The Uncomfortable Church - Dr. Lawrence Brice A Book Review

I have been wondering since this book arrived how I would handle writing a review for it.  Since the issue of same sex marriage and homosexuality is such a controversial topic and a really heated argument in Church as well at in society.  I did want to read this book however, since I have often wondered if my stance on the subject lines up with scripture and theological debate.  I also have struggled with some of my own views on what I believe and hoped this book would clear that up for me.

I believe this book attempts to resolve the tension and strife between the extreme sides of the debate.  Through the analyses of scripture, using logic as well as natural theology the author analyzes the scriptures about marriage and sexuality as well as the theories of those that are both anti and gay marriage.  He mentions early in the book that he was at one time of one opinion on the topic but over time, though prayer and study he changed his views.  This helped me to be more open minded to what he said since it showed that he was truly searching for the write answer, not just the one that would appease the most people.

There are many points he makes that I believe are VERY important for anyone in the church to read, however, I am uncertain if those that hold to either extreme would be open minded enough to get past the first few pages.

In today's society it seems the church has grown complacent about many (just as serious) sins but tries to take a hard line when it comes to homosexuality.  When we shun the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered) community but completely ignore adultery, sex outside of marriage, or any number of other sins clearly stated in the bible, we come across as hypocritical, bigoted and closed minded.  I was cheering Dr. Brice on when he called out the church for being accepting of some and not others.

A few months ago our church had a service on just this topic.  I was happy that all the major points brought up in the book were ones that our church holds to.  There are still a few points that I am unsure of, even after reading the book.  What Dr. Brice had to say did lend some valid arguments and logic to the topic, however, since there is not any solid biblical backing for that particular issue I believe it will be one that might never quite be resolved for me in this lifetime.

There were a few stories shared and many points made in a delicate and kind manner that could really help many to see the reality of the lives lived by the people they are apposed to.  Since there can be a tendency in a debate to think about the issue and forget about the people behind it I think this reminder is important and seeing the effect of what we say and do to the lives of real people can sometimes help us to think of them with more compassion and kindness.

The book was quite thought provoking and sometimes polarizing but the purpose of discovering what the truth truly is on this topic and being able to speak that truth IN LOVE is a message that is definitely necessary for today's church.

The target of this book does seem to be to take the opposing sides and attempt to draw them together to some common ground that is truthful yet loving.  The issue will only be how to get those from the extreme sides off this issue to read the book at all, let alone with a mind open to the logic presented.