Customer Reviews

The Gay Gospel?: How Pro-Gay Advocates Misread the Bible

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Joe Dallas is to be commended for writing a fine book on such a thorny issue as homosexuality in the church. He does not lower himself to the level of name-calling, stereotyping, or denigrating homosexuals or the proponents of their theology. Having come from the Gay Christian community himself, he is thoroughly knowledgeable in their arguments, rationale, and the mistreatement they have endured. He evaluates their reasoning from a sympathetic and balanced tone, yet argues firmly and without apology against them. Much of the book is set forth in an argument and response format, with brief dialogues following each chapter to present how a hypothetical discussion might go.

The most important thing about the book and Dallas' approach is that he holds unswervingly to the Bible as the divine standard by which all our actions are to be held to account. He describes his own inner struggles as he attempted to reconcile his homosexual desires with his Christian faith, and how he ultimately came to the conclusion that he was living in contradiction to God's desires for him.

An important point that is brought up in the book is whether a person is believing what they believe because it is what makes them comfortable, or do they believe it because it's the truth (which often makes us uncomfortable). He steers the reader away from emotionally based and subjective argumentation, and locates the debate on the sure foundation of Scripture, our objective standard. He shows how pro-gay theologians have misread the Scriptures, and does an excellent job of dismantling their arguments. Yet he does so without any rancor or ill-will, and treats their contentions fairly. I found very little to quibble with in terms of his handling of Scripture and responding to the pro-gay arguments.

In "The Gay Gospel," Dallas also constantly urges the church to address the issue of homosexuality and ministry to those who struggle with homosexual desires in a compassionate and supportive way. He hits the nail on the head with this remark about how the church needs to be able to lend it's support to homosexuals: "If we fail them when they need our support, we have no excuse to be surprised when they abandon biblical ethics altogether and become our most boisterous critics." (p.228) The church needs to be able to reach all manner of sinners, and to do so as Christ did: by granting forgiveness and mercy to the repentant, yet telling them to "go and sin no more." The application of this basic truth of Christianity extends far beyond sins of homosexuality, and into all areas and aspects of life. The True Gospel gives hope to all who are laboring under the guilt and fear of sin. Dallas is right to point out that we need to first recognize our own sinfulness and then point others to the true source of mercy--the God who is gracious and compassionate to forgive us our sins in Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this book.

I'm currently a student at a liberal seminary and this book has proven to be an excellent resource in understanding the pro-gay theology and interpretation of the Bible. Joe Dallas does a thorough job in a 250 page book that could have taken 500 pages for someone else to write. The biggest plus about the book is that Dallas has been there. He doesn't speak as an outsider but as a former insider.

Even if you don't agree with him you have to admit he has some very good arguments and points throughout the book.

I purchased this book because I was interested in learning more about the theology used to support the gay rights movement in the church. I found this work to be both well written and informative showing not only the history of the movement in the church (as well as arguments being made there) but also it offered a peek inside of the history of gay rights in America in general. I'm glad I made the purchase. His discussions are calm and well documented allowing me to further my inquiry into the subject.

This is an updated edition of "A Strong Delusion" (1996). As he was once under the strong delusion himself he can speak from first-hand experience. This is required reading for someone wanting to understand pro-gay propaganda and theology. The information fed to us by the pro-gay lobby usually consists of half truths (i.e. lies), Dallas exposes these. I highly recommend this book.

For me, his word study on the Greek word "arsenokotai" (1 Cor 6:9, 1 Tim 1:10) alone is worth the price of the book. Paul is using the Greek version of the OT the Septuagint, (LXX). He coined the word "arsenokotai" from the Greek version of the OT, the Septuagint, from the Levitical prohibitions on male-male sex. Thus in Paul's mind the moral law of the OT was still valid in the NT. The pro-gay theologians have to pretend that they do not understand the meaning of "arsenokoitai". Robin Scroggs gave us the meaning of "arsenokotai" in his 1983 book. New Testament and Homosexuality

Joe Dallas, the author of The Gay Gospel, presents a very thoughtful, helpful perspective for a Christian reader trying to understand what the Bible really says about homosexuality. Having been a homosexual himself and come out of the lifestyle, Dallas has a valuable inside perspective on the hurt and devastation he saw and experienced. Dallas presents examples of dialog and discussion on how the reader can answer questions and address the subject of homosexuality in a non-confrontational, loving manner. For those who hold a traditional view regarding homosexuality, this book, far from 'gay bashing', is a compassionate and thought-provoking presentation of a very difficult issue facing our culture today.

Excellent resource. A firm Biblical stand with the empathy of someone who's been there. Everybody needs to be educating themselves. This is a must read for every Christian.

Yes, buy the book, and do all you can do to help your children. This was in response to another review by a self-confessed "counselor", but as a mother of a practicing homosexual son, I would encourage parents, to not give up, (or give in), instead, endure. Continue to love and pray for them. Get information (good Biblical info). Be careful who gives you information. Sometimes we would rather believe a lie in order to feel more comfort with our children's situation. This is a spiritual battle.

In response to the "counselor's" review: I notice you used the word 'wickedness' to describe the Biblical principle that you say is 'destructive and harmful'. The Bible says in Isaiah 5:20, Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. In Genesis, it clearly states that the men that committed sodomy were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. It also says in Leviticus, If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. The Bible also says in (along with may other places such as Rom 1) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters, nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God?

Again I notice you used another Biblical phrase (wolf in sheep's clothing) to accuse those who stand by the Word of God, calling it 'spiritual and emotional abuse'. Actually in Matthew 7, the referral of wolves in sheep's clothing is about those who teach or prophesy things that are against the truth, against the Word of God.

I would like to say, as a mother of 8, that I have first hand knowledge of the harm homosexuality causes those who practice it. As a person who has seen friend's die because of the pursuit of this lifestyle. My oldest who has chosen to PRACTICE homosexuality, (notice it is about practicing it) that I have seen his life spiral into devastation. He now has HIV. My son, my baby... has been a victim of emotional and spiritual abuse. By the worse kind of perpetrator. The enemy, the devil, the father of lies, who will tell you a lie, who will use the scripture to try to twist the lie into what sounds like truth. As he did from the beginning of time, when he twisted God's word with Eve. If you don't believe the Word of God to be true, you will have to take it up with the Lord. And you will one day, face to face, and you will then see fully and clearly. Hopefully, it won't be too late for you or someone else, or for your daughter, who I am sure you love, as I do my children. A friend will tell you the truth as I believe these books are trying to do. The wounds of a friend are faithful, the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Christians need to be firmly grounded in what the Bible really says so that when popular culture tries to revise scripture to suit its own hedonistic appetites, believers are aware of the deception.Joe Dallas does a fine job in exposing some of the revisionist tactics of the militant gay agenda. I would also recommend Dr. Robert Gagnon's writings as he is an acknowledged expert in what scripture actually says about homosexuality.Jesus himself upheld the Old Testament admonitions against same sex unions and He reiterated in the Gospel of Matthew that God's intent was for a male and a female to join together in one flesh. Anything else is not scriptual and not of God.Those people who identify as gay and lesbian would do well to research what the scientific community says about the origens of homosexuality. What is known from studies supports the idea that there is a constellation of factors which cause a person to have same-sex attractions...one is NOT born gay.God did not intend nor design men and women to have sexually relations with someone of the same gender. Mr. Dallas provides a clear, well thought out rebuttal of the incorrect distortions that the miltant gay agenda tries to peddle...distortions which neither science nor scripture supports.

If you look for a cover to disguise your hatred against a group of
sons and daughters of god, there you find it. The technique is as old
as evil itself. Rationalize your ugly intentions and deeds. Say, for
example, that it is not a question of morals but one of hygiene. Who wouldn't
support hygiene! So if you want to discriminate against gays and wipe away that
warning whisper from the better part of your soul then go ahead and feel cozy with
this book. It will be a safe-haven for your belief system. It will make you
feel like an eagle who is simply going after vermin. Though you'll be as far
away from God as far away from God can be. If that is worth it to you then feel cozy
with this book. - Not to me for sure.

Informative with numerous examples, biblical passages, and insight as to how the author a former homosexual was able to leave this lifestyle and overcome same sex attraction and how others who are in this can do .