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Besides myself, two other members of my family have approved of this book. Two other members would throw it in the trash (or hide it from their children) because it would offend them and their strictly literal understanding of the Bible. This book is what I want those two people to read someday, even if it’s after I die.

For We Know In Part is primarily directed at hetero-natural parents, family, and friends of gay and lesbian loved ones who have just come out of the closet. If you are one of these people caught in a scary place not knowing how to react, this book is for you. If your relationship with your gay loved one is more important than any other matter in your life, you will be comforted. If you are unsure about what to do or think or say, give this book a chance to help you answer that question.

For We Know In Part is a collection of essays that I originally wrote as handout brochures for persons interested in understanding homo-naturality. Most of the articles are intended for supportive persons ministering to others who cannot quite let themselves approve of a sexual orientation other than hetero-naturality. I have compiled these essays to expand on four ‘fundamental’ truths:

1. Sexuality consists of how one feels attracted to others (orientation) and how one responds to that attraction (behavior).

2. Traditional interpretation of Christian scripture does not consider homo-natural orientation to be neutral like hetero-naturality.

3. Because orientation has to do with knowledge that could not have been available to Bible writers, any interpretation of their writings that either denies homo-natural orientation or condemns it is prejudicial. (Note: the root of the word ‘prejudicial’ is ‘pre-judge.’)

4. Because orientation has to do with knowledge that is still incomplete and possibly inaccurate, any Biblical interpretation by those of us supporting homo-naturality that describes it with unswerving certainty is premature.

This book is like a quilt, each chapter being a stand-alone creation. The primary thread in this quilt is a thin, fragile, off-white strand of reason representing my belief that no one can ever know all there is to know about anything. No matter how long our tradition has supported the positions we take, we can never be absolutely certain we have heard the last word on the subject, neither from man nor God.

I need to be open to the possibility that my convictions are only as reliable as the latest revelation and that God can and does tell us more through people: prophets, scientists, and even our neighbors. That we only know in part, “through a glass darkly”, is basic to how I understand truth. And, as I wait for a more perfect understanding, I will try to live a life of faith, hope and love, knowing that love is the most important of them all.

I also need to approach most of those who disagree with me with an attitude of loving concern for them as faithful, well-intentioned Christians who feel very anxious about my threat to the sanctity of their Bibles. I need to acknowledge that they need the safety that rigid dogmatism provides without accusing them of hypocrisy or stupidity. Even though I cannot allow them to force their interpretation on me, I also do not want to ever be accused of trying to say to them, “This is what you must believe.”