Customer Reviews

Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(26)

 

 

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."

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.

This book is an excellent resource for Christians. While Santinover quotes from professional research studies (most compelling to me are the results of a identical twin study) in dispelling the "gay gene" theory, he manages to evoke a balanced and compassionate understanding of homosexuals and the reasons for their lifestyle.
He offers Christians a fresh perspective that will encourage us to reach out with love and care without compromising Biblical values and Truth.

Despite being 15 years since publication, "Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth" still is an excellent read to help understand the rise of same-sex attraction and it's political power in our current culture. Highly recommended.

Many of us have tried to understand homosexuality through the Zeitgheist of our religious training or teachings. This provides in unfiltered, unpackaged (unless you consider the ultimate conclusions from a medical perspective packagking) and a historical understanding of the socio-political game that is being played by the Homosexual movement led by our very own psychiatric professionals. (Note: I have always believed that a large portion of the individuals who go into psychiatry are themselves their primary patient.) It is interesting to find that Mein Kampf was the book that inspired the current state of acceptance by the psychiatric profession. I don't want to go into too much detail here, but I can only say this: I have loaned this book to so many legal professionals and scientific experts with whom I have worked over the years that I am continually buying a new volume for my library. They in turn loan it to someone else and on and on. It has been well received by all whom it has been lent and even a few have returned it, only to ask if they could keep it a little longer so that their wife or associate could read it.

Homosexuality, in our society, has become an onion and Dr. Satinover peals away each layer, one by one, revealing the core without the religious overtones which currently our society seems to find so offensive that they would put the book down and call Dr. Satinover a nazi. It is a timely book, juxtaposed in our current (and ever manipulated) zeitgheist. I highly recommend this book not because homosexuality is so interesting (because it isn't), but because like it or not it is a current issue for so many people who don't have enough on their plate to worry about and this book is so informative that you will be able to speak intelligently on the subject after reading it. Buy it, its a good read.

To all of you homosexuals out there who are full of fear and loathing, I say: God Bless all of you and I pray that God will give you peace and comfort in your hour of need. Those of us who are not homosexual don't hate you, we simply search for understanding of conduct that is otherwise inexplicable and so foreign to us that it evades our understanding.

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.

I read this book -- twice. It is worth reading. You may not agree with it, you may not like it, but you will NOT leave it feeling you've read something penned by a lightweight: Satinover is a heavyweight through and through. That the majority (if not the totality) of the negative reviews here do not proffer a reasoned challenge to even one of Satinover's main points is quite telling. (Surely Satinover, like any of us, cannot be right about everything. But even if 50% of this book is tripe, which is impossible, the remainder would still represent a major challenge to the zeitgeist.)

Just make a deal with yourself. Tell yourself to keep an open mind; in other words, tell yourself to keep a scientific mind, one open to doubt and inquiry. Anyone who tells you that "science" has "settled" a matter does not know science: science is always challenging its own conclusions. Satinover not only knows this, he embodies it: his conclusions about the biogenesis of homosexuality are broad and fair. He does not land on some simple theory or fact; he gives broad attention to the many influences that form the human spirit, soul and mind. Seriously, any person who concludes that the issues of identity and sexuality are COMPLEX is a person worth listening to.

Moreover, he does not reach easy and populist conclusions. For instance, it is thoroughly pop, even faddish, to suggest that because a characteristic is genetic it is ipso facto irresistible or desirable. Satinover is not given to such lazy and easy conclusions; he even rejects the very premise that behavior is CAUSED by one's genes. His methodology is that of a scientist, not of a populist. And he is hardly a politician.

Lastly, his challenge to Christians to rethink their approach to homosexuality is sure to rile the hard-liners on the far right. In fact, this book offers challenges on nearly every page. You will learn something, I promise. Besides, it is worth reading this book just to get to Satinover's concluding chapter. Brilliant.

(Also, let me say that Satinover as scientist and philosopher is a true friend of humanity and freedom, for he denies the mechanistic view of the human brain, and hence strikes a blow at determinism. Satinover believes in free will: he refuses to accept -- and does so on scientific and philosophic grounds -- that we each MUST ACT according to our genetic makeup. He denies that we are prisoners of our genes, at least insofar as genes influence behavior. Anyone who believes in freedom will find this aspect of Satinover's work refreshing. And any shrewd reader will note that it is the propagandists who deny this essential freedom; who deny that we are truly free to be changed, to be healed, to be something other.)

Peace.

I have read just about everything there is on the subject pro and con. After years of seeing both sides, from the inside out, Dr. Satinover is the first author that really knows what he's talking about. He pulls no punches, speaks from experience, is very familiar with the literature--and with all the stuff slung by both sides out of ignorance or political expediency. If you're an outsider looking in, read this book for a balanced, authoritative, serious overview. If you're an insider and ever wondered if it's possible to get out--read this book and understand how, why it's hard, and why you've been told and are telling yourself it's not.

AS a social worker who has worked with countless children, youth, and families I can certainly tell you that their are far more dysfunctional aspects to the homosexual lifestyle and its impact on children than is being repored in the media. Homosexuality is not genetic as has been proven by countless twins studies that have shown otherwise.

This book is well researched by an expert in the field of medicine, psychiatrity , and years of working with many gays and lesbians...the charges of bigotry are unfounded and troubling. Moreover, what is more troubling is the political pressure being applied by gay activists groups throughout the world to have science and medical findings altered to suit their lifestyle. More people need to demand inquiry into this most important moral and political issue of our times.

Homosexuality is a subject which I have read a great deal about, having some friends who are homosexual and others who are bisexual. I have had difficulty buying into the idea that, that is a "gay gene" and that is all there is to it. The person is born to be gay; they have had gay fantasies all of their lives; and they are simply behaving in accordance with the way that God made them. Given that some people have become successfully reoriented refutes this claim; and studies even done by homosexual groups refute this claim. For instance, a study of identical twins where one twin is homosexual; 50% of the other twins are homosexual. This is a much higher percentage than is found in families with a homosexual member; and a higher percentage than found in fraternal twins. Therefore, there must be a genetic component--that is undeniable. However, since only 50% of their twin siblings are homosexual, that means that genetics (and family environment) is not a determining factor.

On the other hand, there is the view that homosexual acts are simply a matter of free will and they just need to stop it. The study cited above indicates that there is more to this than a simple free will choice. Furthermore, some, like myself, are not at all tempted by homosexual activity; and that feels inate to me. So, my point in all of this is, it is simply not a simplistic issue with simplistic answers.

Dr. Satinover addresses homosexuality as the complex issue that it is, examines the studies, examines the pyschology, examines the case history records, and presents what appears to be a very accurate picture of who and what homosexuals are.

Now, if you are overly simplistic in nature, and you are the type who would carry a sign, "Homosexual, you are going to hell" or if you are the kind who says, "God made me this way, and that is that" then Satinover's book won't be for you. His reasoning, his examination of the studies, his positions are going to be too complex for you. If, on the other hand, you have an interest in this topic, no matter what your presuppositions are, you are going to find this book to be a fascinating read.

Now Satinover does deal with homosexuality and the Bible in some chapters. If this is not your cup of tea, then you can skip over these chapters and still not lose his train of thought or his reasoning. On the other hand, Satinover does touch on passages in the Bible which, in times past, have not been well-explained, and his approach is quite enlightening on certain passages of Scripture (e.g., Rom. 1:24).

I have done a lot of reading in this area and have several books which deal with homosexuality. I have visited several websites, both pro and con homosexual behavior, and have read their reasons for their positions. None of those logical excursions really resulted in me feeling as though I understood what was going on and what the issues are. Satinover's book is quite the opposite. Now I feel as though I have a much better understanding of my homosexual brethren.

One final point: Many "Christian" websites which deal with this issue leave you with a vague feeling of moral superiority over homosexuals (if you are not a homosexual) and the feeling that, if you are a homosexual, "It's too bad for you, but we will pray for you anyway." Satinover does not leave this sort of taste in your mouth at any point in his book, even when dealing with the Bible.

In an arena where there are high stakes and tremendous emotional issues involved, Dr. Satinover presents the most objective book that I have ever read on this subject.