In "Gay Theology Without Apology," Gary David Comstock has made an outstanding contribution to the growing body of "gay-friendly" Christian literature. An ordained minister of the United Church of Christ and a university professor, Comstock brings both sensitivity and intelligence to his subject. Ultimately, his is a forward-thinking and inclusive Christian theology which affirms that gay love and sexuality are not only compatible with the Christian walk, but that the Christian community as a whole is impoverished by the exclusion of self-affirming lesbians and gay men.

Comstock incorporates both revealing autobiographical passages and incisive scholarly work into his explorations of several biblical texts. He also has an admirable sense of humility; in his introduction he notes that he does not claim to have constructed a definitive pro-gay Christian theology. Rather, he writes, "My intention is not to speak for others, but to add my voice to others' and to encourage others to speak."

Comstock's readings of biblical passages are fascinating. I particularly liked his bold re-reading of the book of Leviticus; unlike some who selectively harp on a scattered handful of verses, Comstock looks at the entire book in larger political, historical, and cultural contexts. Also remarkable is his analysis of the book of Esther: he sees in the character of Queen Vashti a "role model for lesbians and gay men."

In his explorations of the Bible, Comstock incorporates quotes and ideas from many sources: poet Gary Snyder, literary scholar Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, African-American writer Audre Lorde, and more. Although he is open to other voices, his own vision is strong and compelling. He is particularly adept at taking cliches and assumptions and turning them upside down.

Gary David Comstock is a gay Christian whose work is relevant to all moral people, regardless of their own sexual identity or religious orientation. Regarding the Bible, Comstock writes, "I have begun to engage it as I would a friend" (Chapter 1). Engage Comstock's own book as you would a friend, and you might come away with an experience that is both intellectually and spiritually rewarding.

Gary Comstock was the first openly gay man to be appointed as a chaplain at a major US university (Wesleyan Univ., in Connecticut). Although Comstock's background is in academia rather than churchwork, this book is hardly "academic" in the derogative sense. It is deeply personal and moving, yet managaing to be relevant to the average reader. For anyone who has questioned their faith because of the prejudice and intolerance in Christianity, I would recommend this book. It makes no apology for the intolerance of the Bible, but somehow managed to be all the more spiritually comforting. Anyone, queer or straight, will find guidance here.

Gary's book is valuable in its simplicity and eloquence. The essays, empty of jargon but rich in personal narrative, evince a deep love for humanity and a genuine exploration of what a queer-positive spiritual practice might mean. I wish I could get my mother to read it.Gary taught me at Wesleyan U., where he currently lectures in Sociology and is the Protestant Chaplain. He has edited a new book of critical essays, a book that looks a bit more dense and academic. But I haven't read it yet

This study was published years before the infamous Matthew Shepard murder in 1998. It is a great first book on the topic. It's written in a study form and may bore those that don't like numbers or academics' tone. It has a bland boring cover. Still, it digs deep into this tragedy. I think for lawyers or progressive activists, this is a good book to own as a reference materials. So many gay and lesbian studies text have that one token chapter on hate crimes; it's great that we have an anthology which examines this horrid phenomenon in depth.

Though well written, this book adds nothing original to the dialogue between relgion and sexuality. Everthing in the book, I suspect we have heard a thousand times already.

While it is somewhat true that the book offers little in terms of earth-shattering ways to make the church more inclusive, it does offer hopeful glimpses and reminders that the church is slowly but surely becoming a safer place for African-American gays and lesbians. The author does a very good job of chronicling the stories of African-American pastors who've moved beyond tolerance or intolerance to a place of affirmation.

A Whosever Church is the latest in Rev. Gary Comstock's series of books dealing with the gay community and religion. Like the others, this book is intelligent, respectful, eminently readable, and thought-provoking. It consists of twenty interviews with prominent African American pastors, from a range of denominations and locations.

As a gay white man, Comstock obviously bears the burden of being an outsider to the communities he studies in this book. His solution is to allow the interviewee to speak for themselves, making this book a collaborative effort of the twenty pastors, gently shaped by Comstock's questions.