Dad of Divas' Reviews: Book Review - God’s Affection for Those Who Live Alternative Lifestyles

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Book Review - God’s Affection for Those Who Live Alternative Lifestyles

About the BookIn God’s Affection for Those Who Live Alternative Lifestyles (Pendium Publishing House), Demetrios Forney takes readers on a riveting six-chapter journey of compassion, comprehension, tolerance, and acceptance of all people who choose to live their lives as homosexuals, bisexuals, lesbians and transgenders. It is his goal to bring about awareness of showing unconditional love and compassion for those who live their lives this way.
Forney’s book is packed with famous quotations from historical figures, articulated reenactments of historic and modernized events, as well as vast biblical insights—and his goal is to truly change the mindset of readers so that all will appreciate God’s Affection for Those Who Live Alternative Lifestyles!
People who live these lifestyles face discrimination daily. Things that heterosexuals take for granted are often major issues for those living ‘differently.’  When it comes to travel, for instance, they need to ensure that their destination is not biased against them; resulting in their having to choose vacation spots that are known to be frequented by homosexuals, lesbians and others.  To choose the wrong destination could cost them their lives—as demonstrated by the lack of compassion and understanding exhibited by many Middle Eastern countries where homosexuality is grounds for death by usually barbaric methods. Thankfully, most countries have changed in their attitudes but there is still a long way to go for these people to be accepted as ‘normal.’
For some religions, they believe that God is a forgiving and loving God and that He does not judge (as mortal men often do)—therefore He is accepting of all His children. Forney’s goal is to educate more people and bring awareness to this lifestyle in hopes that others will become more accepting.

About the Author
Demetrios Forney was born in Brooklyn, NY and was raised in the Bronx. He is an ordained Elder in the Christian faith, holding an MBA degree in Organizational Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Studies, and is presently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Pastoral Community Counseling at Argosy University in Florida. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who lives with his wife in Raleigh, NC.

My Take on the BookI tend to be wary about politically charged books, as I never know how I will feel when I will read them. In this book, I was a bit concerns, as I have many friends who are in the LGBTQ community and who are in loving, committed relationships. So what I started reading some of the PR on this book, I was a bit concerned to how I would feel when I would actually read the book itself.

I received the book recently and spent a bit of time going through a number of the chapters and from what I have read thus far, I see this book as trying to open the eyes of those who may not be accepting of the LGBTQ community. The author does a good job at being methodical and laying out his arguments for acceptance and understanding and leaving behind bigotry and discrimination. 

This is a powerful point within the book, as he does hit home hard the idea that as Christians we are called to be compassionate, tolerant and accepting of all people. One thing that some will take offense with is some of the language on the back cover (and spattered within the book) that being a part of the LGBTQ community is a choice. For most of the members of the LGBTQ community that I know and that I am friends with, it is not a choice, but instead, it is who they are.

Overall though, just because some of the words may lead some to not read the book, the content within is interesting and thought provoking and if you are at all struggling with these issues, you may find solace and refuge in the pages of this book.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 
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1 comment:

Unknown said...

DoD,

I very much appreciate this review! My intent was indeed to provoke thoughts and engender change in the minds of those who view those of the LGBTQ community as threats. I pray that people use this book to help families and their loved ones rejoin one another. Thanks again, and God Bless!

Demetrios