My Endorsement of Clearly Love: A God-Send of a Book

Not long ago I lamented that churches seemed to be quietly escalating gender and sexuality to a credal matter, breaking fellowship and prompting exiles before the conversation in and between churches could fully play out. Decisions do have to be made, but too often people take one position or another and then preempt further conversation rather than making space to seek truth in love together under the lordship of Christ. With such a complex issue it is easy to misrepresent the other for the sake of brevity, or to bog down in argumentation for the sake of victory, but this book breaks those trends.

It is uncommon for a book to be at the same time generous, precise, and accessible -- but Clearly Love is all of that and more. With this lucid and engaging book, Harris frames the sexuality question personally, explains the biblical arguments fairly, illuminates the theology insightfully, and models the debate pastorally. The result is something that many people crave at both the core and the margins of the church: a safe place to consider both sides of the issue with grace and clarity. Because the book is compelling without being alienating, both non-affirming and affirming Christians should feel seen within its pages, even as they disagree. For this reason it is a gift to church unity as well as to understanding. 

Despite having read many popular and academic books on this topic, as I read Clearly Love it rose slowly to the top of both sides of my recommendation list. Seminary profs could assign it to prospective pastors, small groups could read it aloud for discussion, and individuals could look to it like a light in the fog. I am immensely grateful that God led Harris to write this book: not only is it vibrantly illuminating, it is of vital importance for Christians and churches today. 

The book is available now on lulu. I'm told it will be available elsewhere soon as well.