This is a review of the video course “LBGT & The Church”, produced by the US-based Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender. The organisation is led by Preston Sprinkle and he sets the tone, getting away from the ivory tower to hear the stories of gay people.

“Swipe Up” invites us to hear God’s better story, how He offers a superior satisfaction and has a justifiably prior claim upon us. Jason honestly, humbly and personally tells that story through his own journey so that we, to use Ed Shaw’s words, “gaze upon God’s reality and His better love stories”.

In this book, Becket Cook tells the reader what it was like to be immersed in the gay lifestyle on the US West Coast, and how the world looks from that perspective: “I wanted everyone to be free to be who they were with wild abandon and without shame, completely comfortable in their own skin.”

In “7 Myths about Singleness”, Sam Allberry turns the tables on a subject that has been taboo for too long. Reading this book, I felt empowered knowing I am not alone. Jesus has already walked the path I have. I was reminded that the gospel is good news for everyone, whether you are single or married.

Jackie Hill Perry’s background as a poet and rapper is clearly reflected in the pages of her book "Gay Girl, Good God", with her poetic and striking use of language to portray both her joy in God and the struggles and sorrow that she has experienced.

Written by American mental-health counsellor and ordained minister Jay Stringer. The book explores the processes of how we begin to “understand our lust”, seeing our present-day sexual fantasies and behaviours as road maps that can help us to understand our unresolved experiences from the past.

David Bennett was attracted to other boys from the age of 14, and so had issues with Christianity because he felt if he was to become a Christian he couldn’t act on his romantic inclinations. He became a gay activist in Australia in support of gay marriage. But, “Jesus did not stay tidily out of [his] life.”

Preston Sprinkle (don’t you just love that name!?), is an author, teacher, and speaker with a PhD in New Testament. He’s written a gem of a book called ‘People to be Loved.’ It’s a book that takes seriously the challenge of revisionist teaching, but throughout it radiates a pastoral warmth.

In his introduction, Paul Mallard shares with us some of the weighty family situations and disappointments his family have faced. His aim is to take us on a journey through the “Land of Disappointment” and onwards to a place of forgiveness, restoration and hope in Christ.