UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality

"Thousands of sincere Evangelical Christians feel a deep tension between their head and their heart. In their heads, they understand the Bible (and God) as the uncompromising enemy of LGBT people. In their hearts, if they have friends and family members who are LGBT, they find it hard to condemn or exclude them. Some people tell them to choose their heart over their head; others say the reverse. Colby Martin's highly readable and deeply engaging new book, UnClobber , offers a third option: a different way of aligning head and heart through a fresh look at Scripture. Written with a theologian's intelligence and a pastor's sensitivity, this book is the resource thousands have been waiting for."--Brian D. McLaren, author/activist (brianmclaren.net) "Colby takes a compassionate and scholarly look at the scriptures on same-sex relationships that so many Christians have camped on, and provides an accessible new framework that extends affirmation and inclusion to the LGBTQ community. UnClobber combines thoughtful-theological-study with a compelling-pastoral-memoir to create a powerful progressive Christian manifesto. This is a call for all Christians to love better and without condition."--Kristen Howerton, Founder of Rage Against the Minivan "A poignant and moving memoir of a pastor who lost a job to find grace-filled community, and a deep and incisive survey of the 'clobber passages' of the Bible, Colby Martin's UnClobber is a compelling and profound journey that draws both heart and mind deeper into the kingdom of God."—Richard Beck, author, blogger, and professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University "Funny, smart, and brilliantly paced, Colby has written that book. The one you give your friend--the friend who knows that inclusion is the only path forward yet keeps getting told, 'but the Bible says…' In his fresh and accessible way, Colby shows what the Bible actually says--clearing up all sorts of confusion along the way."--Rob Bell, New York Times bestselling author of Love Wins "If you've ever wondered what the Bible really says about homosexuality, you need to read this book. Colby doesn't go around the 'clobber' passages, but faces them head on. He shows us that he's not only a thoughtful theologian, but also perfectly displays the beauty of his humanness by sharing vulnerably about his own story in the only way he knows how; with honesty, humor and grace. A profoundly important book!"—Candice Czubernat, founder of The Christian Closet/Writer/Speaker/Therapist "I'm quite sure in the coming years people will say, ' UnClobber is the book I always wanted to write,' because it connects so deeply with their own experience. I really want to say that myself, but I know the deeper reality; UnClobber is the book I wish I could have written. This is a unique book, written by a special author. Colby's insight, winsome spirit, and passion have come together to create a book that I not only love, but am proud to share with those whom I love. UnClobber is a great gift for all who are seeking deeper understanding, faith, and compassion. And Colby Martin is a gift to all who are finding their way through the complex understandings of faith, Christianity, sexuality and understanding the Bible in our day."--Doug Pagitt, Pastor, Author, and Goodness Conspirator Maybe you're curious about what the Bible says (and doesn't say) about homosexuality? Maybe you're wondering why the Christian Church has historically discriminated against LGBTQ people? Or maybe your head and your heart can't seem to figure out how to feel and what to believe about sexuality and faith...I don't know what brought you here, but I'm glad you came.Because I believe this book has the power to set you free from toxic theology.It can open up a pathway to integrate your sexuality with your religious convictions.And it can dismantle any blocks you might have regarding loving and accepting your LGBTQ loved ones (or yourself!).I'm honored to share a bit of my story with you in these pages, but even better than that is the gift of revealing how Christians have misused the Bible when it comes to same-sex relationships.As I say whenever I sign books, "Always trust Love, it never fails."-Colby Colby Martin is Co-pastor of Sojourn Grace Collective, a progressive Christian church in San Diego. Author of two books (UnClobber, and The Shift), he also offers further resources at unclobber.com and colbymartionline.com. He also co-hosts a podcast with his wife, The Kate & Colby Show. Read more