A thoughtful, practical guide that shows readers a way through the minefield of condemnation and persecution faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians and helps foster a faith that is bulletproof—impervious to attacks, yet loving and savvy in its approach. Bulletproof Faith is filled with useful insights and proven spiritual practices that deflect attacks and enhance and strengthen faith by turning attacks into opportunities for spiritual growth.

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Product Description

This thoughtful, practical guide shows readers a way through the minefield of condemnation and persecution faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians and helps foster a faith that is bulletproof—impervious to attacks, yet loving and savvy in its approach. Bulletproof Faith is filled with useful insights and proven spiritual practices that deflect attacks and enhance and strengthen faith by turning attacks into opportunities for spiritual growth.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #334011 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780470279281
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
Chellew-Hodge, a former journalist, is a UCC pastor who runs the online magazine Whosoever.org. Her experiences as a gay Christian searching for how to live with integrity while contending with sometimes hateful opposition inform this book. The spiritual survival tips that conclude each chapter serve not only as summaries but also as direct points of advice for GLBT persons coping with inevitable conflict. She also includes brief meditation exercises. Chellew-Hodge offers a realistic voice of experience filled with compassion and love—not just for her intended audience but also for their attackers. Although some may find her impulse to forgive premature, Chellew-Hodge does not naïvely excuse much less accept the abusive language and behavior of antigay Christians. This is not a book explaining relevant Bible passages and their interpretations, though Chellew-Hodge advocates biblical literacy beyond literalism. Instead, it is a confident, sensible approach to handling the opposition and self-doubt that can undermine a GLBT person's sense of worth and belonging as a Christian. (Oct.)
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Review
Chellew-Hodge, a former journalist, is a UCC pastor who runs the online magazine Whosoever.org. Her experiences as a gay Christian searching for how to live with integrity while contending with sometimes hateful opposition inform this book. The “spiritual survival tips” that conclude each chapter serve not only as summaries but also as direct points of advice for GLBT persons coping with inevitable conflict. She also includes brief meditation exercises. Chellew-Hodge offers a realistic voice of experience filled with compassion and love—not just for her intended audience but also for their attackers. Although some may find her impulse to forgive premature, Chellew-Hodge does not naïvely excuse much less accept the abusive language and behavior of antigay Christians. This is not a book explaining relevant Bible passages and their interpretations, though Chellew-Hodge advocates biblical literacy beyond literalism. Instead, it is a confident, sensible approach to handling the opposition and self-doubt that can undermine a GLBT person's sense of worth and belonging as a Christian. (Oct.) (Publishers Weekly, August 11, 2008)

Review
"Bulletproof Faith by minister Candace Chellew-Hodge helps readers reclaim the spiritual self…This book is not an argument against Christian conservative viewpoints, but instead a guide to being Christian and gay. It focuses on how to strengthen your inner life and self-esteem as one who is loved by God regardless of what others have to say on the subject." —The Phoenix (Nov 2008)

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Customer Reviews

A practical and insightful guide for all people of faith
When I purchased this book, I did so thinking that I would give it a perfunctory read and then pass it along to one of my GLBT friends. I soon found much of my own story in Chellew-Hodge's words. Bulletproof Faith is an invaluable resource, not just for gay and lesbian Christians, but any person of faith who has struggled to make peace with The Divine and the world around them. Be Bulletproof.

Tough, tender, spiritual, practical
Tough and tender, experienced and insightful, Bulletproof Faith is a manual LGBTQ people of faith will read to nourish their own faith while meeting the challenges of those so caught up in their own hurt and pain but using religion and religious arguments to stay stuck rather than face the real issues in their own lives. Rev. Chellew-Hodge walks believers through the steps that can prepare them to stop trying to win arguments with those who object to LGBTQ people and begin to experience every encounter as a chance to personally grow. (Winning isn't a virtue. We must sometimes "lose" to show that we really believe.) Though subtitled a "survival guide," I'd say it's really a guide to thriving in the midst of people who would rather see LGBTQ people anything but proud and healthy.

Life-changing
Prior to reading this book I was a discouraged gay Christian. As much as I wanted to believe God loved me, I always felt ashamed and guilty about being gay. When I saw this book I had to read to read it and I was not disappointed. I can honestly say this book has changed my life and I am forever grateful for it. I feel empowered, positive and renewed in my faith. Should be required reading for all gay (and straight) Christians!