Both LGBT individuals and Christians will benefit from the modeling of a kinder, more accommodating navigation of this culture war. I’d suspect most of Lee’s audience haven’t heard the story of a gay Christian in its entirety. The lens of one gay Christian's life helps bring home the political message, and Lee's willingness to admit that both sides have good intentions provides a much needed break from the rancor of the debate. Torn is mostly Lee’s story, which I think is a brilliant way to present his perspective on a contentious topic. His tactics might seem too gentle for more radical aspirations, but his tone radiates a genuine concern and belief in progress through slow, personal evolution. On the other side, Christians need to change an approach that casts sexual minorities as sinners by definition and fixates on changing or healing. He argues that gays need to be more welcoming to the religious, including gay celibates.

The nondoctrinaire approach he offers, through examples and concrete suggestions, requires both sides to allow greater space for differing viewpoints and more open listening. His experiences inside Christian communities, including ex-gay ministries, have convinced Lee that the church is hampering its own best intentions.

Lee, founder of Gay Christian Network, attempts to call a truce in the gays-versus-Christians cultural war with this autobiographical account. Convinced that 'in a culture that sees gays and Christians as enemies, gay Christians are in a unique position to bring peace,' Lee demonstrates that people of faith on both sides of the debate can respect, learn from, and love one another. In this groundbreaking book, Lee recalls the events-his coming out to his parents, his experiences with the 'ex-gay' movement, and his in-depth study of the Bible-that led him, eventually, to self-acceptance.īut more than just a memoir, TORN provides insightful, practical guidance for all committed Christians who wonder how to relate to gay friends or family members-or who struggle with their own sexuality. But Lee harbored a secret: He also knew that he was gay. Nicknamed 'God Boy' by his peers, he knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry. Justin Lee, a gay man and devout Christian, bridges the gaps between his faith and sexuality in this insightful and touching memoir.Īs a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn.

Torn by Justin Lee