Beyond Gay

by David Morrison

Book Overview

What does it mean to be Catholic and gay? A former gay-rights activist and recent convert examines this flash-point issue.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879736909
• ISBN13: 9780879736903
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
• Length: 287 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Meaningful, objective, profound

This book was recommended to me by a married friend who believed it was essential for both married and unwed couples regardless of sexual orientation. I am a Protestant Christian and appreciated David's God given ability to speak the truth in love. One may not agree with everything written in this book, nonetheless, the book presents a witness to human need for and journey to find true authentic intimacy with others and God. Best of all, David does not vilify or demonize the opposing sides to the issues surrounding same-sex attraction. David writes from a Roman Catholic perspective which I am not very familiar with. Yet for me this perspective did not take away from the value of this text. After completing this book (which was borrowed from a library)I immediately bought four copies to share with clergy and other friends. I praise God for David and all who have the courage to speak lovingly and truthfully in difficult issues.

Beyond "thou shalt not"

I recommend this book if you're struggling to understandChristian teachings about homosexuality, whether for yourself or aloved one. The author gently points out problems with some popular approaches to the subject, from "gay-friendly" gospel readings which try to redefine God in one's own image, to "change ministries" which assume that God's will for all of us is heterosexual marriage. Speaking from personal experience, he explains how he found workable answers in Catholicism, with its clear, consistent teachings about the true meaning of sexuality, and the value and dignity of each human being. As the title suggests, the book shows that it's foolish to define ourselves (or others) in sexual terms. We're all one in Christ, whatever gender we are and whomever we're attracted to, and the moral laws apply to us all equally. And although there are many voices, from Freud to Calvin Klein, telling us that sex is the most wonderful and important thing in life, we know the truth: that the most wonderful and important thing in life is the cross. It must have taken a lot of courage to tell such a personal story. Thanks, David!

Surprise! It's not just for gays

I'm a married heterosexual who read David's book because I'm an orthodox Catholic interested in the agonizing debates over sexual matters within Christianity. I was quite surprised by how much "Beyond Gay" had to say to me, a straight man, about the theology of the body. David challenged me to think a lot more deeply about the way *all* of us consider our bodies, and the use of our sexuality. "Beyond Gay" cuts through so much cant and jargon to tell an *honest* story from a compassionate survivor of the sexual revolution. It is indispensable for priests, pastors and lay persons who seek to understand gay folks in charity, while leading them to fidelity to Biblical teaching. And it has almost as much to teach straights about the proper use of their own sexuality. What an unusual, wise book. It should be on the bookshelf of every culturally engaged Christian -- Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox.

Hope and reason for those with unwanted same sex attractions

David Morrison shares candidly of his own journey from gay activist to chaste Catholic. He offers realistic hope for those with unwanted same sex attractions. In describing his own discovery of the truths behind Catholic teaching on sexuality, Morrison gives us more than just pious religious sentimentality. He gives a gutsy desciption of his own transition. This book shows a faith that goes beyond doctrine and into the heartfelt experience of the grace of God.

A Lesson for All Christians

Morrison has written a loving, compassionate, yet unequivocal portrait of "gays", and shows how wrong many Christians are in their approaches to same-sex attracted people. His recommendations on how to deal with youth who question their sexual identities are particularly important for parents. I am sorry that Morrison will (inevitably) experience attacks from extremists on both sides of this issue. Truth is harsh as well as holy, and courage is required to seek and accept it. Thank you, David, for expressing Paul's "more excellent way" in this wonderful book.