Customer Reviews

A Strong Delusion

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I read this book after the issue of homosexuality came up in the Bible study group I lead.

The issue of sexuality is a difficult one. I first heard about the author and the book on an American radio show called, "The Bible Answerman," and thought, "This is just what I'm looking for.

Dallas begins with his personal testimony and then an exposition of contemporary comments from secular gay leaders and gay Christian leaders. Next, he goes over the history of the movements; both secular and Christian. After that, he goes in specific argumentation on three broad categories; sociological/scientific, generic religious, and Christian/Biblical.

Some of his points that really deserve to be underscored. 1. The distinction between identity and behavior The pro-gay movement has succeeded in welding these two together but it really makes no sense. I mean imagine applying to another category of sin, let's say murder. Can you imagine someone saying, "I kill people for fun! It is part of who I am, man!"

2. Homophobia and effects of the conservative position

Dallas points out that disagreeing with a person's behavior does not mean fearing or hating that person.

3. Supposed scientific evidence confirming homosexuality is biologically determined.

Dallas outlines most of the major studies commonly cited by those holding to the pro-gay position and shows that they are at worst, false and at best, inconclusive. Dallas also makes the point that behavior x being genetically influenced/determined does not make x moral.

Dallas finishes by saying that the Church (not a specific denomination but Christians in general) have failed in trying to reach out to homosexuals. He says the Church has also failed trying to help repentent homosexuals. Dallas finishes his book by saying that Christians must recognize that biblical sexual ethics are absolute and clear but we must help those stuck in sin and a quote from a pastor is particularly appropriate here. "My message to the homosexual is: We love you. Come and struggle with us against sin . Don't give in to it."

The author, formerly homosexual and now happily married with children, lends powerful doses of credibility and authority to the issue -- both through his own story of torment, temptation and ultimate salvation, and through his considerable scriptural research. Combining that with a keen media awareness and his inside experience in a major "gay" church, he lists and then convincingly demolishes all the common arguments by which some Christians excuse homosexual behaviors as unsinful and even God-given. He reveals holes in Mel White's and other liberal theological interpretations that are big enough to fly a 747 through, by using his own exegeses of original-language text and those of other Biblical scholars, whose references are duly cited. In a clear, well-organized and persuasive writing style, the author:

=== Strips away the facade of popular slogans, catchy rhetoric and selective Biblical interpretations used by "gay Christian" activists;

=== Strongly emphasizes the innate nature of same-sex attraction -- it is not a choice, any more than an innate predisposition to any other condition;

=== Encourages compassion and love toward for those with same-sex attraction;

=== Properly denounces hateful acts and thoughts as unworthy of Jesus' loving legacy;

=== Offers hope, advice, spiritual resources and encouragement for those who are struggling with their religious identities and same sex attractions, and for parents, family and friends of those in that position.

A lot of hatred and resentment exists for no good reason on *both* sides of this issue; and those on *both* extremes who carry that hatred will never read this book in full. However, anyone who cares about this issue with an open mind -- no matter their orientation or opinion -- should read it word for word, start to finish. Even those deeply entrenched in the "gay Christian" ideology should read this, in the name of tolerance and respect for others' ideas. One may even come away with a healthy measure of skepticism about the beliefs he or she has developed.

As a man who worked for 10 years as an ICU RN, many times caring for AIDS patients, and who now works as a biblical scholar and theologian, I highly recommend this book. The issue of homosexuality and Bible interpretation is often a tough one with people dividing into polarized camps. People often quarrel about the meaning of ancient Greek or Hebrew words and fail to see that people today are suffering and dying. This book offers an insider's view of the "gay" church movement and the gay advocate positions. This book also offers clear teaching about the different views each side has and why one may be drawn toward either end. I believe that this book will offer hope and healing toward people who have sometimes been shunned or castigated. Yes this work takes the Bible seriously and accurately, but that means that everyone is in one camp. We are all sinners saved by God's grace, through Jesus. This book is well worth the money, if you are brave enough and open minded enough and ready to see reality.

If you see 4 or 5 stars, you're reading a conservative review. If you see 1 star, you are reading a review by a gay or pro-gay individual. There is one exception--the person who said this is good reading but wrong and it is important to know what "the opposition" is saying. At least that person knows if a book is well written. It is obvious that no matter what anyone says, people with strong opinions are not likely to change their minds. If you want to read a good book which argues that homosexuality is not okay in the sight of God, but also gives ideas on how the church should respond, then read this book. If you are pro-gay, or gay, then more than likely you will not like this book b/c it will tell you that you are wrong. Take the reviews here with a grain of salt--especially the ones that are written in obvious anger!

Before I read this book, I had many questions concerning homosexuality, especially since being Christian, I have seen the bigoted and hateful attitudes many others of my faith harbor to those who engage in this lifestyle.

The book first piqued my curiosity when I noticed it in my church library. When I finally purchased it, I was overwhelmed at the vast amount of clear, concise, and compassionate information Mr. Dallas has given us concerning homosexuality, misconceptions in the realm of genetics, philosophical mentality, and scripture, as well as how to spot and reply to these. Along with this, it also stresses the proper attitudes of love to have toward homosexuals, and presents its information in an uncomplicated, clear, concise way, and in a compassionate tone that supporters of the acceptability of homosexuality will have a difficult time refuting, both in the book's content and the author's character. The many negative reviews of this book are proof enough: a great deal of accusations and name-calling, but as of yet, no valid rebuttals.

Mr. Dallas deserves high praise for this book, for it is the perfect source that offers clear, intellectually and biblically-based answers to questions by Christians in search of means to respond to the pro-gay agenda, or a good first-step for the searching soul who seeks to end their own homosexual lifestyle. All information herein is presented in a non-bigoted, and non-condemning tone, and most importantly, it is written by a former homosexual who knows what he is talking about. Make the decision to read it with an open mind.

Joe Dallas sees through the deceptive smokescreens which liberal theologians use to justify their own pernicious agenda. Dallas shows clearly that when God's law and people's own desires contradict each other, people have a choice to make: they can either change their behavior to conform to God's law, or they can attempt to change God's law in order to justify their behavior. Dallas reveals how ...gayChristians... ...have unfortunately chosen the latter. This book examines an especially poignant example of how heresies survive by the truths they retain, and how the courting of heresy can eventually lead people to believe that black is white and white is black, that good is evil and evil is good.

...Although Dallas is firm in his adherence to Biblical truth and authority, he is likewise firm in his criticism of Christians who would prefer to sweep this entire issue under the rug and pretend like it doesn't exist... Those Christians who struggle with this need compassion, love, and support from the church to help them in their fight. Alienation of these members only intensifies their spiritual dilemma and does more to drive them away than it does to help them back into the fold.

Joe Dallas has found the right balance between truth and compassion, a balance which he gained after honestly examining his own life and mustering the courage to put his faith in God's power to heal. For anyone struggling with this in their own personal life, or for anyone who is just interested in this issue, this book is well-written and insightful.

A STRONG DELUSION BY JOE DALLAS.

THIS BOOK, WRITTEN BY AN EX-GAY MAN, WILL NOT BE COMFORTABLE READING FOR MANY PEOPLE. GAYS WILL BE UPSET BECAUSE IT TAKES THEIR ARGUMENTS APART FROM THE INSIDE AND SHOWS THE FALLACIES. RABID ANTI-GAYS WILL NOT LIKE IT BECAUSE EVEN WHILE CONDEMNING HOMOSEXUAL SEX, THE BOOK MAINTAINS A CONSISTENT LOVE AND SYMPATHY TOWARDS THE GAYS THEMSELVES. SOME OF US IN THE MIDDLE WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE BECAUSE WE ARE ASKED TO RELATE SYMPATHETICALLY TO GAY PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY IN OUR CHURCHES. WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT GAYS CAN BE CHRISTIAN, EVEN WHILE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR HOMOSEXUAL FEELINGS AND LIFESTYLE. MANY GAYS HAVE SOUGHT REFUGE IN THE GAY CHURCHES BECAUSE THEY HAD NOWHERE ELSE TO GO. IF CHRIST'S CHURCH CAN WELCOME ANYONE, IT MUST BE ABLE TO WELCOME EVERYONE. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT EVERYONE'S BEHAVIOR IS ACCEPTABLE, BUT THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES ARE MOST DEFINITELY WELCOME. WE MUST BE ABLE TO SEPARATE HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR FROM THE HOMOSEXUAL PERSON. A LOVING, WELCOMING COMMUNITY OF FAITH WAS NECESSARY FOR GETTING JOE DALLAS ON THE ROAD AWAY FROM HOMOSEXUALITY. IF MORE CHURCHES WOULD OFFER SUCH A LOVING, WELCOMING COMMUNITY, MORE GAYS MIGHT CHOOSE THAT ROAD.

ALAN@PROAXIS.COM

An excellent book that clearly shows the deceptive theology of liberal theologians. What a powerful testimony written by a former practicing homosexual and former pastor of a "gay" church. Required reading for all Christians, especially those within denominations where the topic of homosexual relations and "gay marriage" is a divisive issue up for debate. This book exposes the many myths and arguments by pro-homosexual lifestyle activists and gives hope to those struggling with homosexual tempations. Written with true compassion and love, in intelligent yet simple explanations. Great Reading and Information.

Before getting onto the review I should first make it clear that I am a pro-homosexual writer. I support both *identifying* as homosexual and homosexual marriages.

Joe Dallas, on the other hand, is opposed to both gay sex (even in marriage) and to identifying as homosexual.

Despite some obvious disagreements, I actually enjoyed reading his book. The main thing that bothered me was the repeated suggestion that gay Christians should change into heterosexuals. Most (if not all) cannot change and many that try end up with severely damaged psyches. Even many of those who claim to have acquired heterosexual desires still admit that they have lingering homosexual desires.

But on the flip side Dallas is sincere, compassionate, easy to understand and helpful to pro-gay theologians by refuting some of the weaker pro-gay arguments.

Some have accused him of attacking the weakest sheep in the herd. But when his book came out most pro-gay writers were citing work by Boswell and his contemporaries. Dallas rightly pointed out that Boswell's books were seriously flawed in many of their specific points and methods.

Something Dallas may want to reconsider, though, is his argument regarding bias. He said Boswell was biased because he was gay. Dallas also disputed Boswell's credentials by pointing out that he was a historian and not a linguist or scholar of Biblical languages. But Dallas is equally guilty of both bias and a lack of credentials. He's a former president of EXODUS and a family therapist, but NOT a linguist or scholar.

I'm not sure how helpful it is to point out a theologian's or historian's bias anyway. It's different from a scientist who publishes a study or paper but has a financial conflict of interest. The latter needs to be pointed out since the study could be fraud. But if a theologian's bias is causing him to make bad arguments then it should be easy to refute those arguments. Simply pointing out bias does not constitute a rebuttal.

At any rate, all pro-gay writers should read Dallas' book because it will force them to re-think some of their arguments, which is a very good thing.

Do you wonder how homosexuals can reconcile their practices with Christianity? How many times have you been on a message board or forum and had a gay person argue that homosexuality isn't wrong? Joe Dallas is an ex-gay who went through the whole Gay Christian movement. He knows all the arguments they use and how to debunk them. While most of us from Scripture can easily see that homosexuality is a sin, like adultery, like fornication, or anything else, Joe talks about the context of the passages and the Greek words used, making the arguments against homosexuality even more convincing. If you wonder what to say when someone says the Bible doesn't condemn homosexuality, this is the book for you.

Joe also does a great job of taking gay social arguments or general religious arguments and debunking them. For instance, the myth that 1 in 10 people are gay is disspelled. He has first hand experience with the other side, so his insights are all the more powerful.

Joe finally does a really good job of telling the Church what not to do when confronting the gay theological movement. He also identifies what things you should do when engaged in a discussion. Joe does warn the church of their attitude towards homosexuals, but still says that we need to tell the truth about the subject matter. This should be a handbook when discussing theologians who say homosexuality is not wrong. I use this all the time on message boards and forums. Excellent.