Related Reading
I purposefully waited to read these books until after I’d finished editing With Mercy’s Eyes, because I wanted the book to stand on its own, and I didn’t want to unintentionally copy someone else. Any similarities between the events in these books and With Mercy’s Eyes are unintentional.
I do not fully agree with every single detail of theology in any of these books, but I found them helpful and informative on the subjects of same-sex attraction (SSA) and homosexuality. They present a wide variety of life experience, including differing denominations, educational backgrounds, and geographic locations. But one thing is clear. All of these people found the light of Christ and followed it out of the slavery of sin and into the freedom of the Gospel.
Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been
Jackie Hill Perry
This book is one woman’s journey to Christ. As with all titles on this list, I don’t fully agree with everything in this book. But I found it to be a helpful and encouraging recounting of Jackie’s experiences and how God worked in her life. It was also a confirmation to me that the events of With Mercy’s Eyes were true-to-life, sometimes in ways I didn’t expect.
I recommend this book for Adult readers.
A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption
Becket Cook
This account of how God changed one man’s life and heart was a powerful one. It confirmed for me that With Mercy’s Eyes was accurate on several fronts, again, sometimes in ways I didn’t expect. This is a difficult subject for many Christians to navigate, and Becket gives readers a lot of helpful things to think about.
I recommend this book for Adult readers.
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: Expanded Edition
Rosaria Champagne Butterfield
This is the testimony of a college professor who was once adamantly in favor of gay and lesbian relationships. When she encountered Christians who didn’t respond to her with immediate and unconditional condemnation, but instead wanted a true discourse, she took them up on their offer. As she talked with them and studied the Bible, her beliefs shifted.
I recommend this book for New Adult and Adult readers.
Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God. A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope
Christopher and Angela Yuan
This account from both a son and mother shows both sides of the parent-child dynamic during times when a son or daughter chooses something fundamentally different from their parent(s). Chris recounts his life and experiences with homosexuality and SSA, how he found Christ and gave up his former life, and how he and his parents reconciled because of Christ.
I recommend this book for Adult readers.
Is God anti-gay? and other questions about homosexuality, the Bible and same-sex attraction
Sam Allberry
This book offers both personal testimony and practical insight. It also discusses the difference between someone who experiences SSA and someone who has chosen to make same-sex attraction their identity.
I recommend this book for New Adult and Adult readers.