Comments on: Love is an Orientation: Andrew Marin

By: Gene Chase

Gene Chase — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:27:09 +0000

@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.

By: Phelim McIntyre

Phelim McIntyre — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:31:51 +0000

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).

By: Debbie Thurman

Debbie Thurman — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:52 +0000

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. 🙂

By: Warren

Warren — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:41:35 +0000

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.

By: Gene Chase

Gene Chase — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:27:01 +0000

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!