“Christian Science: Its Encounter with Lesbian/Gay America (2nd Edition)” by Bruce Stores is now available for purchase
“For the first time in modern history, LGBT people in large numbers, would come to see themselves as equals to heterosexuals. From this idea, there would be no retreat. They would never return to believing that their sexual orientation was anything but right for them. Their religious awakening began in southern California while their political wakeup call came in New York City.”
– an excerpt from the book
AR Press is honored to publish “Christian Science: Its Encounter with Lesbian/Gay America (2nd Edition)” by Bruce Stores. The book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
Some might ask why a second edition is needed. The answer is that time changes many things. We see things differently, both as individuals and as a society. A second edition also provides space for events occurring after the publication of the first edition. The main reason for this new edition is that the wider public has undergone a radical change in its perceptions of LGBT people in the third millennium’s first two decades. The wildest expectations for lesbians and gays were exceeded. It is noteworthy that the Christian Science Church went along with those changes to some extent. At the same time, branch churches in the new millennium have been given more freedom as to their self-conduct, services, and other activities.
Author Bruce Stores has shed light on a hitherto unknown chapter in the annals of Christian science. Here is the story of lesbian and gay believers. Herein is their pursuit for respect and dignity in the Church of Christ, Scientist. The narrative traces stormy encounters from the days of near-total rejection up to the friendlier atmosphere in the 21st century. Some events in this real-life story are shameful, while others are praiseworthy.
This book discusses perseverance, hope, and especially healing. Anyone who values the triumph of right over wrong and truth over error will find this narrative both compelling and highly informative.
Despite the title, this book has little to do with religion per se. Its purpose is to chronicle a segment of the age-old conflict between freedom of conscience and ecclesiastical authoritarianism. The pursuit of freedom in one religious denomination is set against the backdrop of the wider LGBT movements for full equality, including civil rights and marriage.
This new edition includes four new chapters, nine new appendices, and an index. It has been revised and updated throughout.
“Christian Science: Its Encounter with Lesbian/Gay America (2nd Edition)” by Bruce Stores is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: https://authorreputationpress.com/bookstore/christian-science-its-encounter-with-lesbian-gay-america-2nd-edition/.