A LIBRARIAN’S ORIENTATION
What this book explores
Sam Allberry gives a short, personal explanation of the conservative evangelical belief that Christian marriage is between a man and a woman and that same-sex relationships fall outside biblical teaching. Writing as a Christian who experiences same-sex attraction, he discusses celibacy, identity, church belonging, sacrifice, and common objections. The book has become an influential introduction to this non-affirming position.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Why it’s in the Library
It lets travelers encounter a widely used non-affirming view in its own pastoral language rather than only through opponents or institutional statements. That supports honest comparison and helps explain what shapes many churches; inclusion here is not endorsement.
Good starting place if…
You need to understand how a prominent same-sex-attracted evangelical Christian explains celibacy and traditional sexual ethics.
Know before you begin…
The book rejects same-sex marriage and relationships and may cause distress or reinforce harmful settings for LGBTQ+ readers. Allberry’s experience cannot show that celibacy is equally sustainable for others, and many Christians dispute his reading of Scripture and his account of harm. This is a consequential position, not neutral guidance or pastoral care.