Rating: 
Summary: Christianity and culture; a question of ethics
Review: 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."
Rating: 
Summary: A Strong Delusion
Review: I was very disappointed. I expected the narrow point of view on sexual orientation, but I did not expect the level of intolerance and hatred the author espouses. I felt the format of the book was to set up paper tigers and then tear them down, without ever taking an honest look at the arguments or point of view of those who disagree with the author. Instead those who disagree are portrayed as sort of bumbling fools whom the author can then disparage and dismiss.
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Summary: Obvious who's who in these reviews
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: It is refreshing to read the truth about this issue
Review: Joe Dallas does a great job of dispelling the myths propagated by pro-gay Christians. The truth is the only thing that will set people free. The Christian pro-gay agenda is a contrived lie that is destroying souls. The misuse of data to substantiate homosexuality is frightening. Joe's love and concern for the souls of homosexuals is what makes this good book a great book. It takes courage to follow Christ. We can't make up the rules as we go along. Joe Dallas is a good author. He will make a good Catholic someday.
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Summary: Silly, empty-headed, and pretentious
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Lighthouse in the Fog
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent work!
Review: Joe Dallas's book A Strong Delusion is an awesome work that exposes the lies, deception and all of the rhetoric that so-called homosexual Christians are desparately trying to sell the public as truth. Because he is an eyewitness to what he writes about, Joe's credibility is spotless. He meticulously walks you through all the weak "arguments" of the progay relgious movement and then masterfully dissects them to show you the reality behind the rhetoric! I truly enjoyed the book and strongly reccomend it to every Christian wanting to understand homosexuality and then practically respond to the avalanche of misinformation being peddled by gay activists! GET IT NOW!!
Rating: 
Summary: Well-written and intended, but ultimately wrong
Review: Joe Dallas, onetime gay man and member of the Metropolitan Community Church, has switched teams and this book tells how his thinking and understanding of Scripture informed his decision to change. A Strong Delusion is well-written and very difficult reading for those of us who know that homosexuality is not a sin, but I heartily recommend it. How can we refute what we don't know? And the truth in love I offer is that ultiamtely, Dallas' newfound beliefs are based on lies, mistranslations, and previously held prejudices held by those who would teach us what the Bible says. For information into the thoughts of the religious right-wing, read this; it's an invaluable education. However, for the truth, try the writings of Daniel Helminiak, Royce Buehler, and others who know that temple prostitution does not equal loving same-sex relationships. And millions of Gay Christians live, love, and worship God with honor and the knowledge that their God-given sexuality is not sin.
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Summary: Sexuality Is More Complicated Than This
Review: The reason why so many right-wing Christians, among others,believe homosexuality is a choice, and thus why it can be"corrected" through religious therapy like this, is because the vast majority of human beings are bisexual to some extent. On this one needs to read the Kinsey Report and other medical reports on sexuality to better comprehend the data. In short, 80% of human beings are bisexual to some degree. If you are one of these people *and* you are religious *and* you wish to fight off same-sex tendencies in your sexualities, this book may offer you some help. HOWEVER, if you are actually in the 10% of human beings or so whose sexuality is 100% gay, then there is absolutely nothing you can do about it--this book nor any other reparative therapy can change that. God made you that way, and your best bet is to address your religious convictions in a gay-friendly atmosphere (which this text is not particularly). So buyer beware: if you are truly 100% gay, you cannot change your orientation, and this book will only make you more unhappy, not less.
Rating:
Summary: Hateful and self-deluded
Review: This is a hateful and ridiculous book whose only serious audience can be bigots.
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