By John D. Pierce
Nurturing Faith’s bestselling book, This I Know: A Simple Biblical Defense for LGBTQ Christians, has become a go-to resource for those willing to take a serious look at the biblical context for the highly-selective “clobber verses” used to condemn persons in same-sex relationships.
Author Jim Dant wrote the brief, honest and simple, but not simplistic, book at the request of LGBTQ Christians and their allies. The book grew out of Jim’s ministry experiences that culminated with the First Baptist Church of Greenville, S.C., taking an inclusive, non-discriminating position re: sexual orientation.
Greater attention to that decision arose when the church hosted a sanctuary-filled stop on a tour by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in October 2017. Artistic director Tim Seelig called the experience “a life-changing, healing moment” that led many choir members to engage in church upon returning home.
As one might imagine, Jim and the congregation received hostile, condemning responses (and still do!) from fellow Baptists, “Christian” radio talkers/listeners, and others. Yet they have also received affirmation and engagement from those seeking a Christian expression with such grace.
Oh, the stories Jim could tell! Well, he is telling them — even the ones he “can’t tell in church.”
During a recent sabbatical Jim performed his show, Stories I Can’t Tell in Church: My Life as a Straight White Male Baptist Minister Ally of the LGBTQ Community, at a venue in San Francisco.
It was well received. Returning to Greenville, he did two shows at the Peace Center there.
Next stop: Jim brings his humor and insights — often in response to the threats and condemnation he has received from other Christians — to Atlanta. Only 200 seats are available, so get the information and tickets soon.
The show begins at 8pm on Thursday, Jan. 17, at the 7 Stages Theatre at 1105 Euclid Ave. in Atlanta’s Little Five Points.
Nurturing Faith will have Jim’s books available before and after the show should you want personalized copies — and ones to share with those open to the possibility that churches often draw circles of exclusion wider than does the God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Come listen, laugh and learn.
Director of the Jesus Worldview Initiative at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and former executive editor and publisher at Good Faith Media.