Table of Contents

Part One: The Search 1. Coming Out 2. Psychics and Boyfriends 3. The LGBTQI Activist 4. The Gay World and Oxford Street 5. University and a Love Triangle 6. Worlds Clashing: Christmas Conflicts Part Two: The Encounter 7. Pub Prayers 8. The Film Festival 9. Prophecies and Coincidences 10. Torn 11. Marriage and Boyfriends 12. The Root of Bitterness Part Three: Sense and Sexuality: Wrestling with God 13. Living Under the Word: Did God Really Say? 14. Law Vs. Grace 15. Facing Facts 16. Idolatry or Celibacy? Resurrection Power and the Body 17. Romance in France Part Four: The New Identity 18. Acceptance and Affirmation 19. The Love of God: Eros and Agape 20. Broken Worship: From Orphan to Son 21. A Unique Sacrifice, a New Identity 22. Now but Not Yet: Suffering and Glory Conclusions 23. Worship: The Trinity and Image of God 24. What Now for the Church? A New Way 25. Intimacy and Beloved Friendship 26. Mutual Understanding: The Church and the Gay Community 27. Gift and Sacrifice: Homosexuality, Salvation, and Holiness

About the Author

David Bennett is from Sydney, Australia, and is reading for a DPhil (PhD) in theology at the University of Oxford. He is a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and holds an Oxford postgraduate degree in theology, as well as a master's degree in analytic theology from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

A refreshing and powerful book. This is one of the top books I will recommend to Christians who want to know how to better love their LGBTQI friends and also to seekers---whether gay or not---who are open to considering Jesus’ invitation.
*Sean McDowell, professor, Biola University; speaker; author, Same-Sex Marriage *

A timely, thoughtful, and often moving story which will be hugely helpful to a lot of people. David’s honesty and humanity shine through these pages, even as he handles difficult questions through the lens of his experience. This is a gift to the contemporary church.
*Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King’s Church London *

David Bennett’s book presents a particular lived Christian experience which deserves hearing. I am grateful to all who are contributing their learning, experience, study, and prayer to help us all to proclaim afresh the gospel of Jesus Christ.
*Sentamu Eboracensis, Archbishop of York *

David Bennett’s page-turning writing gripped me from beginning to end, and I feel sure that his perspective on what it means to give our sexuality to God is something that every Christian of our generation needs to consider.
*Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, director, Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics *

Here is a voice as countercultural as it is compelling, capable of engaging the whole Christian community, whether gay or straight, in a vital debate. I have no doubt that David Bennett’s story is going to become an essential part in a complex jigsaw for many.
*Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International and Emmaus Rd, Guildford *

I am particularly pleased to commend this book. It is an important contribution to the conversation. In a day when so often emotional story trumps thinking, David Bennett matches careful theological thinking with a truly compelling story.
*Charlie Cleverly, rector, St. Aldates Oxford; member, General Synod of the Church of England *

Many lesbian, gay, and bisexual people feel they cannot be true to both their sexuality and the Christian faith. David demonstrates that integrity and authenticity are possible for gay Christians, sharing beautiful insights about love, friendship, and following Jesus too.
*Rev. Dr. Sean Doherty, Christian ethicist; author, The Only Way Is Ethics *

One of the most significant books on one of the church’s most pressing subjects by one of today’s most inspiring young thought leaders. David Bennett is a prophetic witness, a truth teller, a tender pastor, and a faithful follower of Jesus. This generation needs to hear this man.
*Rev. Simon Ponsonby, author; pastor of theology, St. Aldates Church, Oxford *

Riveting, extraordinary---quite extraordinary! I really think I could give this book to any contact I have and they’ll be fascinated. I do wonder whether it will become a Christian classic of our time.
*Rico Tice, All Souls Church London; author, Christianity Explored *

This book is designed to make all of us think about our ultimate love and to work through how we should engage in a long debated area, whether inside of the church or outside of it. It is well worth the read.
*Darrell L. Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *

This is an incredibly raw and authentic book! David paints a beautiful and compelling picture of what it looks like to desire Christ above all else. His affections for Jesus make me excited to be a Christian.
*Preston Sprinkle, president, Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender *

This is the searingly honest story of one romanced by God against all expectations. Bennett’s example of giving his whole self, including his sexual self, to the Christ who died for him is an act of Christian witness for our time.
*Rev. Dr. Michael P. Jensen, rector, St. Mark’s Darling Point, Sydney; author, Martyrdom and Identity *