The Gay Gospel?: How Pro-Gay Advocates Misread the Bible

Yes, buy the book, and do all you can do to help your children. This was in response to another review by a self-confessed "counselor", but as a mother of a practicing homosexual son, I would encourage parents, to not give up, (or give in), instead, endure. Continue to love and pray for them. Get information (good Biblical info). Be careful who gives you information. Sometimes we would rather believe a lie in order to feel more comfort with our children's situation. This is a spiritual battle.In response to the "counselor's" review: I notice you used the word 'wickedness' to describe the Biblical principle that you say is 'destructive and harmful'. The Bible says in Isaiah 5:20, Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. In Genesis, it clearly states that the men that committed sodomy were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. It also says in Leviticus, If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. The Bible also says in (along with may other places such as Rom 1) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters, nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God?Again I notice you used another Biblical phrase (wolf in sheep's clothing) to accuse those who stand by the Word of God, calling it 'spiritual and emotional abuse'. Actually in Matthew 7, the referral of wolves in sheep's clothing is about those who teach or prophesy things that are against the truth, against the Word of God.I would like to say, as a mother of 8, that I have first hand knowledge of the harm homosexuality causes those who practice it. As a person who has seen friend's die because of the pursuit of this lifestyle. My oldest who has chosen to PRACTICE homosexuality, (notice it is about practicing it) that I have seen his life spiral into devastation. He now has HIV. My son, my baby... has been a victim of emotional and spiritual abuse. By the worse kind of perpetrator. The enemy, the devil, the father of lies, who will tell you a lie, who will use the scripture to try to twist the lie into what sounds like truth. As he did from the beginning of time, when he twisted God's word with Eve. If you don't believe the Word of God to be true, you will have to take it up with the Lord. And you will one day, face to face, and you will then see fully and clearly. Hopefully, it won't be too late for you or someone else, or for your daughter, who I am sure you love, as I do my children. A friend will tell you the truth as I believe these books are trying to do. The wounds of a friend are faithful, the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

This is a book that got many things right but failed in one crucial area. As an introduction to a traditional viewpoint on homosexuality it's very useful and could prepare the reader to grapple with the most complex arguments presented by Gagnon. It's two great strengths are its scripture based approach (which was used to skillfully demolish the less convincing arguments promoted by the Gay Christian lobby) and it's account of the historical origins and colorful personalities involved in the American strand of pro-Gay Christianity. Adding extra interest to these accounts is the fact that Dallas played a highly active role in the development of this movement. As a historical source it would have some use. Also shining through is the author's honesty. He is very aware of his own past failing and he is wise enough to avoid falling into the kind of elephant traps that many Conservative Christians fall into. This is demonstrated in chapter 14 which give a lot of wise advice on how to respond (and not respond) to the issue of homosexuality in the Church. Arguably this was his most helpful chapter and on a stand alone basis would have merited five stars. So why did this this book tumble to three stars?Curiously enough this was because of a failure in empathy. This was in spite of the fact that Dallas had been a very active and promiscuous participant in the Gay Christian Scene. Present in some of writing was a coldly disapproving tone of the reformed sinner. This could deter those Christian readers who are on the fringes of adopting a same-sex lifestyle. It's almost as if Dallas had to so detach himself from his past life that he lost any sense of empathy for those still engaged in it. This by far was the most frustrating feature of his book. Also when one contrasts his testimony with that of Justin Lee in his book 'Torn' one wonders whether Dallas had misdiagnosed his own sexuality. My own extensive dialogue with members of the Gay Christian scene would suggest that he had been a promiscuous bi-sexual with a commitment problem (which he honestly owned up to on p.240) rather then someone with an exclusively same-sex orientation. This would explain his failure to address the question 'what should you do when the only options open appear to be a dangerous promiscuity, a mentally destructive celibacy or an attempt to form a stable same sex relationship?' The effects of the fall means that for many their same-sex orientation is so strong that it's not going to go away this side of eternity. Here, the example of Paul's thorn in the flesh comes to mind, (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Dallas' failure to address these issues in any degree of depth represents a missed opportunity.Overall, Dallas' book represents both the strengths and weaknesses of the Conservative Christian position on homosexuality. Nevertheless, it does provide a useful introduction to a controversial subject and would be helpful to those approaching it for the first time. A borderline 3/4 star rating would be the fairest result.

this book includes summary conversations on how to speak with others about the subject. Great guide!

This book was exactly what I had been looking for. The Pro-gay movement within Christianity can be both aggressive and convincing if we do not take time to thoroughly understand the argument. Dallas himself was involved in homosexuality, and speaks very plainly about the delusion of our time. Churches are actually accepting pro-gay theology, despite the Bible being very clear on this matter. Equip yourself with the knowledge you need to understand your brothers and sisters who are struggling with homosexuality in a time where even Christians have been blinded and are accepting of this sin. Believe it or not, there is another way to view this issue than from the typical uneducated fundamentalist or accepting liberal perspectives. Learn the argument. Love your neighbor as yourself. Call sin what it is. Repent and move on, leaning on the Word and your brothers and sisters. Be obedient to the Lord, who loved you first. God bless you and keep you :)

Here - at last - is a book that is honest, true to the Bible, thoughtful, deep, well-researched, considerate and readable. I would heartily recommend it.

Great book to answer a lot of questions without an agenda. Great insight on the history of the gay movement and how to better understand people who struggle with this issue. Not a quick read but easy to understand.

I wk uld recommend this book to all Christians who are concerned about the increasing acceptance of homosexuality in churches.

I enjoyed the autobiographical beginning to the book. The his apologetic approach became less interesting - almost as though he is still trying to convince himself.

Excellent book should be read by all for better understanding into the problems