Light in the Closet: Torah, Homosexuality, and the Power to Change [Paperback]

Arthur Goldberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 2009

Book

Product Details

• Paperback: 575 pages
• Publisher: Red Heifer Pr (January 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963147897
• ISBN-13: 978-0963147899
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,060,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Arthur Goldberg is co-director both of JONAH (Jews Offering New Alternatives to Healing), a non-profit international organization dedicated to educating the world-wide Jewish community about the social, cultural and emotional factors which lead to same-sex attractions, and the Jonah Institute of Gender Affirmation (www.jonahweb.org). Since co-founding the organization nearly a dozen years ago, through psychological and spiritual counseling, peer support, and self-empowerment, he has helped reunify families, heal the wounds surrounding homosexuality and provided hope.

Dr. Goldberg's book, Light in the Closet: Torah, Homosexuality and the Power to Change is a widely acclaimed book in the Jewish world on the topic. He has a J.D. degree from Cornell University and has been recognized as a Board Certified Professional Counselor and a Certified Relationship Specialist by the American Psychotherapy Association.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Eye-opening January 20, 2009

By A Struggler

Format:Paperback

There are many people (and I am one of them) for whom same sex attractions are an unwanted feature of life in that they incline us to a behavior that is inconsistent with our moral values. My experience in talking about these attractions with therapists has been to be told in a condescending manner that I need to learn to accept these attractions and consequent behavior as part of who I am. It is my beliefs and feelings about these attractions, my moral values, that are the real problem. I am deeply indebted to Arthur Goldberg for standing up and defending my right to seek healing and for shedding some light on the journey to wholeness.

Light in the Closet does an excellent job in explaining how we got into the morally confusing situation that we are in today with respect to same sex attractions and in showing the perils to which we are exposing our children with premature and provocative sex education. Goldberg does a thorough job in drawing out the biblical arguments against homosexual acts and at times I got lost in the details of the argumentation. But his discussion of the path to wholeness is extremely helpful. Unlike some religious writers, his approach is very compassionate and non-condemning as he outlines some concrete and effective steps that can be taken by those who would undertake the journey to healing. I found the personal testimonies towards the end to be very encouraging.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who lives with unwanted same sex attractions and to all those who care enough to support them in their struggle.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope and Healing January 22, 2009

By D. High

Format:Paperback

Having struggled to communicate with a family member who has chosen a homosexual lifestyle and distanced himself from family, I found this book to be a real eye-opener. It is well-researched, well-documented, and offers a very common-sense approach - a healing for the whole person (body, mind and spirit). Sadly, this healing is actually being hindered and not fostered in many people today, as Mr. Goldberg documents. But he also gives me hope: there is healing available for those who seek it, as thousands have! The information he provides builds confidence and understanding and will help open lines of communication. The scariest thing to me as a parent is that this hope is not being publicized and just the opposite is being taught to my children in public school. This book is a must read for every parent! Shine the light of truth on this subject - read this book and share it with as many as you can.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Courageous and well-documented December 22, 2008

By LT

Format:Paperback

This is a troublesome subject in light of the sociological aspects of creating a 'victim class' out of what has been acknowledged by gay activists as high risk behavior.

Mr. Goldberg breaks the subject matter down into clear and understandable points; how we got here; what the Bible says on the issue; and how the psychological community is -or isn't - "helping" patients who are tormented and are seeking help. We also learn what is being taught to our children in schools across the country on the subject.

Goldberg shares a tremendous hope here. The book is a refreshing look at the subject, and is very well worth the money. You can read some of the rave reviews at Red Heifer Press.