August 15 1994

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"Coming Out Of Homosexuality," by Bob Davies and Lori Rentzel (InterVarsity, 210 pp.; $9.99, paper). Reviewed by Stanton L. Jones, chair of the psychology department of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.

Homosexuality continues to be among the most divisive issues for this generation of faith. And accordingly, "Coming Out of Homosexuality" is certain to be vigorously attacked by those who feel that the church's traditional stance on homosexuality is outmoded or inhumane.

In many mainline churches, the battle in favor of homosexual ordination and marriage is being fought on the basis of the stories of those who find their gayness and lesbianism to be a manifestation of God's grace. This book will serve the church well by telling the stories of those who have successfully forsaken the homosexual lifestyle and pursued Christ into healing. This is not the first book to tell such stories, but Bob Davies, head of Exodus International, a leading outreach and support ministry to homosexuals, is in an ideal position to offer a broad vision of how God is working among Christians who struggle with homosexual inclination and behavior. His coauthor, Lori Rentzel, shares her own growth with equal grace and adds to the insight and utility of this book.

The reader of "Coming Out of Homosexuality" is presumed to be a person who is struggling with homosexual feelings and actions. This is not a "how-to" manual for would-be counselors; neither is it an apologetic defense written with pro-gay sympathizers in mind. Rather, the book offers inspiring testimonials, biblical exhortation, and even the conclusions of secular psychotherapeutic treatments of homosexuality to encourage the reader that change is possible.

Contrary to the prevailing wisdom ...