HEADLINE: Is it really that big of a deal? 

A May 2009 Gallup poll revealed that fifty-seven percent of Americans oppose same-sex marriage, while only forty percent are in favor of it (down from forty-six percent in 2007). This short, easy-to-read book helps shed light on what so many people believe, and why they ought not be at a loss about what to do now.

The headlines only tell part of the story. In this revised and updated version of his bestselling book, Dr. Erwin Lutzer clearly and accurately depicts the truth about what is at stake here. By asking the right questions and by pinpointing the very real ramifications of same-sex marriage this handbook will help guide reality back to Truth.

Dr. Lutzer expertly answers the questions that so many individuals, parents, friends, and families are asking:

-How did we get to this point?
-Why is marriage, as God intended it, better-and healthier?
-How can I talk to my kids about this?
-How do I responsibly read, watch, and filter the news?
-Is there still hope?

Let no one say that we have to choose between loving homosexuals and opposing same-sex marriages. Biblically, love is defined not as license to legitimatize sinful behavior of any kind, but love helps us see that there is a better way. Obviously, we must be as concerned about our own sins as we are about the sins of the homosexual community. We must be concerned enough to speak out about any action, heterosexual or homosexual, that violates God's intended plan for marriage and the family. 

This simple, straightforward look at the issue of same-sex marriage will equip you to know what is really happening and, most importantly, why it matters for you.

About the Author

DR. ERWIN LUTZER (B.Th., Winnipeg Bible College; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; M.A., Loyola University) Since 1980, Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer has served as senior pastor of the world-famous Moody Church in Chicago, where he provides leadership to Chicago pastors. Dr. Lutzer is the featured speaker on three radio programs including "The Moody Church Hour", the popular evening program "Songs in the Night," as well as the daily broadcast called "Running to Win". Dr. Lutzer is an award-winning author of numerous books. His speaking engagements outside the pulpit of The Moody Church include Bible conferences and seminars, both domestically and in other parts of the world. He has led tours of the cities of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. Dr. Lutzer and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area and are the parents of three grown children and eight grandchildren.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

What would we say to the gay community if we were actually granted a hearing? Let's admit that there are many radicals who will not listen; their ears are closed, their hearts are hardened so nothing we say will make a difference. They have dismantled any bridges of communication with those who disagree with them, except to call them names. But there are others-perhaps a majority-who are in the homosexual lifestyle and would leave it if they thought they could. Their consciences are awakened to the wrongness of what they do, and yet they feel trapped. I believe that we as evangelicals have failed these people, many of whom populate our churches. As a pastor I've listened to their stories of brokenness and heartache. I've heard stories of molestation, of the emptiness of sex without commitment, without love, without caring. No matter what we see on television, the gay community is hurting, compulsively acting out behavior to cover their pain. These are the people for whom we must have compassion, understanding and care. It's a hurting world out there, and all of the wells are dry.br