The Gay Agenda: Talking Back to the Fundamentalists

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive look at fundamentalists arguments
Review: The Gay Agenda by Jack Nichols is a comprehensive review of not only the religious fundamentalists argument against gay rights and contention that there is a "gay agenda", but also a valid argument against it. Nichols successfully, in my opinion, tears apart the arguments of the fundamentalists, by stating each of their claims and then argues why they are invalid.
Other good parts of the book include Nichols careful analysis of our societies views of the sexes, the autonomous self, and ends with a self integration proclamation that advises everyone to look not only at homosexuality as one part of the sexual continuum, but also how we need to be a society that is inclusive, not exclusive.
Nichols definitely has a love for poet Walt Whitman, and uses his words often throughout his book, devoting an entire chapter to his ideals.
The only problem I have with this book is in the beginning. Nichols leans on the preachy side of gay rights, which is exactly what fundamentalists do: preach. While I believe strongly in Nichols argument, I felt that he was a bit repetitive at times.
I enjoyed this book immensely, and feel that it presents the views of fundamentalists thoroughly. This book is a good tool not only to learn about their major points, but also to learn about how to combat those arguments.

Rating:
Summary: Reviewing the Gay Agenda
Review: The Religious Right's attack on homosexuality has been one of the largest obstacles in obtaining equal rights for lesbians and gay men. Fundamentalist claims of a "gay agenda" seeking "special rights" prey (and pray) on people's fears of homosexuality as an attack on morality and an undermining of traditional family values. In his book - "The Gay Agenda," Jack Nichols exposes the critical flaws in the religious right's attacks and how the lesbian and gay community can win against fanaticism.

Nichols begins with a critique on fundamentalist interpretation of Christianity and illustrates the absurdity of a completely literal translation of the bible. For example, an order to stone disobedient children should be followed with as much enthusiasm as fundamentalist treatment of homosexuality. Of course, it is not. Nichols also goes on to illustrate how homophobia and its underlying sexism hurts all people, not merely lesbians and gay men.

The main criticism of "The Gay Agenda" is that it does not offer any positive contributions of religion or religious authorities to the advancement of lesbian and gay rights. A clear line needs to be made with those who are religious and those who are religious fanatics. Gay and lesbian friendly churches can be a major ally to the lesbian and gay communities through their broad-based community involvement and their influence on perceptions of family values and morality.

That being said, "The Gay Agenda" is a quick but informative read about a major roadblock in the advancement of gay and lesbian rights. Let's hope that it gets to mainstream America!

Rating:
Summary: Reviewing the Gay Agenda
Review: The Religious Right's attack on homosexuality has been one of the largest obstacles in obtaining equal rights for lesbians and gay men. Fundamentalist claims of a "gay agenda" seeking "special rights" prey (and pray) on people's fears of homosexuality as an attack on morality and an undermining of traditional family values. In his book - "The Gay Agenda," Jack Nichols exposes the critical flaws in the religious right's attacks and how the lesbian and gay community can win against fanaticism.

Nichols begins with a critique on fundamentalist interpretation of Christianity and illustrates the absurdity of a completely literal translation of the bible. For example, an order to stone disobedient children should be followed with as much enthusiasm as fundamentalist treatment of homosexuality. Of course, it is not. Nichols also goes on to illustrate how homophobia and its underlying sexism hurts all people, not merely lesbians and gay men.

The main criticism of "The Gay Agenda" is that it does not offer any positive contributions of religion or religious authorities to the advancement of lesbian and gay rights. A clear line needs to be made with those who are religious and those who are religious fanatics. Gay and lesbian friendly churches can be a major ally to the lesbian and gay communities through their broad-based community involvement and their influence on perceptions of family values and morality.

That being said, "The Gay Agenda" is a quick but informative read about a major roadblock in the advancement of gay and lesbian rights. Let's hope that it gets to mainstream America!

Rating:
Summary: Religious Right is not Right in the Head !
Review: This book illustrates what I already knew from experience in being married to a Promisekeeper. The whole order of their thinking is male dominance, specifically sexual usage of women, so the gay order infuriates them, since it depowers the man. Anyone female who has lived among the relgious right has to give up education, jobs and serve her man with the church. Gays are a threat to that, since it basically means equality for all people regardless of gender. Also, the relgious right has many divorces, unstable homes and has no right to Judge happy gay couples when religious right women live in misery.