When Homosexuality Hits Home: What to Do When a Loved One Says They're Gay [Paperback]

Joe Dallas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2004

The heart-wrenching declaration that a loved one is a homosexual is increasingly being heard in Christian households across America. How can this be? What went wrong? Is there a cure?

In this straightforward book, Joe Dallas offers practical counsel, step by step, on how to deal with the many conflicts and emotions parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters or any family member will experience when learning of a loved one's homosexuality.

Drawing from his own experience and from his many years of helping families work through this perplexing and unexpected situation, Joe offers scriptural and compassionate advice to both struggling gays and those who love them.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joe Dallas, past president of Exodus International, lectures extensively at churches and seminars and directs a biblical counseling practice in Tustin, California. He is the author of Desires in Conflict; The Gay Gospel?; and When Homosexuality Hits Home. His articles have been featured in Christianity Today, Christian Research Journal, and the Journal of the Christian Association of Psychological Studies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (July 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736912010
• ISBN-13: 978-0736912013
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > History
  • #18 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Gender & Sexuality
  • #37 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > Gay & Lesbian

More About the Author

I'm a Christian author, husband and father of two, married to my lovely wife Renee since 1987. We fellowship at Newport Mesa Church in Orange County, CA, and I run a ministry in Tustin, CA, called Genesis Counseling. Most of my writing has focused on sexual issues from a conservative Christian perspective, and since 1987, I've been honored to work with men who want to resolve conflicts between their sexual behavior and their relationship with Christ.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Help for Parents April 1, 2008

By lost in space

Format:Paperback

As a parent, I found this book to be extremely helpful. Mr. Dallas recognizes that each person will make their own decisions. We can't make decisions for them but we can control how we respond to them.

The most meaningful line in the book for me is this: "You may never agree on this issue, but you are committed to not letting this disagreement ruin your relationship." This focused my attitude on what had to happen so that I could live in peace with my child. Mr. Dallas helped me see how I could continue to show love for my child without comprimising my values.

I really liked the practcal advise in this book. There is a chapter on negotiating family boundries. He has some good suggestions for respecting everyones beliefs and comfort. I do not need to constantly tell my child my views on homosexuality; I have already told her. He also instructs us how to ask children about our fears for their lives as a homosexual person such as AIDS, drugs, and promiscuity. These things may or may not be a part of the person's life. It is ok to ask; your fears may be relieved. The book helped me feel more comfortable with asking questions about my child's life.

The book also talks about the possible causes of homosexuality. Is it genetic or environmental? He takes a more balanced aproach to this than most of the information I have read. He basically says that it is likely a combination of both factors.

I felt quite a bit of relief from reading this book. It is in line with my evangelical Christian belief system, but doesn't demand that I change my child. Mr. Dallas shows compassion for the gay person and his/her family members.

This book is directed toward Chrisians with a literal interpretation of the Bible. If you are not in this catagory you may disagree with the book. If you are in pain, because homosexuality conflicts with your Biblical views, it mahy help.

59 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a gift. August 11, 2004

By Anonymous

Format:Paperback

I have really struggled with my thoughts and feelings about how to respond to a loved one who recently announced they were gay. I spent many hours considering how to engage in a way that was both loving and true to my own, strongly held, Christian beliefs.

This book is a real gift for those of us who hear the words, "I'm gay." Joe Dallas is Biblically centered (I believe), sensitive, and steadfast. I found particularly helpful chapters that speak specifically to moms and dads, brothers and sisters, spouses, and extended families.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars must have September 12, 2012

By Chandra Naylor

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you have been told by your child that he/she is gay, are a Christian, are devastated by the news, this book is for you. The author has many years of experience with this subject and presents in a clear, personal, concise format suggestions on what to do and what not to do. Information that is not readily available anywhere else. It is also encouraging to devastated, confused family members. I highly recommend this book.