2 Comments

1. 

   Rollan McCleary on at

   I don’t doubt that James Martin has written an important book and I dare say he’s busy like many of us. But….when I first heard of this book through this site I did email Martin and propose that the ultimate, vital question which probably alone in the long run can hope to settle prejudice is to come to some understanding on this whole issue of whether Jesus himself was in some sense and degree gay. Even some churchmen like Bishop Hugh Montefiore and Canon Paul Oestreicher have suggested we consider a gay Jesus. I told Martin I had explored this issue and am the only person with something approaching real proof in the matter and not only theologically. No reply, no acknowledgement.

   Well, there may be good reasons in this case but it just happens to be the same old story, after years. From American gay/queer Christians and their advocates, silence, silence, silence, not so much as a polite reply. (I am not of course expecting everyone should instantly agree with or appreciate me, merely be aware of some important facts worth discussing). I am justly sick of it and it’s why, although I am writing this on this occasion in fact I rarely do write nowadays about these matters having given up even years ago. Not a world first doctorate in gay spiritualities and this being published draws any response or respect (though anthropologist Will Roscoe did write me over a year ago he felt I was saying important things). Something is profoundly wrong. A rude indifference, lack of good manners, resentment, jealousy, possibly a kind of quasi racism or suspicion for those outside America. I wouldn’t begin to know and have learned largely not to care. But I can only say, this book you are promoting looks good. But the heart, mind, spirit and just good manners of its author? I don’t know. I suppose what I am saying is on something like the biblical basis of “by their fruits”, we probably need to examine authors and spokespersons for gay/queer issues more. They may not be as they seem, they may not merit our support.

   Reply
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     Kittredge Cherry on at

     Rollan, thanks for sharing your own direct experience of what happened when you tried to contact James Martin. I did not even try to contact him (or the other author this month, Clay Cane). Just because I announce books here doesn’t mean that I am endorsing authors on a personal level. I do believe that these particular books are worth knowing about.

     As you know, I agree with you that the concept of a gay Jesus is vitally important.