This is the first in a series of columns based on the just-released book, “What Every Christian Should Know About Same-sex Attraction.”

Order the book in print or Kindle format.

In May 2015 Ireland became the first country to legalize gay marriage by popular vote after a referendum found that 62 percent of voters favor changing the constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.

As of today, 19 other nations have approved same-sex marriage, most recently the U.S.

Response to the Irish vote varied from euphoria (“It’s our Berlin Wall!”) to despair (a “defeat for humanity”).

The church is divided on the issue, with some denominations sanctioning gay marriage, others blessing same-sex unions, and still others remaining staunchly opposed to any sexual conduct outside the confines of lifelong, monogamous, heterosexual marriage.
Continue reading →