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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing and relieving: Seek the love of Jesus Christ first!, Feb 11 2012
This review is from: Homosexuality and Following Jesus (Paperback)
I wanted to read this book to see a Catholic perspective towards the topic of homosexuality. What I found inside was very re-assuring, as someone who is committed to my faith, but also one who experiences homosexual attraction. Unlike most of the stuff out there, this book drew me out of "myself" and into a greater picture; not the picture of the world where I would seek meaning as "a homosexual person", but rather the picture of where I could find meaning in this world (and find love within my faith), as a child of God. I am a committed Catholic; meaning, I do trust and believe the wisdom of the Catholic Church, and I found this book to be a good reminder that at the end of the day, though sexuality is an important part of our humanness, it is not "the" central point of our existence. This book helped remind me of the core message for all Christians; that the central point of ALL Christian life should revolve around Christ (and therefore not sexuality). For that reason, even though this book is addressing homosexuality, there is a message contained within it that is for all Christians, and that message is this: "True joy comes through the full love and sacrifice for the Lord Jesus Christ". As a person who experiences homosexual attraction (same-sex attraction), I can attest to the truth of that statement, and so can many other faithful followers of Christ whom I know, who also experience homosexual attraction. After the anguish of "dealing with" the myth that I had to bind myself to the identity of being a "homosexual person" in order to find happiness, I have found the truth that I am not restricted to that option, and instead can choose to identify as "a human being (with homosexual attraction)", which is an identity that is anchored the fullness of who I am, while at the same time, not forcing a denial of the reality of my attractions. Because I am a human being, and not just a sexual attraction, this latter identity allows me to flourish and truly be at peace. However, it was only through remembering that I truly am a child of God, first and foremost, that I was able to disengage from any other imposed life-identity. If you are like me; if you too experience homosexual attraction, and are struggling how to reconcile following Jesus and or the Church, then this book will be a helpful guide. I hope that it may touch your life by reminding you that Jesus does indeed love us, for the fullness of who we are, which includes the existence of those attractions. As well, I hope that it reminds everyone that Jesus draws us to truth, which means that we should come to know and understand ourselves in the fullness, for that is the first step in truly loving ourselves which is what all of us need to do, with Christ as our guide, so that we can amplify his love to others in a more profound way. God Bless
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Good information, Mar 31 2012
This review is from: Homosexuality and Following Jesus (Paperback)
Flaman's book was quite informative and well researched. I found it a good read and with good solid information for those wanting to live a full Christian life.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helping me find the Love of the Lord, Feb 11 2012
By AgeOfReason - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Homosexuality and Following Jesus (Paperback)
I wanted to read this book to see a Catholic perspective towards the topic of homosexuality. What I found inside was very re-assuring, as someone who is committed to my faith, but also one who experiences homosexual attraction. Unlike most of the stuff out there, this book drew me out of "myself" and into a greater picture; not the picture of the world where I would seek meaning as "a homosexual person", but rather the picture of where I could find meaning in this world (and find love within my faith), as a child of God. I am a committed Catholic; meaning, I do trust and believe the wisdom of the Catholic Church, and I found this book to be a good reminder that at the end of the day, though sexuality is an important part of our humanness, it is not "the" central point of our existence. This book helped remind me of the core message for all Christians; that the central point of ALL Christian life should revolve around Christ (and therefore not sexuality). For that reason, even though this book is addressing homosexuality, there is a message contained within it that is for all Christians, and that message is this: "True joy comes through the full love and sacrifice for the Lord Jesus Christ". As a person who experiences homosexual attraction (same-sex attraction), I can attest to the truth of that statement, and so can many other faithful followers of Christ whom I know, who also experience homosexual attraction. After the anguish of "dealing with" the myth that I had to bind myself to the identity of being a "homosexual person" in order to find happiness, I have found the truth that I am not restricted to that option, and instead can choose to identify as "a human being (with homosexual attraction)", which is an identity that is anchored the fullness of who I am, while at the same time, not forcing a denial of the reality of my attractions. Because I am a human being, and not just a sexual attraction, this latter identity allows me to flourish and truly be at peace. However, it was only through remembering that I truly am a child of God, first and foremost, that I was able to disengage from any other imposed life-identity. If you are like me; if you too experience homosexual attraction, and are struggling how to reconcile following Jesus and or the Church, then this book will be a helpful guide. I hope that it may touch your life by reminding you that Jesus does indeed love us, for the fullness of who we are, which includes the existence of those attractions. As well, I hope that it reminds everyone that Jesus draws us to truth, which means that we should come to know and understand ourselves in the fullness, for that is the first step in truly loving ourselves which is what all of us need to do, with Christ as our guide, so that we can amplify his love to others in a more profound way.
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