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A Strong Delusion: Confronting the "Gay Christian" Movement
What is the "gay Christian" movement, and why is it now being accepted as an alternative lifestyle within many churches? Author and counselor Joe Dallas, in a loving and biblical manner, spells out what pro-gay theology is and how to confront it, then examines the believer's personal response and the need for bold love and commitment. He also gives detailed responses to the main scriptural arguments posed by the pro-gay movement, and evaluates the movement's impact on culture and the church.
- GenresSexuality
245 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Joe Dallas
19 books17 followersI'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.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 17, 2024
A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR OF HOMOSEXUALS OFFERS IDEAS
Author Joe Dallas recounts hearing a pastor say in church, “‘Could any of you, in the churches you grew up in, raise your hand in a prayer meeting and say, ‘I’m homosexual and need help; please pray for me’?’ … I had seen people request prayer in church for any number of problems… Yet I’d known people in those same churches who would never have admitted a problem with homosexuality… For that matter, I had heard testimonies… of people overcoming drug addiction, alcoholism, and immorality of all sorts. Except THIS sort. This meant one of two things: either God delivered very few people from homosexuality or, more likely, those who were homosexual were too ashamed or intimidated to admit it… But again, why? Why was homosexuality so unfairly, and unbiblically set apart as ‘the Unpardonable Sin’?” (Pg. 11)
Later, he wonders, “Why the willingness, in this church and so many others, to let pastors or group leaders address such psychologically complex problems as addiction and dependency, while relegating the homosexual issue to ‘professional counselors’?” (Pg. 23)
He states, “There are any number of evil behaviors Jesus did not mention by name; surely we don’t condone them for that reason alone! Likewise, Christ’s silence on homosexuality in no way negates the very specific prohibitions against it which appear elsewhere, in both the Old and New Testaments.” (Pg. 155)
He explains, “I find it useless to argue over whether or not the presence of God can actually be found in gay churches. Instead, it’s best to ask, ‘So what?’ Even if God is present in gay churches, and if His gifts ARE manifest there, does that prove that He condones homosexuality?” (Pg. 160)
He rejects the assertion, “If you are gay, that’s your choice,” and comments, “It is not. No one chooses to be homosexual. People do choose, however, to act on their homosexual desires. Make the distinction and keep it clear.” (Pg. 219)
He recalls, “after intensive therapy and soul searching, I began counseling others who had been in my situation, and was astounded to see how many there were! My work (and my joy) has been in the field---ministry to repentant homosexuals---for eight years now. And during those eight years I have been reminded that if someone as deluded as I was can be brought out of homosexuality, then surely anyone can.” (Pg. 226)
This book may appeal to some ‘traditional’ Christians on this subject.
Author Joe Dallas recounts hearing a pastor say in church, “‘Could any of you, in the churches you grew up in, raise your hand in a prayer meeting and say, ‘I’m homosexual and need help; please pray for me’?’ … I had seen people request prayer in church for any number of problems… Yet I’d known people in those same churches who would never have admitted a problem with homosexuality… For that matter, I had heard testimonies… of people overcoming drug addiction, alcoholism, and immorality of all sorts. Except THIS sort. This meant one of two things: either God delivered very few people from homosexuality or, more likely, those who were homosexual were too ashamed or intimidated to admit it… But again, why? Why was homosexuality so unfairly, and unbiblically set apart as ‘the Unpardonable Sin’?” (Pg. 11)
Later, he wonders, “Why the willingness, in this church and so many others, to let pastors or group leaders address such psychologically complex problems as addiction and dependency, while relegating the homosexual issue to ‘professional counselors’?” (Pg. 23)
He states, “There are any number of evil behaviors Jesus did not mention by name; surely we don’t condone them for that reason alone! Likewise, Christ’s silence on homosexuality in no way negates the very specific prohibitions against it which appear elsewhere, in both the Old and New Testaments.” (Pg. 155)
He explains, “I find it useless to argue over whether or not the presence of God can actually be found in gay churches. Instead, it’s best to ask, ‘So what?’ Even if God is present in gay churches, and if His gifts ARE manifest there, does that prove that He condones homosexuality?” (Pg. 160)
He rejects the assertion, “If you are gay, that’s your choice,” and comments, “It is not. No one chooses to be homosexual. People do choose, however, to act on their homosexual desires. Make the distinction and keep it clear.” (Pg. 219)
He recalls, “after intensive therapy and soul searching, I began counseling others who had been in my situation, and was astounded to see how many there were! My work (and my joy) has been in the field---ministry to repentant homosexuals---for eight years now. And during those eight years I have been reminded that if someone as deluded as I was can be brought out of homosexuality, then surely anyone can.” (Pg. 226)
This book may appeal to some ‘traditional’ Christians on this subject.
December 28, 2011
Care-fronting, a term I learned from author David Augsburger, describes well this book by Joe Dallas. In it, he advocates firm truth with one hand and compassion with the other. At the same time, he models scholarship by generously citing his claims.
Writing to Christians, he is careful to insist on conviction-based decisions, rather than convenience-based. He upholds and defends scriptural authority over personal experience and cultural trends. His knowledge of those trends and experiences are as an insider.
Chapters 3-5 survey the gay rights and the "Gay Christian" movements, at least as far as up to 1995, which leaves the last decade and a half unreported, but there is a newly revised edition of the book that I've not seen.
Chapters 6-11 examine pro-gay theology and the typical arguments given to affirm the idea that it's ok for Christians to be homosexual. But with clear logic and the empathy that only comes from someone who has suffered and struggled, Dallas dismantles each argument.
He ends with advice about ministering to those who struggle with homosexual temptation. The book includes suggested readings to further equip believers for this work.
To those interested in reading this book, I advise getting the newly revised edition, as the one I read is already 15 years old.
Writing to Christians, he is careful to insist on conviction-based decisions, rather than convenience-based. He upholds and defends scriptural authority over personal experience and cultural trends. His knowledge of those trends and experiences are as an insider.
Chapters 3-5 survey the gay rights and the "Gay Christian" movements, at least as far as up to 1995, which leaves the last decade and a half unreported, but there is a newly revised edition of the book that I've not seen.
Chapters 6-11 examine pro-gay theology and the typical arguments given to affirm the idea that it's ok for Christians to be homosexual. But with clear logic and the empathy that only comes from someone who has suffered and struggled, Dallas dismantles each argument.
He ends with advice about ministering to those who struggle with homosexual temptation. The book includes suggested readings to further equip believers for this work.
To those interested in reading this book, I advise getting the newly revised edition, as the one I read is already 15 years old.
May 9, 2012
A compassionate but unwavering approach outlining the historical evolution of the "gay Christian" movement from a former gay man. He emphasizes the need to both embrace the struggling gay Christian and to hold fast to true biblical principles condemning the act. It's worth the read to be better informed about some of the pro- and con- arguments of either side.
January 30, 2013
Great book! This book was written from a guy who lived in this movement for about 5 years. Incredible testimony! He gives a great analysis and biblical response to the "gay Christian" movement.
April 25, 2016
I actually like this version better than the 2nd edition
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews