Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth [Paperback]

Jeffrey Satinover (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1996

A Christian psychiatrist examines the latest research, refuting the alleged genetic basis for homosexuality and assessing the social power homosexuals have gained.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey Satinover has practiced psychoanalysis and psychiatry for more than ninetten years. He is a former Fellow in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry at Yale University and a past president of the C. G. Jung Foundations. He holds degrees from MIT, the University of Texas, the Harvard University and serves as a medical advisor to Focus on the Family. Jeffrey and his wife have three children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (February 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080105625X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801056253
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,812 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

106 of 127 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Warning: Can Cause Open-Mindedness and Other Defects April 7, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

John Peteet, M.D., of the Harvard University and the Brigham and Women's Hospital called this book "Courageous, clear and practical." It is that and more. As a research scientist trained in genetics and having published in neuroscience, the chapters on genetics alone are worth the cost of the book. (Another review notes that the book easily could have been two--see below)Because of Satinover's deft hand with language, the book is nonetheless easy to read.

But I especially appreciated the fact that there is scarcely a statement the author makes that is not backed up by numerous peer-reviewed research studies from prominent scientific journals written by researchers with long-established track records. Even if one disagreed with Satinover's overall position, the genral public would be very well-served indeed to absorb his exposition on behavioral genetics in general. That would go a long way to innoculate us against the terrible distortions that are now passed off on us by the press--and, sadly, by unscrupulous scientists with various agendas to press--concerning all matters, not just sexuality. (Incidentally, I decided to follow-up this book with Satinover's newly-released The Quantum Brain. If there were any doubts as to his scientific credentials and reputation in the scientific community, this book will surely lay them to rest.)

Now on to the rest of the book. I'm not as big on religion as I was when much younger, but I've always been an avid student of history. While the first half of Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth is devoted to the science and psychology of sexuality, the second half is devoted to the western religious treatment of it. But it's not at all what you'd think: no bible-belt passage-rattling in the least. Instead, Satinover carefully explains--rather in the mode of a patient anthropologist who loves the tribes he's studying--exactly how the strange and archaic formulations of both Old and New Testaments, and surroundimg commentaries, make remarkably good sense when seen through "their" eyes. He shows how a biblical world-view anticipates a keen modern psychological understanding of human nature that in certain respects remains unsurpassed. I came away from these chapters with no greater desire to attend church (or synagogue) than before, but rather humbled even so: There's clearly alot more here than meets the jaundiced, oh-so-modern eye.

There were certain claims that Satinover made, both in the first part and in the second, of which I was dubious: for instance, that no research study cited popularly as having found evidence for the direct genetic transmissibility of homosexuality ever made such a claim, and that the authors themselves acknowledged the weakness of their hoped-for-conclusions. But sure, enough, when I went to the sources, there it was, again and again. (A colleague pointed out some actual errors, but it turns out these were caught and corrected in later reprints.)

In sum, let me second E.L. Patullo, former chair of behavioral sciences at Harvard in calling Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth "...must reading for the millions who, thinking themselves compassionate, have recently come to endorse homosexuality as a legitimate alternative expression of man's sexual nature."

78 of 103 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One gay man for truth October 22, 1999

By Paul Jennens ([e-mail])

Format:Paperback

As an openly gay man having lived in the lifestyle for 12 years, I found Dr. Satinover's book refreshing and poignant. His book reflected an amazing and timely understanding of homosexuality and current gay culture, and its position in our society as a whole. His analysis of the role of religion in this issue is refreshingly objective for such a controversial and emotional subject. This book will challenge the perspective of openly gay people--whether atheist, agnostic, or persons of faith--who honestly answer the questions it poses in their own lives.

86 of 115 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A much-needed balance. A definite must-read. October 9, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

In this book, Dr. Satinover takes the time to address 3 key questions regarding the homosexuality debate (Is it genetic? Is it normal? Can it be changed?). He successfully presents his arguements by analyzing the current research of behaviour geneticists, social scientists, neurologists and other scientific specialists. If anyone cared to follow up on Satinover's sources or even LOOKED at the back of the book to read the number of references made (17 pages in all), one will quickly discover that this is not "quack research" gleaned from hours of surfing the Net. This is compelling, first rate stuff. The first half of the book (which deals with the purely scientific viewpoint) is convincing enough to show that there is a conflict between the realities of gay life and typical media portrayals/gay lobbyist dogma. But Dr. Satinover doesn't stop there; he proceeds to explore the issue from a spiritual/moral/faith-based perspective in the second half. Far from being hostile and hateful, he displays sensitivity to the genuine struggles of those homosexuals who want to break free from their destructive behaviour(s).

I wish that the detractors of this fine book would at least voice their critiques in the same logical, articulate and researched manner as Satinover has done. A reasoned, point-by-point rebuttal would be ideal. Instead, they resort to personal attacks, negative labelling, knee-jerk loathing and fear mongering. In this age of political correctness and soundbite information, somehow I'm not surprised by that reaction.

For those who are seeking a more in-depth, thoughtful look at a current issue; for those who, for the sake of fairness and knowledge, want an alternate view in the homosexual debate; for people of faith and reason...I would highly recommend this book to read. I guarantee you this: whether you love it or hate it, accept it or reject it...you will go away from it being challenged. Maybe even changed.