This Far by Grace: A Bishop's Journey Through Questions of Homosexuality

Bishop Alexander is a gifted theologian and pastor and he is also my diocesan bishop here in Atlanta, and I know him as a good and decent man. For that reason I would be expected to read his book on this most important subject. I am gratified to be able to say this short book is one of the most cogent and well-reasoned I have ever read on the subject of gays and lesbians and the place they should have in the Church. Some might assume that since Bishop Alexander voted to confirm Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire that he must be a "liberal" and that's that. As This Far By Grace indicates, his current position that gay people and their relationships can indeed be channels of grace is one he came to gradually and over time. He relates his own personal journey and looks critically at those scriptural passages that have been used to attack homosexuality. He does not merely engage in a battle of "proof texts" by quoting one passage to refute another; he examines the context of each and concludes that none of these Bible passages contemplates anything like a committed or monogamous relationship. For Episcopalians who have an open mind on this issue but may not fully understand it, this book treats their possible reservations with respect; it is not a polemic. It could be read by itself, or in combination with "To Set Our Hope On Christ," the US Episcopal Church's theological justification for ordination of gays to holy orders and for placing positive value on gay relationships. Together they set forth a strong case that justice for gays and lesbians is indeed what the Spirit is now saying to the Church.

This book is a breath of fresh air in a field filled with books already. Bishop Alexander takes a personal, pastoral approach to the place of homosexual people in the Church. He allows theology to serve God's people, not to hog-tie them. The writing in the book is easy, the topics dealt with broad, the scriptural content dealt with in an honest and critical way.This book will help readers straight or gay as they attempt to move in their thinking from a legalistic, unloving, unchristian understanding to a loving, pastoral, faith and grace-based understanding of peoples lives. While the book is set in an Episcopal or Anglican context, the theology and pastoral understanding, the love for all of God's people, shines through. If you are looking for something to read about sexuality and the Church, this book is really great, for it does not require you to swallow the conventions of fundamentalist views of scripture first.

This book makes me want to become an Episcopalian.The bishop not only exaimes the "hot" passages that have been used against gays but reflects on scripture, worship, prayer and service from an Episcoplian perspective. His explanation of Midrash as an aid in interpretation and his appreciation of traditon and liturgy in Christian life are compelling and inviting. His emphasis on using your mind as well as your heart when you read the Bible is certainly a needed reminder in our time. Bible study is a part of the Christian calling. Understanding the clutural setting of these particular passages as well as so many others helps us see that there is more here than meets the eye. In the first chapter he shares his own journey from an anti-gay Christian to an affirming Christian. For those who might fear that the "evangelical" way of reading scripture is the only way,this is a valuable book. By going beyond the narrow question of homosexuality to the larger questions of faith, the bishop helps us view the entire matter from a wider perspective.

This was the very first book I read on homosexuality and the Bible. It's very good and covers a lot of ground, but it's not as comprehensive as it could be. For those looking for a quick read on one man's (Episcopal bishop) perspective on why he changed his mind about the topic, this is a nice 100 page read. For those desiring more indepth study and intensity, there are other books out there that are better. But I am very glad to have this book in my library.

You may be a person asking questions about how the Church should relate to persons with same sex preference. This is probably because you realize you love someone who is gay, but your church teaches that these people must change in order to be acceptable to God. Or even something worse. Here, finally, is a very serious book concerning what the Bible says and how we can understand it, not simply work around it. So if you care about the Bible and also care about someone who is gay and about your realtionship to that person, this book can really help you. I recommend it without reservation.

Although I don't agree with all of Bishop Alexander's conclusions, this book is a great guide for thinking one's way through a tough issue. The openness of his heart and spirit to God, leading to a caring conclusion requires each of us to step ouside our comfort zone and FaceBook theology into serious study and prayer. No matter where you find yourself in the spectrum of thought on this issue, if you ignore this book you have not fully considered the full possibilies of our Christian response.

A wonderful description of how a learned bishop and theologian came to change his mind on the issue of same-sex marriage. It is not a book designed to change anyone's mind but rather to give insight into how one can accept same-sex marriage with biblical and theological integrity.

Few books show the struggles of a leader of the church dealing with his own personal journey toward new understanding and compassion. This book does that and more; it points the way for others to view their own humanity through a different window of Biblical interpretation. This is a must read for all those struggling with one of the most divisive issues in the Christian church.