by: D.T. Powell
Yesterday, my Contemporary novel, With Mercy’s Eyes published.
This book holds a unique place in the Christian fiction market. It tells its entire story from the perspective of someone who has lived or is currently living in a same-sex relationship. It also holds the position that same-sex intimacy is wrong, but it does this with both truth and love.
In light of all that, where does this book stand?
With Mercy’s Eyes is not for everyone. In fact, there are a significant number of people (both Christian and non-Christian) who won’t agree with its position or conclusions. I don’t even personally recommend it for Christians under 25.
Here are some key questions and this book’s answers.
– – – – – – –
Q: Is this book affirming or non-affirming.
A: The short answer is non-affirming.
The longer answer is that acting and purposefully thinking on same-sex attraction is sin. However, as with any other temptation, it is possible to experience same-sex attraction and not sin. It does not matter how we are tempted, as long as we take that temptation to God instead of giving in to it.
Q: So, this is an anti-LGBTQ book?
A: No.
Q: How can this book be both non-affirming and not anti-LGBTQ?
A: This book challenges Christians to view others the way God does. God tells us He loved the world (all people) so much He “gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, KJV)
Q: All people? Including “the gays?”
A: Absolutely. God even recorded that for us in I Corinthians 6: 9-11, where Paul addresses the church at Corinth:
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Q: But don’t “straight” people please God more than “gay” people?
A: No. The underlying assumption that people who act on SSA are somehow “less than” those who don’t is horribly false and unbiblical. Every sin is infinitely damning in the eyes of God–even “respectable” sins, like vanity, pride, jealousy, anger, and materialism. If anything, quiet sins are even more dangerous.
Q: Are people born same-sex attracted?
A: We live in a fallen world. As such, every person is born with a sin nature. That sin nature manifests in different ways. For some, that means experiencing un-prompted SSA.
The more important question is, “Are people created to be same-sex attracted?” to which the answer is “No.” God purposefully created humanity to be male and female, and He did it for His glory.
Q: What do you think about labels like “LGBTQ,” “gay/lesbian,” etc.
A: Labels are misleading. When someone takes a label, it becomes a significant part of their personal identity. But when we try to identify ourselves primarily by something like sexual attraction, we make that part of us more important than the rest. It becomes the be-all-end-all of how we view ourselves, and it leads to trouble.
Q: Does SSA go away?
A: It can. But living life hoping it will (or won’t) serves no purpose.
If sexual attraction is what we find identity in, we will have built our life on a shifting foundation.
Our hope is not in ourselves or other people. Our hope is in God.
Q: So, what does this book say about Identity?
A: Our identity is in Christ. He alone gives us meaning, worth, and purpose. Outside of Him, we are nothing.
We begin life as sinners. Christ paid for our sin with His blood on the cross. If we accept that, our sin is covered by His sacrifice.
Q: Why write a Christian Fiction book from a “gay” man’s perspective?
A: There is an underlying attitude in modern Christianity that those who act on SSA are somehow “other” than the rest of humanity and are not worthy of Christians’ (and God’s) time, care, or attention. That view is unbiblical, and this book thoroughly confronts that mindset.
Q: Does this book present the Gospel?
A: Yes. Clearly.
Q: Is this a redemption story?
A: Unashamedly.
Q: So, this is one of those “Bible-thumping” books?
A: No. This is a Bible-living book.
– – – – – –
About With Mercy’s Eyes:
He turned his back on God a long time ago. But God never forgot him.
Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he’s gay, it’s over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.
When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.
The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he’s gay. But this one is different. She doesn’t embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn’t she?
– – – – – – –
With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell is an issue-facing Contemporary novel for adult churched Christians. It addresses homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective without falling into the trap of the extreme responses we too often see from modern churches. It holds similar views to Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Rosaria Butterfield, and Christopher Yuan.
This book is available for purchase in ebook, paperback, and hardback from Amazon; paperback and hardback from Barnes & Noble; and ebook, signed paperback and hardback from withmercyseyes.com
D. T. Powell grew up in a Christian home, loving books and reading. Her daily habits include: reading dozens of pages, picking which book to read next, and archiving and listening to sacred music.
When she was nine, God sent a fictional character into her life who changed the way she looked at the world—and herself.
From then on, she wanted to show everyone what God had done for her, so she pursued an art degree… and was summarily kicked out of the program due to general lack of artistic talent.
Only after she graduated with a degree in business did she pick up the one utensil she had never thought to use, a pen. And she hasn’t put it down since.
To fill her writing day, she works on original stories, extensive fanfiction endeavors, and learning more about the craft of writing.
Her hobbies include hanging out with her husband and their three kitties, reading, playing pickleball, listening to music, and imagining scenes to use in future books.
She loves Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
You can find her at dtpowellwrites dot com, on IG – dtill359, or FB – D. T. Powell, Author
