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N. N. Light
Dec 8, 20223 min read

4.75 stars for More Than 2 Paths: Biblical Secrets to Living Your Most Fulfilling #LGBTQIA Life



Title: More Than 2 Paths: Biblical Secrets to Living Your Most Fulfilling LGBTQIA Life

Author: Karl Beckstrand

Genre: LGBTQ, gender studies, nonfiction, relationships, spirituality


Book Blurb:


“Definitive…. Thoughtful… [Beckstrand] delivers multiple supportive arguments and…refreshing...candor.” – The BookLife Prize (Publisher’s Weekly) College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand has lived a full life (including abroad—visiting four continents). He earned a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in conflict resolution. He was a technical recruiter in Silicon Valley, a Stanford Hospital chaplain, and a Spanish interpreter for Angel Flight (aviator nonprofit). But his relationships were far from satisfying. Today, Beckstrand enjoys profound union. Regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, every person has God-given needs for love and true bonding, including connection with those of one’s own sex. Yet, long-term relationship bliss can be elusive for just about anyone. But has anything taken God by Surprise? God not only accepts queerness—it is, expressed in His way, part of His plan for our happiness. There are more kinds of connection than we know—happier than the sparse paths the world often signals. God can help us fulfill our needs while honoring His will; and generous feelings can replace discouragement, isolation, lust, even addiction. Beckstrand shares scriptural keys to healing relationships and creating deep lasting same-sex bonds. What he has learned applies to men, women, gay, straight, single, and married people. Is someone you love struggling with their faith over LGBTQIA+ questions or conflicts? This book offers insights to bolster confidence in God’s love for each person and His purposes for all our differences. Chapters include:

  • Beyond Either/or Thinking

  • Is It All about Sex?

  • What’s Good About Attraction to Your Own Sex?

  • Is Fluidity Real?

  • Are Competing Desires Healthful?

  • Is Mixed Orientation Marriage a Happy Option for Some?

  • What Does Authenticity Look Like?

  • How to Not Miss Out

  • Close Beyond Imagination


My Review:


Having co-authored a book on inspiration that highlights the many paths to spirituality, I felt it necessary to read this book myself. The premise of the book is strong. There is not, nor will there be in the future, only one path to a way of worship.


Here, the author makes a strong case that people who are of the LGBTQ community can still have a strong religious belief. It is important to remember that people are not to judge. It is also important for people to remember that you are to love your neighbor. For a long time there has been a disconnect between church and same sex relationships. The author clearly states that one can be a person of faith while not worrying about how they express their love.


Strong as the point is, there is an issue with wording. The prose, at times, takes on more of an unabridged blog post than a treatise on the subject. The basic reader may, at times, have trouble understanding some of the points. This can lead to the reader having trouble keeping the viewpoint of a chapter in mind. I need to stress that as a reviewer and in the book business, I do not accept and support all ideas and beliefs made in this work.

It is very timely for this book to be out now with the Mormon Church's decision to back the same-sex marriage law. Some of the well thought out points in this book reflect Mormon Church attitudes before this new dynamic. A well thought book that will help spiritually troubled LGBTQ people find some peace. If a strong religious-oriented book doesn't appeal to you, then you may not get much from this book. A great book for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.


My Rating: 4.75 stars


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Author Biography:


College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand is the best-selling author/illustrator of twently-seven multicultural/multilingual books (65 e-books—reviews by Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal). Raised in San Jose, California, he has lived abroad, earned a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in conflict resolution, and a broadcast & film certificate. His western novel, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award. Beckstrand loves volleyball and singing (in rock bands or choirs). His Y.A. stories, e-book mysteries, biographies, Spanish/bilingual books, wordless and STEM books feature diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. See: Amazon, Apple/iBooks, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Follett, Ingram, Target, Walmart, and PremioBooks.com

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW, SPEAKING, & CONSULTATION: Karl@PremioBooks.com


Speaker topics:

"Getting Your Book to the World - Traditional vs. Digital publishing"

"Entrepreneurship: Bless Lives, Make Money with Your Gifts"

"Artistic Education - How the Humanities Enrich Us"

"Writing Scripts for Shows, Film, Ads & the Web"

"Writing for Media: News Stories & Press Releases that Get Attention"

"How Diversity Enriches Everyone"

"Making Habit Work for You - Replace the Bad with Milestones"


Social Media Links:



Reviewed by: Mr. N

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