things are–even when it was a representative of the gay community that wanted Warren as part of a platform.
My hope and prayer is that this is all totally on the up and up but I have a few oddball concerns. 1) It struck me as odd that ‘the foundation’ named itself after him. 2) Sometimes, ‘foundation’ is synonymous with ’cause’ which is synonymous with ‘donations’. 3) On my way through his links I did come upon several financial appeals. 4) But I couldn’t find any other names from the foundation or who it is that backs him…his board, his church, etc.
On the upside though, he does have IVP as his publisher and there were several endorsement comments. Warren, what more do you know of the Marin Foundation? Oh, I see a link on your sidebar…will check that out. Gonna post this anyway. LOL. It’s proof that I’m an equal-opportunity nit-picker.
I am very much looking forward to reading this book. Having heard Joe Dallas speak of his past experiences in the gay bar scene and how accepted he felt there, while wondering out loud why our churches can’t offer a similar loving and connected atmosphere, I am hopeful that the Marin Foundation can make a difference. Elevating the focus from genetics to the gospel (their phrase, not mine) is what it’s all about.
Thanks for posting this, Warren.