Rating: 
Summary: Worth your time
Review: This is, overall, a fine book, which will serve as a good resource for anyone interested in the issue of homosexuality. Dr. Satinover covers a number of relevant topics, including the genetic argument, the realities of the lifestyle itself, and the possibility of change.I would like to see chapter three, which covers the undesirable nature of the homosexual lifestyle, greatly expanded in future editions, perhaps to several chapters. The importance of looking objectively at what the homosexual lifestyle means to the actual human beings who practice it can't be overemphasized. Hopefully, Dr. Satinover will have more good studies available to choose from in years to come. One argument that might be developed at some point in the book is the argument from the sterility of homosexual acts; in other words, these acts aren't intended by nature for procreation the way the act of heterosexual intercourse is. They thus cannot serve as the foundation of a family. Then, if we accept the traditional Judeo-Christian principle that all moral sex acts must serve the interests of the family, either by procreation or by promoting the marriage bond, all homosexual acts must be seen as immoral. While many other arguments might be seen as leaving some room for exceptions (e.g. not all homosexual acts are physically harmful), this argument applies to all such acts by definition. The second part looks at the human and religious dimension of homosexuality, which rounds out Dr. Satinover's arguments nicely. After all, we are far more than machines that run on data; we are persons with a profound spiritual dimension. This section features some very good chapters about different avenues of change for homosexual people, as well as an interesting discussion on the response of Orthodox Judaism to homosexuality. On the other hand, I have a major disagreement with an idea that undergirds a couple of the chapters in this section - the idea that original sin destroys human nature rather than merely damaging it, so that sin itself becomes "natural" for humans. Polytheistic cultures are thus viewed as necessarily and extremely corrupt. Such global judgments at least need to be backed up with a great deal of hard evidence, which is not provided. A more realistic worldview, coupled with more research, would give these chapters greater credibility and interest. But on the whole, I really liked the book. I would recommend that those interested in this topic ignore all the detractors, who don't back up their blustering "opinions" with any arguments or facts. Enjoy this fascinating and well-presented read!
Rating: 
Summary: A much-needed balance. A definite must-read.
Review: In this book, Dr. Satinover takes the time to address 3 key questions regarding the homosexuality debate (Is it genetic? Is it normal? Can it be changed?). He successfully presents his arguements by analyzing the current research of behaviour geneticists, social scientists, neurologists and other scientific specialists. If anyone cared to follow up on Satinover's sources or even LOOKED at the back of the book to read the number of references made (17 pages in all), one will quickly discover that this is not "quack research" gleaned from hours of surfing the Net. This is compelling, first rate stuff. The first half of the book (which deals with the purely scientific viewpoint) is convincing enough to show that there is a conflict between the realities of gay life and typical media portrayals/gay lobbyist dogma. But Dr. Satinover doesn't stop there; he proceeds to explore the issue from a spiritual/moral/faith-based perspective in the second half. Far from being hostile and hateful, he displays sensitivity to the genuine struggles of those homosexuals who want to break free from their destructive behaviour(s). I wish that the detractors of this fine book would at least voice their critiques in the same logical, articulate and researched manner as Satinover has done. A reasoned, point-by-point rebuttal would be ideal. Instead, they resort to personal attacks, negative labelling, knee-jerk loathing and fear mongering. In this age of political correctness and soundbite information, somehow I'm not surprised by that reaction. For those who are seeking a more in-depth, thoughtful look at a current issue; for those who, for the sake of fairness and knowledge, want an alternate view in the homosexual debate; for people of faith and reason...I would highly recommend this book to read. I guarantee you this: whether you love it or hate it, accept it or reject it...you will go away from it being challenged. Maybe even changed.
Rating:
Summary: The best perspective on homosexuality I have found
Review: This book is extremely well written and the case against pursuing a homosexual lifestyle is extremely well argued. Most importantly, the author makes a very strong distinction between disapproving self-destructive behavior and condemning a person. No one seriously reading this book will come away with anything but compassion for existing homosexuals and disgust with the lies that gay activists use to advance their own agenda.
The book has a very complete summary of all the current research which alone is extremely valuable. The religious arguments, both Christian and Jewish add a complete moral outlook to the medical, psychological and social arguments given in the first part of the book. The only potential critism I could make is that there is possibly a little too much use of biblical quotations in the middle of the book. This book is must reading for anyone interested in knowledge about homosexuality or for that matter the role of morality in society. One of the most informative and thought provoking books I have ever read.
Rating:
Summary: Almost the consummate book on homosexuality
Review: A casual sampling of opinions with regard to the causes of homosexuality will yield a predictable result. Opinions in a large percentage of cases, are shaped not by individual research or study but by the dogma of the "Politically Correct". Dr. Satinovers book puts forth in plain language supported by assiduous research and reasoned conclusions based on that research, the facts being obscured by proponents of homosexuality. For those who want to know for themselves what the scientific truth is with respect to the causes of homosexuality, this book is a must read. The argument that homosexuality is a result of an amoral confluence of genetic influences from the biological parents has been debunked big time. His science is impeccable and that is the irony of this book. It's strength is in the scientific arguments. Less than convincing is Dr. Satinover's moral and theological treatment of the subject. You are left wondering why is God so opposed to homosexuality. After all, with the extent of Dr. Satinover's historical research, which clearly leads to the logical and inescapable conclusion that homosexuality according to Deity is not moral, you would expect him to take the last step and identify the spiritual danger of this wicked practice. One is left believing that even though homosexuality is more than likely a personal choice, if a practitioner is careful and indulges in a medically safe manner, then God is angry with such behavior but you don't know why. The book shows once and for all that the popular opinion on the subject is dominated by an uninformed mob mentality by homosexual proponents who are the neo-holier than thou zealots.
Rating:
Summary: Nobody can call this "Hate speech" with a straight face.
Review: Other people have trashed this book as "hate speech." Reading this book without a political agenda, it is impossible to think that at all. First of all, the author's compassion is quite evident right from the start, when he discusses some of the horrors he has seen AIDS cause. He genuinely wants to help people, whatever their sexual orientation. Second, the author also condemns self-righteous people who deride homosexuality to the exclusion of all other sins. True, the author believes that homosexuality is a sin. If this position is "hate speech" than so is the speech of every person who believes in the Bible. The author disproves those who "challenge" his views as "hate speech" in his acknowledgement that nobody is free of sin, and everyone should look inward before condemning any other sin. The classic "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." Why, then, is he against the practice of homosexuality? Well, aside from the author's religious convictions, he makes a convincing case that homosexuality is really bad for your health (even if you forget about AIDS the list of diseases is long, many can't be prevented even with condom use). But what is to be done? Well, the author makes a pretty effective argument that homosexuality can be reversed in selected highly motivated individuals, much like alcoholism or other addictions. To be sure, homosexuality cannot be defined strictly as an addiction, but his case is borne out by recent developments in science, and by many individuals who have stopped homosexual behavior, and are able to function as married people. Is he right? I don't know. This is what he says. Is it hate speech? Most certainly not. As for his claims, behavioral genetics neurology, and other fields of inquiry will be the final judges. Until such time, to condemn Satinover as a "hate monger" or to prevent his type of research sort of reminds me of what happened to a fellow a couple hundred years ago named Galileo...
Rating: 
Summary: Sad to see a book like this...still.
Review: Regarding the glib, dangerous phrase, "hate the sin, but love the sinner," this is the same sentiment that has always been used in historical Christianity as an institution to rationalize the fear and hatred toward differences that always resulted in death for the sinner. The history of Christianity is a blood-stained history of torturing the sin out of the sinner, of purifying the sinner of his sin by fiery death, of using the same feckless rationalization as that found in "hate the sin, but not the sinner" to finally banish from life those whom it hates and fears because of difference. Homosexuals are today's heretics and witches. We love them but we'll have to banish them from our churches and our institutions. God forbid that gays should stain the "sanctity of marriage." Gays--by divine definition--are a fundamental part of the fallen part of humanity. We should love them, but don't let them stain our own purity. How like a subtle serpent fear and hate creep into our love for the sinner. This kind of thinking lays the groundwork for all manner of modern mahem for the gay person, whether stretched, dying on a fence, or dragged to bloody death on a country highway, or driven to suicide because of the profound sense of loneliness that comes from hateful exclusion in youth. Jeffrey Satinover's unfortunate book is another wolf in sheep's clothing. How sad for today's world.
Rating:
Summary: A well structured and convincing argument
Review: Amidst all the political and social debates raging today, I believe Dr. Satinover is saying something that all of America needs to hear no matter what side of the debate you find yourself on. I believe it is a dishonest and cheap tactic to levy charges of homophobia and bigotry against the people of faith who believe that homosexuality is wrong and abide by the consistent teachings of the Judeo-Christian worldview. Satinover illustrates that it is possible to show compassion and kindness to homosexuals while at the same time not engaging in full-fledged acceptance of their lifestyle. This is the Biblical mandate that all believers are called to and is the quintessential Christian call to "hate the sin, but love the sinner." Unfortunately, many in Christian fundamentalist circles have not heeded this call and are rather harsh and unforgiving when discussing this subject. Satinover presents a convincing argument which states that homosexuality is a product of a myriad of factors including: genetics, intrauterine influences, environment, relationships, and personal choices. To say that homosexuality is 100% genetic as many activist's claim is a false claim, and has not been substantiated by scientific evidence. In fact, the meager scientific studies conducted on twins has illustrated that homosexuality cannot be genetic since in identical twin pairs the results are not 100% in either direction. Nevertheless, it is also unfair and irresponsible to say that homosexuality is simply a choice one makes; To venture in this direction is to make an equally disastrous and false claim as those made by the genetics camp. Moreover, many of the arguments employed by gay activist groups are not scientific at all, but a product of circular reasoning. Arguments such as, we say internal homophobia makes people not want to be homosexual, and people who do not want to be gay are that way because of internal homophobia. Mr. Satinover's remarks that serious scientific research, removed from a political agenda, must be conducted to clarify and enlighten on this issue are very true indeed. I believe all Christians should read this book so that they can understood the complexity and multi-faceted nature of the issue. Likewise, I believe activist's from the opposite spectrum should read this book so that they might understand the Judeo-Christian rejoinder on this subject. Of particular interest is Satinover's detailed analysis of the relationship between homosexuality and pedophilia. As he notes, pedophilia is more common among heterosexuals since they comprise the vast majority of the population, but the behavior itself is more prevalent among homosexuals, who make up a much smaller sector of the populace. Furthermore, the declassification of the paraphilia's as illnesses is the next logical step in the chain once homosexuality is normalized by the medical profession. Sadly, these steps are already being taken because of the efforts of activist groups such as NAMBLA(North American Man Boy Love Association). To the critics who say that Dr. Satinover's research is outdated and new research has disproved his assertions, this claim is hardly true. Examining the bibliography of this book, I found that 75% of Satinover's source material was dated from the 1980's and 1990's, hardly antiquated and irrelevant. Furthermore, since Dr. Satinover wrote this book no one has conclusively found the gay gene, although many have claimed to do so and later been disproven. As the doctor states, research uninfluenced by political agendas and activist desires needs to be conducted because only then will any real conclusive and comprehensive results be achieved.
Rating:
Summary: Why can't we give 0 stars!!
Review: If you have never looked into it before, this book offers a fairly convincing scientific arguement that homosexuality is wrong, the only problem is, for anyone who has done any reasearch on the matter, it is painfully obvious that he is using old data since debunked by the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and numerous other expert sources. Check all the dates on the references he gives. I would suggest reading this book if you are a strict fundamentalist christian or have some particular hatred of gay people. If that describes you this book will make you feel more justified in your opinion and as long as you don't act on that opinion it's good to at least feel good about yourself, just be sure not to read any modern scientific studies on the subject because any study done in the last several decades by any of the most respected names in mental health easily crush this book's weak evidence and show it to be nothing more than an attempt to justify hatred. Which makes sense, since I've alway been told that sin seeks justification, this author (who we note is a medical doctor not a psychologist and sexuality is clearly a psychologist's domain) would find a need to justify his hate (hate, I understand, is a sin).
Rating:
Summary: horrifying
Review: This carefully written, well thought out, but ultimately chilling work lays out in careful scientific detail why gay people should "change" their "lifestyle." Although Satinover goes out of his way to present himself as someone who genuinely cares about gay people and wants to help them, he does not seem to acknowledge their role in their own lives, preferring instead to see them as victims of their own nature. This book is not "objective," "dispassionate," or even "compassionate," as some reviews of this book have submitted. The critical flaw in the author's reasoning is that he takes all the evidence he carefully presents that gay people have a hard time in life and concludes from it that the gay people who suffer -- NOT the society that creates the suffering -- should change. This goes against -- or at the very least does not take into account -- what he himself says in the first part of the book, that gay people do not choose to be so. To his credit, he does offer justification for this argument of the inherent "wrongness" of being gay; however, his logic is couched only in religious beliefs. This fundamental confusion of faith and science is the tragic flaw in this book's otherwise careful reasoning.
Rating: 
Summary: Scientificly weak analysis of treatment for homosexuality
Review: The book makes a good analysis and is an excellent survey of various scientific studies on the causes of homosexuality. Thus, it is an useful mean for having a good understanding and expanded knowledge on what the causes and determinants on homosexuality are (biological, sociological, inherited, developed, etc). However, it does do a similar scientific and objective analysis on the treatments of homosexuality. In the second part of the book, he precipates to early conclusions that do not follow from his previous analysis. In addition, recommendations and "best treatment" does not account for condition or severity differences among homosexual groups, and he, without any scientific rigor, ends just "selling" one type of treatment to all homosexuals. This fact seems to be very unprofessional, unmoral and unscientific, and raises legitimacy issues to his recommendations.
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