Bisexuality and the Western Christian Church - Critical of Silence

In this review of Bisexuality and the Western Christian Church, the author Carol A. Shepherd presents a focused, research-driven account of the experiences of bisexual Christians across the UK and the USA. The book is aimed at readers who want an evidence-based critique of how Christian communities handle middle sexualities; its single biggest value is the combination of original data with pastoral and sociological analysis that uncovers patterns of biphobia and erasure within congregations. Shepherd's tone is academic yet readable, and the work foregrounds lived experience rather than abstract theory.

Key Features

• Empirical research: The book draws on data collected by the author from bisexual Christians across the lifespan, providing direct testimony and quantified observations that illuminate real-world challenges.
• Comparative scope: By examining communities in both the UK and the USA, the book highlights how cultural and denominational differences shape bisexual Christians' experiences.
• Mental health focus: Shepherd assesses whether elevated rates of depressive illness observed in bisexual populations apply within church contexts, helping readers understand mental health implications.
• Pastoral critique: The text exposes widespread ignorance among pastors about middle sexualities, which points to a clear need for improved clergy education and support resources.
• Interdisciplinary appeal: The study speaks to students and scholars in gender studies, applied theology, and social sciences seeking primary qualitative and quantitative material.
• Life-course perspective: Attention to bisexual Christians across the lifespan helps identify how challenges change with age, stage, and church involvement.

Who It's For

This book is best for graduate students, researchers, clergy and pastoral carers who need a scholarly, evidence-based review of how bisexual people fare within Western Christian contexts. It is especially useful for those developing training, resources, or pastoral strategies because it centers the voices of bisexual Christians and connects lived experience to mental health concerns and institutional shortcomings.

Readers seeking a theological handbook for worship practice or a devotional text should look elsewhere; this is an analytical study geared to sociological and pastoral reflection rather than liturgical guidance or broad popular treatment of sexuality topics.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Combines original qualitative and quantitative data to give a grounded view of bisexual Christian lives.
• Highlights a clear gap in pastoral knowledge and practical resources for bisexual parishioners.
• Relevant to multiple fields, making it useful for interdisciplinary research and training.

Cons

• The focus is academic and research-heavy, which may make it less accessible to general-interest readers seeking a conversational overview.

Specifications

Title	Bisexuality and the Western Christian Church: The Damage of Silence
Author	Carol A. Shepherd
Geographic focus	United Kingdom and United States
Disciplinary focus	Gender studies; applied theology; social sciences
Approach	Primary data collection across the lifespan; qualitative and quantitative analysis
Primary themes	Biphobia, bi erasure, pastoral awareness, mental health

Our Verdict

Shepherd's study is a valuable, research-backed resource for scholars, clergy and pastoral workers who need to understand how bisexual parishioners experience exclusion and mental health risk in Western Christian settings. Its evidence-based critique makes it good value for academic libraries and training programs seeking material to inform policy, education, and pastoral care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book use original research?
Yes. The author draws on data she collected from bisexual Christians across the lifespan in the UK and USA.

Is this a practical pastoral guide?
No. The book offers analysis and evidence to inform pastoral responses but is not a step-by-step pastoral handbook.

Who will benefit most from this book?
Graduate students, researchers, clergy, and those developing resources or training on sexuality and church inclusion will benefit most.