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A Queer Thing Happened to America: And What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been
Forty years ago, most Americans said they didn't know anyone who was homosexual and claimed to know little or nothing about homosexuality. Today, there's hardly a sitcom without a prominent gay character, movies like Milk and Brokeback Mountain have won Oscars, and even People magazine celebrated the marriage of Ellen Degeneres and Portia DeRossi. A Queer Thing Happened to America chronicles the amazing transformation of America over the last forty years, and addresses the question Is there really a gay agenda, or is it a fiction of the religious right? Written in a lively and compelling style, but backed with massive research and extensive interaction with the GLBT community, this forthright and yet compassionate book looks at the extraordinary impact gay activism has had on American society. This could easily be the most controversial book of the decade. Read it and find out why the publishing world was afraid to touch it.
691 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Michael L. Brown
143 books192 followersMichael L. Brown (born March 16, 1955) is a Messianic Jewish Old Testament scholar, professor, activist, itinerant speaker, and author who has preached in numerous countries and written twenty books. He is the founder and president of ICN Ministries. His writings have been translated into more than a dozen languages. He was married to Nancy Gurian on March 14, 1976 and they have two daughters, Jennifer and Megan, and four grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 9, 2011
Don't be fooled by the reviews and the pretty packaging. This is hate speech wrapped up in the guise of trying to understanding the LGBT community.
August 12, 2016
A stunningly broad, clear, and loving apologetic for traditional marriage. It successfully proves that there is a gay agenda and then highlights the fractured inconsistent argumentation (and perversion) of the gay agenda. It disarms the genetic argument, animal kingdom argument, "love is love" argument, etc. while remaining compassionate and level headed. Citing all of his sources thoroughly Dr. Brown maintains transparency and honesty. I would recommend this to every pastor who wants to address these issues in an apologetic and compassionate way.
It is not particularly theological, however his new book Can You Be Gay and Christian? will answer more of the theological questions related to the LGBT community. It is anecdotal and polemic; Dr. Brown doesn't skip a beat.
If you are not a Christian or classify yourself as LGBT...etc. I equally believe it would be an informative and beneficial read. No gay bashing, just open and honest assessment of the issue.
It is not particularly theological, however his new book Can You Be Gay and Christian? will answer more of the theological questions related to the LGBT community. It is anecdotal and polemic; Dr. Brown doesn't skip a beat.
If you are not a Christian or classify yourself as LGBT...etc. I equally believe it would be an informative and beneficial read. No gay bashing, just open and honest assessment of the issue.
March 22, 2012
It is a book like this that makes me re-evaluate my rating system. Do you rate books on content or presentation? I'm sure it's always based on both. But regarding content, is it on whether you "like" the content or whether you agree with the author's evaluation of the content? And how do you rate presentation? Is it whether or not you enjoyed the presentation or whether it was a valid form of presentation? ... I still don't know. But I do know that on many accounts I did not enjoy reading this book. It was actually quite the chore to get through.
While I have great respect for Dr. Michael Brown and the vast amount of research he did in preparation of this book, his basic line of presentation throughout the book was: introduction, quote, author's re-iteration of quote - followed by more quotes and more re-iterations. The chapters usually end with a conclusion or just a reflection on what was just quoted and re-iterated.
The content itself was also not "enjoyable" (nor should it be for the Christian who believes homosexuality to be a sin; it would be like reading a book on how adultery came to be an accepted life-style in America). Yet I would think that for a Christian, someone would write more about what this all means and what one can do about it. But when the book is over, you come away with the feeling: "well this really bums me out!" and then have no motivation to do anything about it. I would've hoped that especially as a Christian author, a little more (okay, maybe a lot more) would have been said about the hope we have in Christ, about how Christ can grant repentance to sinners, how revival can happen in His churches, and how He really can turn a culture around. But in the end it was basically just a bummer.
I will say that Dr. Brown was very careful throughout the book to distinguish between the sin of homosexuality and the people living in that sin. He wrote as one who truly does love humanity and wants to see it saved. However, I'm not sure what this book is going to do to bring that about. If you're looking for a book that speaks about the sin of homosexuality and Biblical truth for sinners to be saved, there are other resources that I'm sure touch on that. But you won't find that here. If you are for some reason looking for a book that documents how various influential people and ideas in the homosexual community have shaped the American culture during that last 40 years, as more of a reference work, then you've found what you're looking for. I just don't know how many reference volumes have changed lives and brought people to conviction. This one certainly did neither for me. And I don't see how it will help me reach those involved in this particular sin either.
While I have great respect for Dr. Michael Brown and the vast amount of research he did in preparation of this book, his basic line of presentation throughout the book was: introduction, quote, author's re-iteration of quote - followed by more quotes and more re-iterations. The chapters usually end with a conclusion or just a reflection on what was just quoted and re-iterated.
The content itself was also not "enjoyable" (nor should it be for the Christian who believes homosexuality to be a sin; it would be like reading a book on how adultery came to be an accepted life-style in America). Yet I would think that for a Christian, someone would write more about what this all means and what one can do about it. But when the book is over, you come away with the feeling: "well this really bums me out!" and then have no motivation to do anything about it. I would've hoped that especially as a Christian author, a little more (okay, maybe a lot more) would have been said about the hope we have in Christ, about how Christ can grant repentance to sinners, how revival can happen in His churches, and how He really can turn a culture around. But in the end it was basically just a bummer.
I will say that Dr. Brown was very careful throughout the book to distinguish between the sin of homosexuality and the people living in that sin. He wrote as one who truly does love humanity and wants to see it saved. However, I'm not sure what this book is going to do to bring that about. If you're looking for a book that speaks about the sin of homosexuality and Biblical truth for sinners to be saved, there are other resources that I'm sure touch on that. But you won't find that here. If you are for some reason looking for a book that documents how various influential people and ideas in the homosexual community have shaped the American culture during that last 40 years, as more of a reference work, then you've found what you're looking for. I just don't know how many reference volumes have changed lives and brought people to conviction. This one certainly did neither for me. And I don't see how it will help me reach those involved in this particular sin either.
July 18, 2011
Dr. Michael Brown leaves no stone unturned in this extremely through and gentle book. With nearly 700 pages and over 100 citations per chapter, Dr. Brown presents the history and trajectory of the homosexual movement with a level of scholarship seldom seen in books like this. Writing from a Christian perspective, the author confronts those who identify as homosexuals and those who claim Christ as their savior. As he says in the book, both are guilty of misrepresentation and name calling. Standing for truth, Dr Brown calls both sides to an honest look at the topic of homosexuality.
Undoubtedly A Queer Thing Happened to America will raise the brows of some and the temperatures of others. I assume many will quickly reject this book. Some because of its length. Other because they preemptively label anyone who questions the rights of homosexuals as homophobic. Still others because they find the topic uncomfortable. While I would encourage the first group to break free from the age of Twitter, and the second group to not judge so quickly, it is the third group who needs the book most.
While reading the book I would mention it in conversation with Christians. Two responses were common, discomfort and/or chuckling. These responses fit with Dr. Brown's assertion that people in the church have avoided the topic because it is unusual to them. The sad reality is that the people of Christ have done a very poor job at loving those who identify themselves as homosexual. A Queer Thing Happened to America confronts this problem head on. Let me say, before I go any further, before reading this book I was as guilty as the vast majority of Christians when it came to loving homosexuals. It is a sin of which I have repented and sought God's forgiveness. I strongly encourage, almost to the point of begging, all Christians to join me in the admission that we've done a miserable job blending love into our proclamation of truth.
Much more could, and has been said, about this book. If you have read this far in my review I suspect it is because you love me, hate my reading of this book or I have piqued your interest. In all cases I would contend that you have not judged this book by its cover. If that's you, don't stop with this review, find a copy of A Queer Thing Happened to America and read it. The book challenged me, made me uncomfortable and softened my heart towards a group of people of which I used to think little. These are signs of a great book; don't miss it.
Undoubtedly A Queer Thing Happened to America will raise the brows of some and the temperatures of others. I assume many will quickly reject this book. Some because of its length. Other because they preemptively label anyone who questions the rights of homosexuals as homophobic. Still others because they find the topic uncomfortable. While I would encourage the first group to break free from the age of Twitter, and the second group to not judge so quickly, it is the third group who needs the book most.
While reading the book I would mention it in conversation with Christians. Two responses were common, discomfort and/or chuckling. These responses fit with Dr. Brown's assertion that people in the church have avoided the topic because it is unusual to them. The sad reality is that the people of Christ have done a very poor job at loving those who identify themselves as homosexual. A Queer Thing Happened to America confronts this problem head on. Let me say, before I go any further, before reading this book I was as guilty as the vast majority of Christians when it came to loving homosexuals. It is a sin of which I have repented and sought God's forgiveness. I strongly encourage, almost to the point of begging, all Christians to join me in the admission that we've done a miserable job blending love into our proclamation of truth.
Much more could, and has been said, about this book. If you have read this far in my review I suspect it is because you love me, hate my reading of this book or I have piqued your interest. In all cases I would contend that you have not judged this book by its cover. If that's you, don't stop with this review, find a copy of A Queer Thing Happened to America and read it. The book challenged me, made me uncomfortable and softened my heart towards a group of people of which I used to think little. These are signs of a great book; don't miss it.
May 11, 2012
A robust and exceptionally well researched book, detailing the history of the homosexual movement in America. Dr. Michael Brown keeps a gracious and level head throughout the book, letting the proponents of this movement speak for themselves. He confronts stereotypes and caricatures (on both sides of the debate) with page after page of citations, challenging and demanding consistency, intellectual honesty and civility. Anyone who desires to fairly interact with this issue must read this book. Let the reader beware there is difficult and often disturbing concepts and language used. I believe this appropriate if one is going grapple honestly with the depth of human brokenness with the hope of veiwing how the Christian Scriptures address and confront sin (in all areas of human sexuality). The purifying and redeeming work of the Lord Jesus Christ can rescue the most depraved sinner. I believe 1 Coronthians 6:11a fundamentally gets to the heart of the matter. "...and such were some of you. But you were washed..."
For an abridged version of this book see "A Stealth Agenda" from www.truthinaction.org
For an abridged version of this book see "A Stealth Agenda" from www.truthinaction.org
October 23, 2012
An extremely informative volume on the lesser-known less-than-pleasant aspects of the queer movement. That term was aptly chosen because it deals with much more than homosexuality; it is a veritable chaos of gender confusion leading to emotional, physical, and spiritual suffering. And Dr. Brown thoroughly discusses, without malice, its history, and its reach into our culture (media, legal, academia, and religion).
May 1, 2015
Wow
Truly without words. I'm gay and In desperate need of Jesus. This book gave me the direction I needed. In me no matter the uncontrollable desire to be gay, exist an even greater desire to be in Christ.
Truly without words. I'm gay and In desperate need of Jesus. This book gave me the direction I needed. In me no matter the uncontrollable desire to be gay, exist an even greater desire to be in Christ.
Want to read
February 24, 2014I borrowed this book from a friend who said it was a logical defense for limiting the definition of marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman, so I was intrigued, as I had never heard a logical defense of that position.
And I still haven't.
So far, my impression is not so great. He has read a lot on the subject, but the way he reports his findings on the sources that disagree with his position, it's clear that he didn't go into it with an open mind. In fact, it seems he went into it with such a firmly decided mind, that he flat out misunderstood and subsequently misrepresented some of the findings. Regardless of one's opinion on the issue, this is not good scholarship, and Brown should know better. But I'm trying to understand exactly what point he is trying to make and how all of the background he's offering and his hyper-emotional, almost desperate self-defense fits into it, and admittedly, my lack of empathy for his point of view perhaps makes that difficult.
I'm only about 150 pages in, so I'll update the review again when I'm finished.
And I still haven't.
So far, my impression is not so great. He has read a lot on the subject, but the way he reports his findings on the sources that disagree with his position, it's clear that he didn't go into it with an open mind. In fact, it seems he went into it with such a firmly decided mind, that he flat out misunderstood and subsequently misrepresented some of the findings. Regardless of one's opinion on the issue, this is not good scholarship, and Brown should know better. But I'm trying to understand exactly what point he is trying to make and how all of the background he's offering and his hyper-emotional, almost desperate self-defense fits into it, and admittedly, my lack of empathy for his point of view perhaps makes that difficult.
I'm only about 150 pages in, so I'll update the review again when I'm finished.
August 21, 2012
Great book which deals fairly with the matter at hand by quoting extensively, in context from the pro-homosexual side and giving real life examples of how our (western) culture has gone awry and also how the visible church has failed to speak the truth in love. Every Christian and so-called "gay Christian" should read this volume.
I hope Michael Brown takes Dr. James White's suggestion into consideration about making this a open book in progress, adding new chapters as things keep developing.
Here a great quotation from the last pages of the book, which summaries it nicely:
"We must learn to treat everyone with dignity and respect, recognizing that all human beings are created in the image of God (to bring a theological perspective). And for those of us who follow the Scriptures, we must recognize that homosexual desires are just another aspect of our broken world, as opposed to being the worst of all possible sins. How about befriending your gay or lesbian co-worker? How about having a meal together? How about taking an interest in their lives? And for people of faith, how about praying for them on a daily basis?
Just because many of us don't believe in redefining marriage or in legislating sexual orientation and gender identity into specially protected classes doesn't mean that we can't live in respect and civility with our GLBT neighbors, co-workers, and family members. And should anyone threaten to mistreat or harm them because of who they say they are or how they choose to live, we should be the first to advocate for their safety and defense. Every human being is entitled to fundamental protections under the law, and those of us in particular who claim to believe in God and His principles should be champions of justice for all.
But this is where we will be misunderstood, and this is where we will certainly be reviled, since if we are really motivated by love, we will not celebrate something that we believe is harmful any more than a doctor would celebrate obesity. Instead, we will draw a line in the sand with as much courage as compassion, and we will state clearly that the time has come to make a strategic adjustment to our trajectory before we pass the point of no return. Now is the time to regain our bearings."
I hope Michael Brown takes Dr. James White's suggestion into consideration about making this a open book in progress, adding new chapters as things keep developing.
Here a great quotation from the last pages of the book, which summaries it nicely:
"We must learn to treat everyone with dignity and respect, recognizing that all human beings are created in the image of God (to bring a theological perspective). And for those of us who follow the Scriptures, we must recognize that homosexual desires are just another aspect of our broken world, as opposed to being the worst of all possible sins. How about befriending your gay or lesbian co-worker? How about having a meal together? How about taking an interest in their lives? And for people of faith, how about praying for them on a daily basis?
Just because many of us don't believe in redefining marriage or in legislating sexual orientation and gender identity into specially protected classes doesn't mean that we can't live in respect and civility with our GLBT neighbors, co-workers, and family members. And should anyone threaten to mistreat or harm them because of who they say they are or how they choose to live, we should be the first to advocate for their safety and defense. Every human being is entitled to fundamental protections under the law, and those of us in particular who claim to believe in God and His principles should be champions of justice for all.
But this is where we will be misunderstood, and this is where we will certainly be reviled, since if we are really motivated by love, we will not celebrate something that we believe is harmful any more than a doctor would celebrate obesity. Instead, we will draw a line in the sand with as much courage as compassion, and we will state clearly that the time has come to make a strategic adjustment to our trajectory before we pass the point of no return. Now is the time to regain our bearings."
April 29, 2016
Brown says, "It is the purpose of this book to see how we got this point in history, to examine some of the main lines of pro-gay thought, to consider the impact of gay activism on our society, and to ask the question: Where is the current trajectory taking us?"
To be frank, he does exactly that. In gratuitous detail, he describes the history of the Gay Rights movement, explains the main lines of pro-gay thought, considers (albeit briefly) the impact gay activism has on our society and continually asks the question, "Where is the current trajectory taking us".
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the motivations and history of the Gay movement. Brown has done his research and even if you don't like what he has to say, you'd be hard pressed to say he doesn't prove it's true.
My main reason for rating this 4 stars is the amount of detail. Brown says the same thing over and over and over. To make a simple point he uses 10 examples. I think the book could have done with a bit more of a focused edit. That being said, I'm still glad I read it and will recommend it
To be frank, he does exactly that. In gratuitous detail, he describes the history of the Gay Rights movement, explains the main lines of pro-gay thought, considers (albeit briefly) the impact gay activism has on our society and continually asks the question, "Where is the current trajectory taking us".
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the motivations and history of the Gay movement. Brown has done his research and even if you don't like what he has to say, you'd be hard pressed to say he doesn't prove it's true.
My main reason for rating this 4 stars is the amount of detail. Brown says the same thing over and over and over. To make a simple point he uses 10 examples. I think the book could have done with a bit more of a focused edit. That being said, I'm still glad I read it and will recommend it
February 5, 2025
ZERO STARS. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS.
You can read Kathy Baldock's review if you need more information:
https://web.archive.org/web/201603220...
or here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l...
You can read Kathy Baldock's review if you need more information:
https://web.archive.org/web/201603220...
or here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l...
June 25, 2011
An important, (though at times difficult) to read, book.
February 1, 2014
Excellent work. Incredibly detailed research into this sensitive topic.
April 14, 2021
It was me. I'm the queer thing that happened to America.
October 28, 2020
Although Dr. Michael Brown does expose his age in this book due to the fact that he puts way too much stock into the YouTube comment section and his anal retentiveness when it comes to the dictionary definition of words, the biggest compliment that I could give to his book is that it is meticulously detailed. Every quote and reference has a receipt for it in the end.
Overall, it wasn't an easy book to read, not withstanding the uncomfortable subject matter as any book addressing wedge issues is prone to do, no matter what side of the fence you are on... but it does highlight there is a universal yet unspoken Stasi-like culture in the gay community towards anyone who speaks out let alone exposes the seedier side of the gay community or its history of using highly unethical political strategies that are often excused by mainstream politicians or government organisations out of a fear of been seen as prejudiced.
The meticulous attention to detail and Dr. Brown's tendency to go off on tangents might make this a really difficult read for anyone feeling particularly masochistic enough to delve into the subject matter, but overall it isn't as bad as at it looks at face value.
Oh, and that isn't Dr. Michael Brown's legs on the front cover. Just so everyone knows.
Overall, it wasn't an easy book to read, not withstanding the uncomfortable subject matter as any book addressing wedge issues is prone to do, no matter what side of the fence you are on... but it does highlight there is a universal yet unspoken Stasi-like culture in the gay community towards anyone who speaks out let alone exposes the seedier side of the gay community or its history of using highly unethical political strategies that are often excused by mainstream politicians or government organisations out of a fear of been seen as prejudiced.
The meticulous attention to detail and Dr. Brown's tendency to go off on tangents might make this a really difficult read for anyone feeling particularly masochistic enough to delve into the subject matter, but overall it isn't as bad as at it looks at face value.
Oh, and that isn't Dr. Michael Brown's legs on the front cover. Just so everyone knows.
September 25, 2020
This book is alright, it's good as a lukewarm introduction to one of the biggest disasters of the modern era. However, more in-depth research is required, as are works that throw away the modern degenerate moral compunctions and tell the truth as it is.
April 8, 2021
One would think it would be redundant to constantly repeat the refrain "I'm not making this up!" However, the outrageous stories of the LGBT+ revolution documented in this book call for it.
December 31, 2013
Homosexual agenda
I know reading something like this book will make me seem like a hateful person but the gay agenda which is rolled out incremental stages takes away everyone's freedom and the gays are given "special rights" I'm not saying all gay people are in this but it is going on with a small boisterous minority
I know reading something like this book will make me seem like a hateful person but the gay agenda which is rolled out incremental stages takes away everyone's freedom and the gays are given "special rights" I'm not saying all gay people are in this but it is going on with a small boisterous minority
July 1, 2014
Brown lays out how the homosexual society first changed psychology, then the media, the court system and laws, and its attack on those that do not sanction their beliefs, etc. He has the history, the documentation, and the guts to lay it out for all to see. Brown shows the truth and hypocrisy on both sides and then encourages you to seek the truth.
March 14, 2015
Great book.
This is a great book written with both love for truth and compassion for those that may struggle with their sexuality. Dr. Brown provides many firsthand examples of how not respecting God's guidelines for sex destroy both individual lives and also eat away at norms needed for a society to flourish.
This is a great book written with both love for truth and compassion for those that may struggle with their sexuality. Dr. Brown provides many firsthand examples of how not respecting God's guidelines for sex destroy both individual lives and also eat away at norms needed for a society to flourish.
Want to read
June 6, 2011So far this book is an outstandingly honest and fair look at homosexuality in the US.
Read
February 14, 2012never finished it - abandoned - it was that bad
September 25, 2019
Excellent research excellent writing an American tragedy for sure. I wholey recommend this book to anyone that's interested in American culture and the dark transition that is taking place.
June 22, 2016
Another of that ignorant and bigoted discourses by chickened people with God's complex...
October 27, 2016
Well researched and documented. Truth spoken in love!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews