PRIDE and Joy

What if the conversation about LGBTQ inclusion isn't really about winning an argument, but about discovering a deeper understanding of God, Scripture, and one another?

In Pride and Joy, Pastor Pete Shaw shares his personal journey from a traditional Baptist upbringing to becoming an advocate for LGBTQ affirmation. Along the way, he invites readers to examine the beliefs they inherited, the assumptions that shaped them, and the ways faith continues to evolve through study, experience, and compassion.

Drawing on biblical scholarship, the rabbinic traditions that influenced Jesus and Paul, contemporary understandings of gender and sexuality, and a vision of God rooted in love and shalom, this reflection challenges readers to think beyond simplistic answers. It explores the Bible's so-called "clobber verses," the role of interpretation, the dangers of "othering," and the call to see every person as a beloved bearer of the divine image.

Whether you agree, disagree, or find yourself somewhere in between, Pride and Joy offers a thoughtful, gracious, and deeply personal invitation to wrestle with difficult questions, expand your perspective, and consider what it means to love your neighbor well.

If you've ever wondered how a person of faith can embrace both Scripture and LGBTQ affirmation, this reflection is a compelling place to begin. Read it with an open heart, and be prepared to encounter new questions, fresh insights, and perhaps a broader vision of God's love.