Recruiting Young Love: How Christians Talk about Homosexuality

Recruiting Young Love examines how Christian discourse about homosexuality evolved in America from the 1940s through the early 2000s. The book analyzes youth ministries, church publications, and religious education materials to trace shifting attitudes and rhetoric. Religious leaders and organizations developed specific ways of discussing sexuality with young people, creating frameworks that shaped both personal identity and institutional policy. Mark D. Jordan documents how terms like "Christian sexual identity" emerged and gained influence through various religious movements and educational programs. The research draws from theological texts, pastoral guides, and educational curricula used by different Christian denominations over multiple decades. Jordan examines both progressive and conservative approaches, highlighting key figures and organizations that influenced religious teaching about sexuality. The book reveals how religious language about sexuality became intertwined with concepts of youth, morality, and spiritual development in American Christianity. Through this historical lens, it provides context for understanding contemporary religious debates about sexual orientation and identity.

Readers describe this book as a thorough historical examination of how Christian groups and youth ministries addressed homosexuality from the 1940s-1970s. Religious scholars and LGBTQ historians cite its comprehensive research and archival work. Readers appreciated: - Detailed analysis of primary sources and church documents - Focus on youth ministry rhetoric and tactics - Neutral academic tone on a sensitive topic Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style limits accessibility - Too much focus on methodology and theory - Limited coverage of contemporary developments Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) One reviewer noted its value as "an important historical record of how religious groups shaped the discourse around sexuality." Another criticized that "the academic jargon makes it challenging for general readers to engage with the material." Most helpful for researchers and scholars studying religion, sexuality, or youth ministry history.

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🔹 Mark D. Jordan is a professor at Harvard Divinity School and has written extensively about sexuality and religion, winning the 2011 John Boswell Prize for his contributions to the study of LGBTQ history. 🔹 The book traces how Christian discussions about homosexuality evolved dramatically between the 1940s and 1970s, particularly through youth ministries and educational materials. 🔹 The author examines how religious rhetoric about homosexuality often borrowed from and responded to scientific and psychological theories of the time, creating a complex interplay between religious and secular language. 🔹 The work reveals how Christian youth groups and sex education programs became crucial battlegrounds for discussing sexuality, with many organizations shifting from silence to explicit discussion during the mid-20th century. 🔹 Jordan's research uncovers how terms like "sexual orientation" and "gay" gradually entered Christian discourse through pastoral counseling and youth ministry materials, replacing older religious vocabulary about sin and temptation.