From Library Journal
Comstock (Gay Theology Without Apology, Pilgrim Pr., 1993) here combines recent studies of gay people in organized religion with his own research of gays and lesbians in the church. Making up for gaps in the studies he reviewed, he provides an overview of the religious life of the gay laity rather than the church's view on homosexuality. His research covers all religions, including alternative and Native American religions, with an emphasis on the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the United Church of Christ (UCC). To facilitate readability, interviews complement the empirical data. Some conclusions based on the data state that the UMC is more accepting of mature gay persons who are devoted to changing the UMC anti-gay policy, while the UCC is devoted to social issues and invites member participation in church leadership. Comstock's focus is the hope that all people can worship equally. A historical overview and chronology listing significant gay-related events is provided. For public and academic libraries.
Leo Kriz, West Des Moines Lib., Ia.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Kurzbeschreibung
Publishers' catalogues are full of books on the Church's view of homosexuality; Gary David Comstock here offers gay views of the church. Given the often hostile environment, he asks why gay people stay in religious institutions. Using social scientific methods, he summarizes 36 surveys of gay attitudes toward religious communities, including Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim and Native American traditions. He adds data from his survey of gay people in two mainline Protestant denominations.
