http://time.com/2842044/gay-christians/
There’s also this (short) video, which gives an overview.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmp6lLct-fQ
One of the tag-lines for the “God and the Gay Christian” movement is, ” What the Bible actually says — and doesn't say — about same-sex relationships is very good news.” I guess I’d prefer to stick with the Gospel being the Good News.
Christopher Yuan, who has also struggled with this issue and who has done his research into this exact topic has written this review of the book for Christian Post.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelicals-review-matthew-vines-god-and-the-gay-christian-book-118386/
I’ve put a couple quotes from the review here.
For Vines, ‘sexuality is a core part of who we are.’ This perspective makes his experiences (feelings, attractions, desires, orientation) essential to his identity. Our society may place a great emphasis upon a sexual identity, but Scripture does not. As a matter of fact, our identity should not be placed in anything (such as our sexuality, gender, or race) other than Jesus Christ.Christopher Yuan ends by saying,
Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but was accused of being a friend of sinners. Too often, we are more like the older, self-righteous brother of the prodigal son, and our hearts are hardened toward the lost. This is truth at the expense of grace. But the approach that Vines suggests—grace at the expense of truth—also misses the mark. It overlooks the theology of suffering and gives us Christ without the Cross. Jesus, who personifies love, came full of grace and full of truth (John 1:14). Might this be how we live as well.We do need to deal with this topic in a loving manner. Many gays have been hurt by Christianity’s aggressive tactics or uneducated blunders (this is part of Vine’s point). He says the book is, “for Christians who feel like they can’t support LGBT people and stay true to the Bible.” I think, if we stay true to the Bible, then we WILL be supporting these people. However, supporting someone does not equal supporting their beliefs. We need to express both Truth and Grace to those who have gone astray.
There has been much response to Matthew Vine’s book. Many would like to believe it, because it is comforting and/or culturally relevant. Many Biblical scholars have responded to Vine’s arguments. Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr., the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary wrote (with 4 other seminary faculty members) a longer response, which you can find here:
http://126df895942e26f6b8a0-6b5d65e17b10129dda21364daca4e1f0.r8.cf1.rackcdn.com/GGC-Book.pdf
Andrew Walker the director of Policy Studies for the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission also wrote on the topic. He said,
If I was to condense the substance of Vines' book, here's what is happening: Vines has compiled liberal biblical scholarship and popularized it for a non-technical audience," Walker sums. "Let me be clear: Vines is not advancing new arguments. In fact, his work draws largely from existing gay-affirming scholarship. Vines is making liberal scholarship accessible for common audiences and then compounding its effect by bringing in the emotionally laden context of our times.Here is Walker’s full response:
http://www.canonandculture.com/reformation-or-revolution-a-review-of-god-and-the-gay-christian/#conclusion
Walker ends his address with 5 things he would like to express to Vines:
It is likely that Matthew Vines will read this review. As I wrote it, I thought to myself, what would I tell Matthew if we were to sit down over coffee and discuss his book?
First, I would tell him that I love him, and that he’s deserving of dignity and respect as an image bearer of God. I would apologize to him for what I can only assume are the countless insensitivities and insults he’s experienced as a same-sex attracted person. I would also apologize to Matthew for the pat, unhelpful answers and rejection he’s received from Christians who don’t know how to speak about homosexuality.
Secondly, I would give him a copy of Wesley Hill’s book. I would point him toward the testimony and work of my friend Sam Allberry’s book and heroic ministry, ‘Living Out.’ I would tell him of Rosaria Butterfield, whose testimony is a witness to the power of the gospel. I would be honest and tell him that these ministries provide more hopeful, and holistic narratives.
Third, because I love and respect him, I would be compelled to tell him that he’s deceived. He’s believed the lie that homosexuality will prosper his life.
Fourth, I would implore Matthew to repent of a book designed to cast a shadow of suspicion and doubt about the Scripture’s teaching on sexuality.
Fifth, I would exhort him to a path of discipleship with incalculable unknowns—unknown difficulties I will not experience and can only sympathize with. But I will commend him to set his desires before the cross, knowing that Jesus is better than any desire we think needs satisfied; that Jesus is better than marriage, than children, than sexual fulfillment itself. I would tell him about costly obedience. I would tell him about radical self-abandonment, something I imperfectly attempt each day. I would tell him the story of the Rich Young Ruler, reprised for today, and reframed around the issue of sexuality. I would tell him that the gospel subverts the very points at which we say, ‘Yes, Lord, but…’
