Overview

Father Thomas Hopko draws on the wisdom of the Orthodox Christian Church and the Holy Scriptures to help us understand same-sex attraction, with both compassion and clarity. Combining theological and pastoral insights, this small gem will aid pastors, those who experience same-sex desires, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the nature of our identity and our sexuality. This book is in reality a primer on how to overcome the passions through the traditional Christian ascetic struggle, which of course applies to everyone. This 2015 edition has a redesigned cover, as well as the addition of a new foreword and a few other minor changes throughout the text.

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9781936270200

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Already in the mid-1980s, Fr. Hopko identified human sexuality as the most significant theological concern of our generation. Here he treats the difficult and delicate subject of same-sex attraction in an exceptionally well-balanced way. Both the text and the ample footnotes combine theological and pastoral insight to produce a virtual summa of Orthodox anthropology. The result is a work that offers clear and compassionate direction to those who experience same-sex at- traction and to those who seek to minister to them. This study deserves the wid- est possible readership: by pastors and medical professionals, as well as by those who experience same-sex feelings and desires. --V. Rev. John Breck, Professor, St. Sergius Theological Institute, Paris, France Father Hopko deftly handles the thorny questions about same-sex attraction. He has 20 years of experience in counseling those with homosexual tendencies and has written a book on how to overcome this particular passion with both grace and clarity. The result is a much-needed book which dispels the fog and provides guiding light. It helps us ponder our position, and provides a model for facing it candidly, while keeping our gaze on Jesus Christ. It is without reservation that I recommend this book to all. --Dr. Albert S. Rossi, Adjunct Professor at St. Vladimir's Seminary; Retired Professor, Pace University Although I profoundly disagree with the stance taken towards homosexuality in this book I found it a delight to read. It is a careful, compassionate and comprehensive discussion of contemporary same-sex attraction from the perspective of the Orthodox tradition. It is informed by gay and lesbian theology and other alternative perspectives. I would recommend it to all who study or who are personally involved in the issues around same-sex relationships in the Christian tradition, perhaps particuarly to those not part of the Orthodox tradition, for the rich theology of that tradition frames the debate in very different terms to those of other denominations. This book holds out the possibility of a debate which need not fracture the Church nor create alarming levels of animosity between Christians. For this reason alone, it is worth reading and engaging with. --Professor Elizabeth Stuart, Professor of Christian Theology, The University of Winchester

"""Already in the mid-1980s, Fr. Hopko identified human sexuality as the most significant theological concern of our generation. Here he treats the difficult and delicate subject of same-sex attraction in an exceptionally well-balanced way. Both the text and the ample footnotes combine theological and pastoral insight to produce a virtual summa of Orthodox anthropology. The result is a work that offers clear and compassionate direction to those who experience same-sex at- traction and to those who seek to minister to them. This study deserves the wid- est possible readership: by pastors and medical professionals, as well as by those who experience same-sex feelings and desires."" --V. Rev. John Breck, Professor, St. Sergius Theological Institute, Paris, France ""Father Hopko deftly handles the thorny questions about same-sex attraction. He has 20 years of experience in counseling those with homosexual tendencies and has written a book on how to overcome this particular passion with both grace and clarity. The result is a much-needed book which dispels the fog and provides guiding light. It helps us ponder our position, and provides a model for facing it candidly, while keeping our gaze on Jesus Christ. It is without reservation that I recommend this book to all."" --Dr. Albert S. Rossi, Adjunct Professor at St. Vladimir's Seminary; Retired Professor, Pace University ""Although I profoundly disagree with the stance taken towards homosexuality in this book I found it a delight to read. It is a careful, compassionate and comprehensive discussion of contemporary same-sex attraction from the perspective of the Orthodox tradition. It is informed by gay and lesbian theology and other alternative perspectives. I would recommend it to all who study or who are personally involved in the issues around same-sex relationships in the Christian tradition, perhaps particuarly to those not part of the Orthodox tradition, for the rich theology of that tradition frames the debate in very different terms to those of other denominations. This book holds out the possibility of a debate which need not fracture the Church nor create alarming levels of animosity between Christians. For this reason alone, it is worth reading and engaging with."" --Professor Elizabeth Stuart, Professor of Christian Theology, The University of Winchester"

Author Information

Thomas Hopko was Dean Emeritus of St Vladimir's Seminary and a professor of dogmatic theology. He authored numerous works on all aspects of the Orthodox Church's faith and practice. His writings have been translated into 15 languages. He has also produced countless CDs and audiocassettes and was a regular podcaster with Ancient Faith Radio. He reposed on March 18, 2015.

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