Bulletproof Faith

This thoughtful, practical guide shows readers a way through the minefield of condemnation and persecution faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians and helps foster a faith that is bulletproof—impervious to attacks, yet loving and savvy in its approach. Bulletproof Faith is filled with useful insights and proven spiritual practices that deflect attacks and enhance and strengthen faith by turning attacks into opportunities for spiritual growth. Acknowledgments.

Introduction: There Is Only One Side.

Chapter 1: Becoming Bulletproof.

Chapter 2: Losing Our Religion.

Spiritual Survival Exercise: Reclaiming Our Authentic Self.

Chapter 3: Learning to Love the Questions.

Chapter 4: Wisdom Before Weapons.

Spiritual Survival Exercise: Surrender Before Battle.

Chapter 5: Learning the Outward Moves.

Chapter 6: The Gift of the Enemy.

Spiritual Survival Exercise: Breathing into Our Pain.

Chapter 7: The Only Thing That Counts.

Chapter 8: You Know Your Faith Is Bulletproof When . . ..

Chapter 9: "No Weapon Shall Prosper".

Spiritual Survival Exercise: Is That Your Final Answer?

Notes.

Recommended Reading.

Online Resources.

About the Author.

Chellew-Hodge, a former journalist, is a UCC pastor who runs the online magazine Whosoever.org. Her experiences as a gay Christian searching for how to live with integrity while contending with sometimes hateful opposition inform this book. The “spiritual survival tips” that conclude each chapter serve not only as summaries but also as direct points of advice for GLBT persons coping with inevitable conflict. She also includes brief meditation exercises. Chellew-Hodge offers a realistic voice of experience filled with compassion and love—not just for her intended audience but also for their attackers. Although some may find her impulse to forgive premature, Chellew-Hodge does not naïvely excuse much less accept the abusive language and behavior of antigay Christians. This is not a book explaining relevant Bible passages and their interpretations, though Chellew-Hodge advocates biblical literacy beyond literalism. Instead, it is a confident, sensible approach to handling the opposition and self-doubt that can undermine a GLBT person's sense of worth and belonging as a Christian. (Oct.) (Publishers Weekly, August 11, 2008)

Candace Chellew-Hodge is a United Church of Christ minister and founder of the online magazine Whosoever for GLBT Christians. She is an award-winning former television and radio journalist as a news writer, reporter, and editor with CNN. For a free study guide and more resources for this book visit www.bulletproofbook.com.

This thoughtful, practical guide shows readers a way through the minefield of condemnation and persecution faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians and helps foster a faith that is bulletproof—impervious to attacks, yet loving and savvy in its approach. Bulletproof Faith is filled with useful insights and proven spiritual practices that deflect attacks and enhance and strengthen faith by turning attacks into opportunities for spiritual growth.

Praise for Bulletproof Faith

"Gay and lesbian Christians are constantly demoralized and told they are not children of God. In Bulletproof Faith, Chellew-Hodge reassures gays and lesbians that God loves them just as they were created and teaches them how to stand strong, with compassion and gentleness, against those who condemn them."
—Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

"It is an amazing truth that gay and lesbian Christians need to develop a bulletproof faith in order to survive the attack of other Christians. That, however, is the experience of many homosexual persons. Candace Chellew-Hodge has in this book committed herself to the task of making that survival a reality. I salute her and her work."
—John Shelby Spong, author, Jesus for the Non-Religious

"We know the Religious Right is wrong about same-sex relationships and it's time to move on. But how to withstand their relentless attacks and find lasting peace of soul? Candace Chellew-Hodge offers a practical guide. It met me right where I am. It will touch and help heal many others, too."
—Daniel A. Helminiak, professor of psychology, University of West Georgia, and author, What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

"Bulletproof Faith by minister Candace Chellew-Hodge helps readers reclaim the spiritual self…This book is not an argument against Christian conservative viewpoints, but instead a guide to being Christian and gay. It focuses on how to strengthen your inner life and self-esteem as one who is loved by God regardless of what others have to say on the subject." —The Phoenix (Nov 2008)