Out of a Far Country
Out of a Far Country by Christopher and Angela Yuan is the story of a gay man's journey to God from his personal experience and the perspective of his mother. During the course of the story, both Angela and Christopher are saved, although his journey is much longer and more painful.
I had to remind myself while reading the story that it took place in the 90's which was the height of the HIV/AIDs scare and a time when gays and lesbians were often shunned by their families. Adding the strong, Chinese culture that the Yuans were from made everything even more intense and painful. Both Christopher and Angela write clearly and honestly.
I was hesitant to request this book because I still feel like homosexuality is such a hot topic these days. As a rule, I avoid those kinds of topics. But, I really wanted to read a story that spoke of redemption, against so many odds. Not only did Christopher live a very promiscuous lifestyle, he was also a drug addict and dealer.
I so appreciate that Christopher doesn't come out of this story "healed" and loving women, married, with children. In fact, I think I would have been more skeptical if he had. It just seems that I have heard that argument before, and there are so many far right Christians who want to "fix" all the gays and lesbians. Only God can, and only in His way. I love that he explains very clearly that God loves him just as he is, but that he has made the decision to be celibate and devote his life to his God and Father, just as Paul did. In the past I have struggled with knowing how to approach or explain God's view of homosexuality, especially because there are so many indications that people are born "that way".
Really, in the end, it's none of my business. My job, and the job of all Christians is to show God's love to everyone we meet, gay or straight. God will take care of the rest.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
I had to remind myself while reading the story that it took place in the 90's which was the height of the HIV/AIDs scare and a time when gays and lesbians were often shunned by their families. Adding the strong, Chinese culture that the Yuans were from made everything even more intense and painful. Both Christopher and Angela write clearly and honestly.
I was hesitant to request this book because I still feel like homosexuality is such a hot topic these days. As a rule, I avoid those kinds of topics. But, I really wanted to read a story that spoke of redemption, against so many odds. Not only did Christopher live a very promiscuous lifestyle, he was also a drug addict and dealer.
I so appreciate that Christopher doesn't come out of this story "healed" and loving women, married, with children. In fact, I think I would have been more skeptical if he had. It just seems that I have heard that argument before, and there are so many far right Christians who want to "fix" all the gays and lesbians. Only God can, and only in His way. I love that he explains very clearly that God loves him just as he is, but that he has made the decision to be celibate and devote his life to his God and Father, just as Paul did. In the past I have struggled with knowing how to approach or explain God's view of homosexuality, especially because there are so many indications that people are born "that way".
Really, in the end, it's none of my business. My job, and the job of all Christians is to show God's love to everyone we meet, gay or straight. God will take care of the rest.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
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