WASHED & WAITING PB

'Gay,' 'Christian,' and celibate don't often appear in the same sentence. Yet many who sit next to us in the pew at church fit that description, says author Wesley Hill. As a celibate gay Christian, Hill gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to wrestle firsthand with God's 'No' to same-sex relationships.

What does it mean for gay Christians to live faithful to God while struggling with the challenge of their homosexuality? What is God's will for believers who experience same-sex desires? Those who choose celibacy are often left to deal with loneliness and the hunger for relationships. How can gay Christians experience God's favor and blessing in the midst of a struggle that for many brings a crippling sense of shame and guilt? Weaving together reflections from his own life and the lives of other Christians, such as Henri Nouwen and Gerard Manley Hopkins, Hill offers a fresh perspective on these questions. He advocates neither unqualified 'healing' for those who struggle, nor their accommodation to temptation, but rather faithfulness in the midst of brokenness. 'I hope this book may encourage other homosexual Christians to take the risky step of opening up their lives to others in the body of Christ,' Hill writes. 'In so doing, they may find, as I have, by grace, that being known is spiritually healthier than remaining behind closed doors, that the light is better than the darkness.'

This updated and expanded edition of the original book includes an additional chapter that continues Wesley's story and further reflections on spiritual friendships and how the church can be a more welcoming place for those who choose to embrace a celibate calling.

Wesley Hill (PhD, University of Durham) is assistant professor of biblical studies at Trinity School for Ministry. He is the author of 'Paul and the Trinity: Persons, Relations, and the Pauline Letters' and the much-discussed 'Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality'. Hill is on the editorial board of and is a columnist for 'Christianity Today'. He also contributes to 'Books & Culture' and 'First Things'.

Stephen's review:

'Washed and Waiting is by Wesley Hill from the Trinity School of Ministry in Pennsylvania. This book is written for same sex attracted Christians who believe their discipleship demands they live celibate lives and should say no to their same sex desires. I found the book to be sensitive and moving as Hill shares from his own experience and that of other Christians, including Henri Nouwen. He argues that there are no easy solutions for same sex attracted Christians and that many, including Hill himself, will not experience ‘healing’, but should learn faithfulness in the context of brokenness as they wait for the redemption to come. It is difficult to review a book that is so honest, emotion filled, vulnerable and raw. It really needs to be read, not read about! But it is a beautifully written book that made me think about and also feel something of the struggle faced by my same sex attracted brothers and sisters in Christ. For that reason, this book should be read, both by Christians who are same sex attracted and those who are not, especially if they are involved in pastoral care or simply want to be a supportive friend. It really is excellent!'

Publisher: Zondervan; Enlarged edition (12 Jan. 2017)
Language: English
Paperback: 224 pages