Choosing Love

Choosing Love offers thick description based on participant-observation of the inner worlds of LGBTQ+ Christians from conservative backgrounds. It probes the psychological-spiritual dynamics that are created at this so-often-so-painful intersection, describes individuals and organizations working to bring constructive change, and in the end modestly but clearly charts at least key hallmarks of a constructive path forward. I know this subculture pretty well, and I can say confidently that this research rings true and matters deeply. * David P. Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics, Mercer University and author of Changing Our Mind *As a Same Gender Loving Woman I know this journey personally. The beautiful truth-telling, trust giving, cautious, yet generous expressions of Love and Authenticity contained in this book embody the possibility and perhaps the probability of the realm of God on earth as it is in Heaven! Relationship, Humility, and Justice: Amen! * Yvette A. Flunder, Bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, and Senior Pastor of the City of Refuge UCC *Moon and Tobin’s accessible chronicling of LGBTQ inclusion work within conservative Christian contexts is a compelling, incisive read that commends itself to those in and outside of these spaces-and to any person of conscience working for positive change in our world. With tender fierceness, the authors explore the radical, political dimensions of love, sustainably building an antiracist society, and the meaning of ‘repentance’ in the original sense of the word (changing one’s mind about everything). They credibly build on the contributions of generations of radical thinkers to advance new understandings and synthesize emerging fieldwork and scholarship on religion, trauma, identity, power, and healing. This book is what the authors might call a ‘steadfastly humanizing’ resource, and I am confident it will prove an invaluable conversation partner to many * Rev. Kenji Kuramitsu, LCSW, CGP *Choosing Love digs deep into the wrenching decision forced upon queer and trans Christians in conservative, non-affirming churches: stay in the community that has been home to them, or leave in order to live fully as themselves. With particular attention to the experiences of queer and trans people of color, Moon and Tobin argue provocatively that those who have navigated this journey have gleaned crucial insight about holding space that others consider so contradictory as to be impossible. Choosing Love pushes into new territory in making the case that LGBTQ people have much to teach all of us about Christian faith, offering surprising lessons to Queer Christians and our allies across the theological spectrum as we grapple with the impact of conservative Christianity on our world. * Rev. Elizabeth M. Edman, Author of Queer Virtue: What LGBTQ People Know About Live and Love and How It Can Revitalize Christianity *

Dawne Moon is a qualitative sociologist who has studied religion, gender, sexuality, and people’s struggles to define “who we are” for thirty years. The author of God, Sex, and Politics: Homosexuality and Everyday Theologies, she is Professor in Social and Cultural Sciences and Co-Director of Gender & Sexualities Studies at Marquette University.

Theresa W. Tobin is a philosopher who researches ethical questions around gender, sexuality and religion, emotions, and spiritual violence. She is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Marquette University where she also directs the Education Preparedness Program, which creates pathways to higher education for people directly impacted by incarceration.