Official Review: Faithful to the Truth: how to be an orth...

[L_Therese]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Faithful to the Truth: how to be an orthodox gay Catholic" by Stephen C Lovatt.]

This book immediately attracted me because of the poignancy of the topic. The treatment and legal rights of homosexual persons are a matter of immediate, ongoing concern and have been subject to much debate. As a person raised in very conservative circles yet repelled by prevalent attitudes toward fellow human beings sometimes found therein, I was initially fascinated by such a direct address of an extremely difficult topic.

I was not disappointed. Mr. Lovatt seeks to replace the dominant conceptions that make up the framework of the Church’s objection to homosexuality. He supports his arguments thoroughly, referring often to church fathers, papal statements, and the Bible itself. What is more, Mr. Lovatt’s presentation is respectful, not accusatory or defensive. His mission, it seems, it to wipe the slate clear of assumptions and misconceptions and then to propose a new method of constructing and organizing thought on the subject.

Mr. Lovatt does not shy away from any point of the argument. He addresses theological ideas of the spiritual significance of marriage with the same frankness, thoroughness, and delicacy with which he exposes the impact of terms used to express sexuality (historically and contemporaneously) on how people think of and respond to sexuality in general and homosexuality more specifically.

The potential impact of this book is surely admirable. For people who define themselves as homosexual (or those who struggle to define their sexuality in the first place), this book may give relief from guilt imposed by the strictures of certain religious or moral systems. For those who define themselves as heterosexual, this book helps clarify the struggle of those others who have been largely marginalized and/or persecuted by society. It may provide an avenue to realize the fullness of such struggles. For all persons, this book offers a new mode of thought - one that is inclusive, asserting that one’s sexuality does not challenge the fundamentals of society, such as marriage and the family, and destroying the idea that society needs protection from the same.

In short, I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. It is unquestionably scholarly, compassionate, and respectful. Mr. Lovatt has challenged a powerful establishment, but he has done so in keeping with its most basic tenants, most notably to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:36-40).

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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