Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As more and more evangelicals identify themselves as gay Christians and more evangelicals have deep and meaningful relationships with homosexuals in and out of the church, Wesley Hill’s Washed and Waiting comes as a welcome insight into Christian faithfulness in the midst of a homosexual identity.
Wesley Hill is exclusively attracted to men, and this book shares his struggles to reconcile his homosexual attraction to the gospel and life of the Church. He interacts with a wide range of great thinkers and writers as well as scripture as he describes his own wrestling with the loneliness and pain of living a celibate lifestyle. His choice to not act on his impulses and attractions is a powerful testimony to any Christian struggling with any sort of sin. Concluding with a hopeful and beautiful chapter about how sinners are made beautiful and cherished by God, regardless of how we feel about ourselves. We will hear those words “well done my good and faithful servant,” as we enter into perfect fellowship with God and his people. That was especially encouraging to me as a believer.
Some may quibble with his use of “gay Christian” and “homosexual Christian,” other reviews go into this in depth if you are interested, I didn’t find it distracting in the least. I think those who believe that homosexuality is entirely due to choice and nurture will find this very confusing, as Hill was raised by loving parents in good churches, but I hope they will persevere in reading this as there is a lot of great insight to gain.
This is a short and easy read, “reflections” rather than systematic theology or a ten step how-to guide. If you would like to understand the struggle of Christians with same sex attractions, I’d commend it to you highly. If you enjoy spiritual memoirs of any kind, I’d recommend it as well. I am looking forward to hearing more from Hill in the future, both on his spiritual journey and his study of the New Testament. (9/10)
Does he talk about/give an opinion on reparative therapy?
Nice review, Kristen! I am really enjoying the book, but reading it in pieces. Each section is making me think deeply about various areas of my own life and where my own sin struggles lie. I think he’s done a super job with this.
Rick, he mentions that some people are able to have decisive healing from their homosexual desires, but not everyone will, he is writing for those who continue to wrestle with them.
Personally, I think it can be useful as therapy when homosexuality is shaped by experiences e.g. neglect from a parent, finding more in common with the gay community and making a choice to be a part of it. In the case of someone like Wesley Hill who has always been attracted to men, never to women and was raised in the church by loving parents, I am not sure it’s healthy / fruitful.