My Gay Church Days

Memoir of a Closeted Evangelical Pastor Who Eventually Had Enough

By: George Azar

Narrated by: George Azar

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

George was your average American kid born to traditional Middle Eastern immigrants. Curious about life but tortured by vicious bullying in middle school, he found what seemed like a solution: evangelical Christianity. It appeared to have the cure for his most “shameful sin.” Believing his homosexual feelings were an abomination before God, he committed his life to a church community that accepted him, conditionally. While hiding the scariest truths about him for fear of losing their love, he went from Bible study to Bible college, committing every aspect of his life to his faith—even forsaking important relationships “for the sake of the Gospel.” Little did he know that the steady trickle of relinquished identity would create a psychological dysmorphia that allowed his oppressors to keep him in dangerous isolation.

My Gay Church Days is the true story of a profoundly insecure evangelical pastor who eventually decided enough was enough. After failed relationships, crippling anxiety, and cult-like codependency, George broke away from rigid Christianity to pursue the thing he once found most dreadful and fearful about himself. This book is a crusade of revealing, an exploration of conformity, oppression, awakening, and self-discovery unlike any other. Ultimately, it is also a quest to save other “lost souls” by example, calling others to rise above the expectations of others and accept themselves as they are.

©2022 Roman Matthews Publishing Company (P)2022 Roman Matthews Publishing Company

thoughtful memoir, a bit redundant at times

Any ex-vangelical can relate to most of the stories the author shares, which makes for strong relatability while listening. Some of his stories get redundant as they are all centered around the same issue with a different face of a church member.

Hearing "struggle with same sex attraction" repeatedly throughout the book was uncomfortable, although I believe it was only to highlight how the author saw himself at the time.

Finally, I know this may come off as petty, but the way the author pronounced supposedly (as if there was a B in the word) repeatedly throughout the reading was distracting.

Overall, it's an important story that is told well.

Excellent example of the lived experience

This story is a great example of the lived experience. It’s not overly dramatic, unrealistic, or theatrical in any way. A little slow paced at times, but every bit of detail seems necessary for the broader picture. I relate a lot to the author a lot so it was a great read for me.

An imperative read for the modern era.

I can’t begin to describe the importance of this book. George’s vulnerability & authenticity is unparalleled. His openness to sharing his story of healing is a true inspiration to any listener. Regardless of your experience with religion, this book is a must-listen!