Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth

by Jeffrey Satinover

Book Overview

Psychiatrist Jeffrey Satinover examines recent research reported in medical journals (and the popular press). He finds many of these studies flawed and cites evidence that homosexuality is indeed... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080105625X
• ISBN13: 9780801056253
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Baker Books
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Simply Excellent

I read this book -- twice. It is worth reading. You may not agree with it, you may not like it, but you will NOT leave it feeling you've read something penned by a lightweight: Satinover is a heavyweight through and through. That the majority (if not the totality) of the negative reviews here do not proffer a reasoned challenge to even one of Satinover's main points is quite telling. (Surely Satinover, like any of us, cannot be right about everything. But even if 50% of this book is tripe, which is impossible, the remainder would still represent a major challenge to the zeitgeist.) Just make a deal with yourself. Tell yourself to keep an open mind; in other words, tell yourself to keep a scientific mind, one open to doubt and inquiry. Anyone who tells you that "science" has "settled" a matter does not know science: science is always challenging its own conclusions. Satinover not only knows this, he embodies it: his conclusions about the biogenesis of homosexuality are broad and fair. He does not land on some simple theory or fact; he gives broad attention to the many influences that form the human spirit, soul and mind. Seriously, any person who concludes that the issues of identity and sexuality are COMPLEX is a person worth listening to. Moreover, he does not reach easy and populist conclusions. For instance, it is thoroughly pop, even faddish, to suggest that because a characteristic is genetic it is ipso facto irresistible or desirable. Satinover is not given to such lazy and easy conclusions; he even rejects the very premise that behavior is CAUSED by one's genes. His methodology is that of a scientist, not of a populist. And he is hardly a politician. Lastly, his challenge to Christians to rethink their approach to homosexuality is sure to rile the hard-liners on the far right. In fact, this book offers challenges on nearly every page. You will learn something, I promise. Besides, it is worth reading this book just to get to Satinover's concluding chapter. Brilliant. (Also, let me say that Satinover as scientist and philosopher is a true friend of humanity and freedom, for he denies the mechanistic view of the human brain, and hence strikes a blow at determinism. Satinover believes in free will: he refuses to accept -- and does so on scientific and philosophic grounds -- that we each MUST ACT according to our genetic makeup. He denies that we are prisoners of our genes, at least insofar as genes influence behavior. Anyone who believes in freedom will find this aspect of Satinover's work refreshing. And any shrewd reader will note that it is the propagandists who deny this essential freedom; who deny that we are truly free to be changed, to be healed, to be something other.) Peace.

Nobody can call this "Hate speech" with a straight face.

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...

A much-needed balance. A definite must-read.

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.

Warning: Can Cause Open-Mindedness and Other Defects

John Peteet, M.D., of the Harvard University and the Brigham and Women's Hospital called this book "Courageous, clear and practical." It is that and more. As a research scientist trained in genetics and having published in neuroscience, the chapters on genetics alone are worth the cost of the book. (Another review notes that the book easily could have been two--see below)Because of Satinover's deft hand with language, the book is nonetheless easy to read. But I especially appreciated the fact that there is scarcely a statement the author makes that is not backed up by numerous peer-reviewed research studies from prominent scientific journals written by researchers with long-established track records. Even if one disagreed with Satinover's overall position, the genral public would be very well-served indeed to absorb his exposition on behavioral genetics in general. That would go a long way to innoculate us against the terrible distortions that are now passed off on us by the press--and, sadly, by unscrupulous scientists with various agendas to press--concerning all matters, not just sexuality. (Incidentally, I decided to follow-up this book with Satinover's newly-released The Quantum Brain. If there were any doubts as to his scientific credentials and reputation in the scientific community, this book will surely lay them to rest.)Now on to the rest of the book. I'm not as big on religion as I was when much younger, but I've always been an avid student of history. While the first half of Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth is devoted to the science and psychology of sexuality, the second half is devoted to the western religious treatment of it. But it's not at all what you'd think: no bible-belt passage-rattling in the least. Instead, Satinover carefully explains--rather in the mode of a patient anthropologist who loves the tribes he's studying--exactly how the strange and archaic formulations of both Old and New Testaments, and surroundimg commentaries, make remarkably good sense when seen through "their" eyes. He shows how a biblical world-view anticipates a keen modern psychological understanding of human nature that in certain respects remains unsurpassed. I came away from these chapters with no greater desire to attend church (or synagogue) than before, but rather humbled even so: There's clearly alot more here than meets the jaundiced, oh-so-modern eye.There were certain claims that Satinover made, both in the first part and in the second, of which I was dubious: for instance, that no research study cited popularly as having found evidence for the direct genetic transmissibility of homosexuality ever made such a claim, and that the authors themselves acknowledged the weakness of their hoped-for-conclusions. But sure, enough, when I went to the sources, there it was, again and again. (A colleague pointed out some actual errors, but it turns out these were caught and corrected in later reprints.)In sum, let me second E.L. Patullo, former c

One gay man for truth

As an openly gay man having lived in the lifestyle for 12 years, I found Dr. Satinover's book refreshing and poignant. His book reflected an amazing and timely understanding of homosexuality and current gay culture, and its position in our society as a whole. His analysis of the role of religion in this issue is refreshingly objective for such a controversial and emotional subject. This book will challenge the perspective of openly gay people--whether atheist, agnostic, or persons of faith--who honestly answer the questions it poses in their own lives.