The Legacy of the Ancient World, Volume Two - W. G. de Burgh (Copy)

The Returns of Love - Alex Davidson

Presented as a series of personal letters, The Returns of Love explores the struggle of reconciling Christian faith with homosexual desire from a conservative evangelical perspective. Written by Alex Davidson and first published by Inter-Varsity Press, the book documents the author's attempt to come to terms with his sexuality through prayer, self-examination and biblical conviction. Rather than offering an abstract theological argument, Davidson frames the discussion as an intimate spiritual journey, reflecting on temptation, identity, loneliness, celibacy and the search for a life of Christian obedience.

The book is firmly rooted in the traditional evangelical teaching of its time, maintaining that same-sex sexual relationships are incompatible with Christian doctrine while emphasising compassion, pastoral care and the possibility of personal transformation through faith. Today, The Returns of Love is best understood as a historical document reflecting a significant strand of twentieth century Christian thought on homosexuality. It offers insight into the pastoral and theological debates of the period, and remains of interest to readers studying the history of religion, sexuality, LGBTQ+ history and changing attitudes within the Christian church.