A Change of Affection

A Gay Man's Incredible Story of Redemption

By: Becket Cook, Francis Chan - foreword

Narrated by: John Behrens, Gabe Wicks - foreword

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

The powerful, dramatic story of how a successful Hollywood set designer whose identity was deeply rooted in his homosexuality came to be suddenly and utterly transformed by the power of the Gospel.

When Becket Cook moved from Dallas to Los Angeles after college, he discovered a socially progressive, liberal town that embraced not only his creative side but also his homosexuality. He devoted his time to growing his career as a successful set designer and to finding "the one" man who would fill his heart. His life centered around celebrity-filled Hollywood parties, and he traveled to society hot spots around the world - until a chance encounter with a pastor at an LA coffee shop one morning changed everything.

In A Change of Affection, Becket Cook shares his testimony as someone who was transformed by the power of the Gospel. His dramatic conversion to Christianity and subsequent seminary training inform his views on homosexuality - personally, biblically, theologically, and culturally - and his compelling audiobook guides listeners through this complex and controversial issue while revealing how to lovingly engage with those who disagree. Provocative, genuine, and deeply faithful, A Change of Affection is a timely and indispensable resource for anyone who desires to understand more fully one of the most common and difficult stumbling blocks to faithfully following Christ today.

©2019 Becket Cook (P)2019 Thomas Nelson

Thank you. Truly.

With all my momma heart.... thank you for this. My heart has fresh hope, my mind has fresh perspective, and the understanding that my soul so desperately longed for, your story gave me. Admittedly, the many chapters you spent detailing your old life were hard for me to understand… Until I realized that you had to make us aware of just how entrenched into that life you were and how far God has brought you. My heart rejoices in your testimony, and I am more emboldened than ever in my fervent prayers for my child. With all my mama heart and a life that longs for nothing more than to hear well done, thank you, Beckett.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book

First of all the narrator did a fantastic job reading this book on behalf of Becket Cook. I am very skeptical when it comes to nonfiction audio books that are not read by the author.

Regarding the book itself. It is refreshing and insightful. Very well written. I found it to be disarming as it addressed a topic that can usually bring up so much division. Mr. Cook’s story and this book have helped me tremendously.

Amazing, encouraging, hope building! Love it!

I just completed my third listen of this book. Becket's testimony really is incredible. I am a believer in Christ, as well as the daughter of a gay man. This book has given me a better understanding of my Dad, as well as given me tools to better approach him about my faith and who I am in Christ. I have done it the wrong way too many times due to my own hurts. This book has given me hope again for our relationship and encouraged my commitment to continue praying for my Dad's salvation.

Stunning and compelling, beautiful and loving story!

Wonderful and addictive content! I was moved, challenged, changed, and inspired by Becker’s story and his performance.
I recommend this to people struggling with their sexual identity and faith, and to everyone who knows and loves someone who Is gay.
Thank you, Becket, for your candid and vulnerable testimony. God will surely set many captives free through your life!

Narrator "sings" narration

I am always disappointed when an audiobook has a monotone narrator who will bore anyone to tears no matter how exciting the book is. So I was glad to see that this was NOT the case for this book when I first started listening. However, the author seemed to "overread" the story with too much inflection in his voice. He was almost singing the story with his inflection. I found it hard to get through the book for that reason. Other than that, the story itself, is a good read.

An amazing read. Raw and Honest

This was such an awesome book. I stumbled upon the author through a ransoms YouTube video and he talked about his book and read it out of curiosity. His analogies and biblical references make it easy to see yourself in his story no matter who you are or what your struggle is. It opened up some blind spots in my life especially when he talks about wealth identity and the prodigals older son. This book over all teaches you how to be a better loving and caring Christian towards others while not being wishy washy on your beliefs. I didn’t read a lot of Christian books before because I thought they would be boring (and some were) but I’m glad I read this one, his testimony is eye opening, empowering, and just amazing. His vulnerability and honest stand is refreshing. I recommend this book for everyone.

An honest telling of a personal story.

I appreciated a personal view into a world I had no opportunity to discover in my own life. I appreciate now knowing at least from one person what it is/was like to admit that you are gay and all the struggles that go along with it. I hope that it brings compassion towards the LGBT community in place of judgment.

Identity

I enjoyed the lesson in this book. It was all about the myth of "identity" and a tele of redemption. Fantastic!

a beautiful story

A beautiful story of God's grace and mercy. tastefully written, gives God the glory without highlighting past sin.

An Answer to Prayer

I've wanted to share my faith with a gay family member. I have courage now.

Humbling

As a lifelong Christian the question of homosexuality and the Bible has daunted me as the growing cultural acceptance has rubbed uncomfortably with my biblical understanding. Listening to Becket’s powerful and persuasive story of his conversion and conviction was enormously helpful and inspiring in guiding my future approach to friends and family who are part of the LGBT community. Heartfelt thanks!

interesting

really well written and interesting. really enjoyed this book. challenging but speaks a lot of truth

Clear, short, accessible and a great listen

Becket has written this book so beautifully. It’s well structured and it’s content is relevant from beginning to end. I really appreciate how he gets to the heart of what he’s trying to say, is clear and firm but gentle and gracious too. I also appreciate how he backs up his claims with Bible references and adds quotes from other thinkers/writers. Highly recommend to anyone whatever you believe

A Life Truly transformed

Becket's story is genuine and affection truly changed. I am inspired to stand for God and can see how when one wants to search for truth and meaning of life, we come to know THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE - JESUS CHRIST. Thank you Becket for sharing your testimony.
I pray this "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. - Philemon 1:6".

Brilliant and truthful.

As a psychiatrist I was skeptical of the author’s story at first. This was after seeing a television clip of him outlining his story. Now having read the book I am 100% convinced of its authenticity. Highly recommended reading for everyone interested in this subject, written by a true gentleman.

Intense, personal and pacey

I am sure this book will achieve great success. It is hugely accessible. A page turner in all honesty. A humourous, honest and pacey personal life account followed by a wonderful teaching adventure. I won't spoil anyone's reading experience by saying more although I want to!

One objection I do have is that he nearly seems to advocate Luther's belief in faith alone when in fact this clearly goes against Biblical teaching eg: “How does one receive salvation, justification, new birth and eternal life? By believing in Christ (Jn 3:16; Acts 16:31)? By repentance (Acts 2:38; 2 Pet 3:9)? etc. More examples below in note.

Also I think it would be good if the author gave some examples of people who have indeed successfully reorientated their sexual attractions to live a fulfilled and happy Christian married life with a spouse of the opposite sex.

Overall great read. Inspiring compassionate and challenging to us all to chose Christ over whatever our personal temptations may be.


Nb: Salvation - By baptism (Jn 3:5; 1 Pet 3:21; Titus 3:5)? By the work of the Spirit (Jn 3:5; 2 Cor 3:6)? By declaring with our mouths (Lu 12:8; Rom 10:9)? By coming to a knowledge of the Truth (1 Tim 2:4; Heb 10:26)? By maintaining the faith (Col 1:22-23; Mt 24:13)? By works (John 5:28-29; Rom 2:6, 7; James 2:24)? By grace (Acts 15:11; Eph 2:8)? By his blood (Rom 5:9; Heb 9:22)? By His righteousness (Rom 5:17; 2 Pet 1:1)? By His cross (Eph 2:16; Col 2:14)? )