"Wolkomir's research brings to life the stories of men who feel a serious conflict between their sexual desires and their Christian beliefs. These often forgotten stories add a new dimension to the antagonistic discourse surrounding sexuality and religion."-Chris M. Ponticelli, associate professor of sociology, University of South Florida

"Often bitter enemies in public, in Wolkomir's lucid prose gay and ex-gay Christian men come together to reveal the intriguing overlaps and divergences in their experiences of life, love, faith, and struggle. A well-written and engaging text that offers food for thought to both specialists in the field and curious general readers."-Melissa M. Wilcox, author of Coming Out in Christianity: Religion, Identity, and Community

Homosexuality has become increasingly accepted in mainstream America over the past two decades. Yet despite indications of progress that can be found everywhere from academia to popular culture, gay men and women remain the target of much discrimination and stigma, particularly within conservative Christianity. In Be Not Deceived, Michelle Wolkomir explores the difficult dilemma that gay Christians face in their attempts to reconcile their religious and sexual identities. She introduces the ideologies and practices of two alternative and competing ministries that offer solutions for Christians who experience homosexual desire.

One organization-the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches-believes that God made people gay to suit divine purposes. Changing one's sexuality is therefore impossible and a defiance of God. In contrast, Exodus International preaches that homosexuality is a sin and a symptom of disordered psychological development-one that can be cured through redemptive prayer. By comparing participant experiences in these ministries, Wolkomir explores the paths and processes by which members learn to become gay or ex-gay Christians.

Through careful analysis of the groups' ideologies, interactions, and symbolic resources, Be Not Deceived goes far beyond the obvious differences between the ministries to uncover their similarities, namely that both continue to define heterosexuality as the normative and dominant lifestyle.

Michelle Wolkomir is an assistant professor of sociology at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Acknowledgments
Prologue
Part I: The Cultural Origins and Biographical Paths of the Dilemma
1 The Problem with Being Gay and Christian
2 Alternate Theologies: Sins and Solutions
3 The Dilemmas of Christian Men Who Desire Men
4 Choosing a Path to Resolution
Part II: The Resolution of Dilemmas and the Transformative Process
5 Challenging Traditional Meanings
6 Learning to Be a Gay or an Ex-Gay Christian
7 Authenticity and the Good Christian
8 The Wives of Ex-Gay Christian Men
9 Conclusions: The Parameters of Change
Methodological Appendix
References
Index