Stumbling Toward a Genuine Conversation on Homosexuality [Living Issues Discussion Series, Vol. 4]

“The beauty of this volume is that all of my doubts, questions, and struggles are found within its pages. . . .” —Kevin Moore, reviewing in Mennonite Brethren Herald at http://mbherald.com/stumbling-toward-a-genunine-conversation-on-homosexuality/

Summary: Can excommunicated Mennonites or pastors under discipline, denominational leaders, and persons holding widely varying perspectives actually have a genuine conversation on homosexuality rather than battle each other? This book records what happens when the quest is not for victory but for writers who (1) convey persuasively and movingly their own viewpoints to make them available as a treasure others can learn from; and (2) learn from the treasures of viewpoints other than their own.

How to view same-sex relationships is one of the more contentious issues communities of faith as well as entire religions and cultures are facing in our day. This book is shaped by the dream of a time when out of a swirl of diverse yet treasured perspectives might come if not a choir at least improvisational jazz. What if those who care deeply about homosexuality played not only against but also with each other even while they highlighted trumpet, piano, or clarinet in their solo moments? That is what this volume asks.

Stumbling Toward a Genuine Conversation on Homosexuality began as the Winter 2006 special issue of DreamSeeker Magazine, which is now reprinted as Part One and makes up roughly one-third of the book. Part Two, encompassing two-thirds of the book, is entirely new materials interacting with Part One as well as blazing new trails. To learn more, download a free sample from www.CascadiaPublishingHouse.com/stg/stg.htm. Chapters range from theological or biblical studies through heartfelt personal stories.

Authors include (in order of appearance) Loren L. Johns, Everett J. Thomas, Weldon D. Nisly, C. Norman Kraus, John D. Roth, Mary H. Schertz, Ruth S. Weaver, Paul M. Lederach, Marlin Jeschke, Gerald J. Mast, Forrest L. Moyer, Harold N. Miller, David A. Shank, Michael A. Schaadt, John Linscheid, Lin Garber, Mark Thiessen Nation, Bruce Hiebert, Alicia Yoder, Joyce Lind, Luke L Miller, Sarah MacDonald, Nancy Kerr, Ted Grimsrud, Willard M. Swartley, Phil Kniss, Marcia Benner Pusey, Sheldon Burkhalter.

Comment: "God, we ask you to help us listen to and hear each other in the church in ways that honor you and honor each other. Thank you for my brothers and sisters in this book who have shared their perspectives. May they truly be instruments for your love and grace among us. Amen." —J. Ron Byler, Executive Associate Director, Mennonite Church USA

"Stumbling . . . is a compelling read. . . . A colleague of mine commented that perhaps it is coming a decade or more too late. Maybe he’s right, but I’m not sure we were ready for it then. Hopefully we are now." —Carolyn Schrock-Shenk, Associate Professor of Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies, Goshen College, in the Foreword

"I am . . . able to bring my sexuality . . .in front of the Father and ask, 'What does this all mean? And what does it mean regarding who I am?' I can feel his arms of love enfold me and hear him say, 'It doesn’t really matter . . . I love you.'" —Marcia Benner Pusey, in her chapter

"For some of us, attempts to change can lead to hell, separating us from God. For others, change can bring a deeper relationship with God." —John Linscheid, in a chapter of responses

Editor Michael A. King, Telford, Pennsylvania, has been dean, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and Vice President, Eastern Mennonite University, since July 1, 2010. He has long been an editor and publisher, first through Herald Press (Scottdale, PA, 1989-1997) and then more recently as owner and publisher, Cascadia Publishing House LLC (Telford, PA, 1997-). He has been pastor in diverse congregational settings, ranging from Germantown Mennonite Church (Philadelphia, PA, 1982-1989), Spring Mount (PA) Mennonite Church (1997-2008), and more.

As author and publisher, King addresses theology and culture, including implications of postmodernity and the "emerging church" movement. King is co-editor of Mutual Treasure: Seeking Better Ways for Christians and Culture to Converse (Cascadia, 2009), editor of Stumbling Toward a Genuine Conversation on Homosexuality (Cascadia, 2007), and co-editor of Anabaptist Preaching: A Conversation Between Pulpit, Pew, and Bible (Cascadia, 2004).

King is author of Trackless Wastes and Stars to Steer By: Christian Identity in a Homeless Age (Herald, 1990, which emergent leader Brian McLaren has said began to address emergent issues 10 years before McLaren), Fractured Dance: Gadamer and Mennonite Conversation On Homosexuality, C. Henry Smith series, vol. 3 (Pandora U.S., 2001), many articles in a wide variety of magazines and journals, including Christian Century. He is co-author (with Ron Sider), of Preaching about Life in a Threatening World (Westminster, 1997).