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Same-Sex Mirage: Phantasmagoria at the Altar & Some Biblical Responses

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Obergefell v. Hodges and the legalization of gay marriage was wonderful -- in that it's now forcing every Christian to decide whether their allegiance is to the Supreme Court or to the Supreme Being. In every other way, Obergefell was terrible. Same-Sex Mirage starts with the fundamentals of marriage and then traces the effects of this foundational institution in every area of life. Is marriage a private matter -- an agreement before God alone? Or is it public -- a matter for legislation?

Obergefell was a disaster for our nation. And, as with every disaster, the biggest benefit is in understanding how we Christians ignored all warnings and let it happen.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2016

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268 people want to read

About the author

Douglas Wilson

301 books4,587 followers
I write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.

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52 (33%)
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6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Kailey.
5 reviews
April 24, 2020
Half of this book is bible quotes, the other half is nearly incoherent rambling about things the author doesn't like. All of it is bad. The political left are generalised as free speech-hating weaklings, LGBT are generalised as 'homo-jihad', 'lesbiterian', 'gaystopo', and other childish terms one would find hurled from a bunch of bullies ganging up on one kid on the playground, and anyone who dares suggest Wilson tone it down a little because he's not exactly speaking in what they feel is a Christ-like manner is generalised as a drivelling evangelical.

Though he goes off on several different subjects, despite the title of the book focusing on gay marriage, he somehow manages to always tie it back to his idea of LGBT, or 'LGBTQZSWUNESCONATOSOSMAYDAYHELPHELPIMTRAPPEDINAMANSBODY' as he condescendingly uses at one point. And by his idea, I mean he, like so many others who call themselves loving Christians, sexualises LGBT. To him, homosexuality is all about lust and perversion and all we think about and want is sex. Either he has never spoken to any LGBT in his life or, worse, he has and he still chooses to treat us as though we never have dreams of finding someone to truly love, care for, bond with, build a family with, etc.

In any case, a recent twitter reply to him says 'Only in Christian blogs etc..do I read so much about sodomy, its like some Christians are obsessed with it.' Unlike Wilson, I won't generalise all Christians as obsessed with gay sex, however I will say with much confidence this certainly IS true for him. I suggest he go learn a thing or two about LGBT, and while he's at it, put down the text from 2000-3000 years ago that's been translated time and time again and pick up an actual modern science book. And for fuck sake, stop speaking in word salad riddles. You aren't as smart as you pretend to be, especially not when an actual argument from your book reads: 'we will still be in the grip of our irrational lusts, and we will not be done until it is legal for little Tommy to marry his goldfish.'
152 reviews
July 30, 2024
Helpful book for navigating the issue of homosexuality. Some things I especially appreciated:
- discussion of nature and whether it's a helpful category for this issue.
- grounding the necessity of the government's involvement in marriage
- explains aspects of the LGBT strategy, such as why they go after cake bakers and photographers
- discussion of counter strategy, and justification of the culture war
Profile Image for Shiloah.
Author 1 book200 followers
February 23, 2022
It is obvious while reading that the author is an informed, passionate, confident Christian in this subject of same-sex marriage. Where he lost me was about halfway though. The overuse of metaphors and the ranting takes away from the clarity and power of his message.
Profile Image for Luke Rasmussen.
107 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2023
I appreciate how Doug approaches such an important issue. Fun to read and extremely helpful.
Profile Image for Jeremy.
Author 3 books375 followers
Want to read
August 27, 2018
Moved this toward the top of my priority-reads. See a primer on LGBT basics here. Helpful interview here, regarding Revoice and Spiritual Friendship (July 2018). Post on the difference between men and women here.
Profile Image for Josiah Richardson.
1,549 reviews26 followers
December 16, 2023
This one was terrific. The chapters are short and bite sized. Wilson, I have long said, is typically good at letting you know when you are wrong without flicking your ear. Some chapters or paragraphs were a bit cringy, like when your grandma posts something on Facebook. The jokes sometimes landed and sometimes never took off. But all in all, a quick, winsomely written, drive by tear-down of what Wilson calls “Same-sex mirage.” Worth your time.
Profile Image for Jason Garwood.
Author 11 books40 followers
May 12, 2016
Oh my. This was absolutely fantastic. Made me laugh out loud many times; also convicted me many times. Get this. I'll be reading it again soon.
Profile Image for Jim Becker.
501 reviews14 followers
May 11, 2016
Very good. Excellent in fact. He clears up a lot of muddled think if and just plain ignorance. Great guide for the perplexed, like me.
147 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2019
Another sad attempt by Wilson to achieve clarity by repeating a bunch of discredited homophobic nonsense against LGBTQ individuals.
Profile Image for Sean Kewley.
168 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2023
Stalwart and informative. It's amazing how far and fast we've fallen since this was written in 2016.
Profile Image for Mark Lickliter.
179 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2023
One thing is for sure: Douglas Wilson writes provocatively and persuasively! This can be wonderful when you agree with all of his theology and assumptions about how Christians must act in their culture. However, Wilson’s theological and cultural train drags along many questionable assumptions and perhaps unbiblical tactics.

So let me divide this up into the good and the bad.

The Good: Wilson writes provocative and persuasive short essays regarding the biblical definition of marriage, how Christians should address this issue in the culture, and the heroic defense of religious liberty in the public square of Christian bakers and photographers. Wilson also does a wonderful job of describing the predicament that Christians are currently in when he states, “In fact, now that the cultural headquarters of our republic has been transferred to the National Zoo’s central monkey house, every day that goes by makes normality more and more outrageous.” (p. 9) It is clear that many Christians are rightly concerned that our culture is making it normal to call evil good and good evil.

Wilson also identifies the hypocritical illogic of the “intoleristas” that clamor for free speech, but object as soon as the Christian opens their mouth. Such inconsistent illogic should be pointed out, and we should learn to do it persuasively like Wilson does. However, Wilson also believes Christians should “kick some…hinder parts and take names.” In this respect, Wilson is a dirty cultural warrior who believes he is justified with any foolish and inappropriate thing he says. This leads into the bad.

The Bad: Wilson is smart, so he anticipates objections to his inappropriate tone. Wilson says things like, “If you would admonish me for writing in such an unseemly fashion, I would reply that it is far more unseemly to approve and do such things than it is to point them out that people are doing them. Scripture does not just condemn the perverted; it condemns those who applaud perversion as well.” (p. 240) (Rom. 1:32, ESV) However, an admonishment that you already know you deserve is not justified by somehow reasoning that it is a greater sin to somehow “approve” of the unseemliness in our culture. It seems that Doug thinks he’s the only one walking this line appropriately; however, we don’t correct folly with folly of a lesser degree. Doug just needs to clean up his language, stop making excuses, and meditate on Ephesians 4:29 which states, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those to hear.”

Not only does Wilson need to meditate on Ephesians 4:29, but he needs to stop shooting people on the same team! Russell Moore, Reformed Seminary professors and even a Table Talk article from Ligonier Ministries are among the ones Wilson chides as compromisers in the culture. Apparently if you don’t adopt Wilson’s approach you may represent the one Wilson will call “unseemly” names, while actually thinking that this is a loving thing to do!

Finally, we arrive at perhaps one of the most problematic stops for this train in Wilson’s narrow line of thought. Namely, the eschatology and cultural expectation that somehow Wilson “knows” will take place. Even though Wilson is not a charismatic, somehow he received a “word of knowledge” that, “Politics and law cannot save us, but both politics and law can both be saved. And they will be.” (p.241) Really, they will be? How do you know? Scripture says this? Where? Assumed in Wilson’s line of thought is that Christians will be heavily involved in this “saving” politics and law process, but you had better do it Doug’s way, or he’ll call you a name and make fun of you!

Most problematic is the 5 smooth stones of theocratic libertarianism. Wilson somehow thinks that part of the answer to sexual perversions in our nation is to formally adopt the Apostle’s Creed and that Jesus is Lord. However, this idea is without Scriptural support and completely theologically and historically naïve.

Let me offer my response to this grave error. For Christians, the government is never tasked with the duty to enforce by law our creeds, confessions, or our specific Christian duties that are specifically the work of the Church. This is the problem, not the fix. Where in New Testament do we see Jesus or the Apostles trying to get the State to enforce creeds or confessions, or even trying to get them to carry out any tasks of the church? We just don't see it. We see general guidelines. Punish evil and reward good. These are very broad categories, and we'd be hard-pressed to force our particular political agendas into them. What we'd be doing is making Jesus and the Apostles say things that they never said. What we do see is that we expect the State to be the State. Make no mistake, the State has no right to be immoral and make laws that forbid Christians to do what God commands, or force us to do what God prohibits. The main distinction is that the State needs to be the State, and we hold her accountable to that task.

Theocratic Libertariansim misses the whole message of the gospel in some respects. The Mosaic Law, nor any State-enforced law for that matter, cannot change any sinner's heart! Only the gospel can do this! I loved part of what Doug said when he stated, "A formal recognition of the Lordship of Jesus is necessary, but is not sufficient. More is required than paper commitments. All true constitutions arise from the people, and genuine allegiance to Christ is not going to happen unless there is a reformation and revival. In order for any of this to work, we must have countless preachers of the gospel, faithfully declaring the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The role of the government here is to stay out of the way, allowing such preachers free access to the people, and thereby encouraging them to have at it." (p.173)
Yes, Amen! The government's role is to "stay out of the way". However, I don't think that before Christ returns that Christians are to (through government) establish by law a "formal recognition of the Lordship of Jesus". No, no, no! Scripture does not make this the task of the Church anywhere! Where is government's role in Scripture said to be to establish by law "a formal recognition of the lordship of Christ"? There is no explicit teaching regarding this. This happens through the gospel, and is the task of the Church, not government. This calls into question Doug's understanding of the gospel to me, because what about 2/3 of our Bible that demonstrates a society (Israel) where God has showed us that law and a "government enforced" keeping of that law (we're talking Mosaic Law here), did not bring about good, but much, much, bad! All of Israel is the object lesson for all Christians that salvation never comes from the Law.
Not only that but that the primary "good" that we promote comes through the Church's faithful preaching of the gospel. It's like having the proper balance and category clarity, without mixture or confusion. When we focus too much on "law", whether we are talking about laws in society or the moral law in the life of the believer, we forget that the law can only do certain things. The law can never do what the gospel alone can achieve. The law can show us what is Holy and pleasing to God, instruct believers in the how they should live, and is our basis to restrain evil in our society. However, legislating and enforcing "law" in and of itself did not bring about change for Israel, nor has it done so for any nation for that matter. If the law doesn't drive one to Christ, then we have missed the most important aspect of the law! This is what the Pharisees and other "self-righteous" folks missed. The Law never can deliver the lasting change that we need, which is what the church and gospel alone can do. (sola-fide, sola-gratia, etc.) Doug acknowledges rightly that, “genuine allegiance to Christ is not going to happen unless there is a reformation and revival", but he sees as a "necessary" consequence of that reformation and revival a "formal recognition of the Lordship of Jesus". This is not the role of government in Scripture. His argument is based upon a slick use of logic and what becomes necessary according to that logic, but there are no commands in Scripture for Christians to endeavor to craft constitutions or governments with a "formal recognition of the Lordship of Jesus" or "The Apostle's Creed". That is the duty of the Church, and we are to do it faithfully in any and all governments that God sovereignly ordains.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alex Kearney.
281 reviews11 followers
April 10, 2022
There is so much compromise from Christian leaders on the topic of homosexuality. In all his writing, this being no exception, Douglas Wilson provides a fresh reminder that sin is insane.

While most evangelical leaders approach the topic with their tails between their legs, Wilson approaches it more like Jesus would: with the authority of someone who loves you enough to tell you you’re marching proudly into Hell.


"Homosexual sex is not just a sinful abomination, although it does remain that. But in addition to being sinful, it is also lame. God's design for faithful marriage is glory, and to pair up a couple of guys is inglorious, and a couple of girls is just plain sad."

“Christian marriage, by way of contrast, is glorious, because the woman is the glory of the man. When you have two men, there is no crown. When you have two women, there is no head for the crown to rest on."

"It is no coincidence that the battleground professions are those professions which glorify an event. And homosexuals are stuck—through their own demands—with an event which has no glory. So they turn to the Christians, to the evangelical florist, and they demand that we share our glory with them. And this is something we cannot do. Glory doesn't work that way."
Profile Image for Matthew Groen.
43 reviews
December 4, 2017
A wonderful and clarifying analysis of the water of sexual norms that we are currently swimming, followed by a winsome and hopeful call to Christians to remain faithful. Jesus is Lord. Spirited, sober, pointed, faithful, and encouraging. A must-read for Christians living after Obergefell v. Hodges.
Profile Image for Mitch Bedzyk.
81 reviews15 followers
December 8, 2018
On target. Bold. Honest. Biblical. Convicting. Hilarious.

Not having read much of Wilson’s work (yet) made his style a little difficult to follow at times. However it became easier to follow along toward the end of the book. Thankful for his faithful gospel witness

His responses to Matthew Vine’s 40 questions in the Appendix at the end are great.
Profile Image for Jerry.
879 reviews21 followers
November 24, 2021
This book is the one for these times. While many pastors are simply ashamed of what Scripture teaches about homosexuality, others want to affirm the biblical positions but not speak the way the Bible does. Wilson upholds the positions but also addresses the effeminate compromises in the church that got us here. Can't recommend this book highly enough.
3 reviews
January 8, 2019
Wow

Doug Wilson minces no words and accurately and succinctly dismantles the insane game that is currently being run on us. Who’s the stupid one? That would be us when we play the game by their rules.
Love it!
Let God be true though every man be a liar.
128 reviews
October 15, 2024
A good polemic against the besetting liberalism of our day. Written in 2016, it has unfortunately predicted a lot of what has transpired in just 8 short years. It's written in classic Wilsonian prose. At times it's a bit choppy, I'm guessing because it was compiled from blog posts, but he lands some firm punches and got me to chuckle aloud at times. He uses some strident language, but he explains why immediately afterward. Interestingly, I think the appendices (a sermon to the SCOTUS and responses to Matthew Vines) were the best chapters of the book.
2 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2018
Smacked me like Gandalf’s staff at Minas Tirith. Fight!

This is rational thoughtful powerful and timely. Read it even if you disagree and you’ll have a clear look at the future.
Profile Image for Christopher.
637 reviews
November 27, 2018
A strong entry because it is about much more than just same sex mirage- it's about the principalities and powers behind it.
Profile Image for Samuel.
162 reviews4 followers
December 18, 2018
I want to come back later and write a more detailed review, but this book is worth a read.
Profile Image for Christopher Brehm.
354 reviews23 followers
February 15, 2020
Excellent

This was excellent Biblical analysis. I highly recommend it to anyone else who is studying what the Bible teaches on sexuality.
Profile Image for Lynn.
622 reviews
May 3, 2020
This excellent book is written for Christians and will be of particular help to those who are either in need of encouragement in their Biblical stance on the issue of homosexuality, or to those who are faltering, confused or just plain wrong in their understanding of the same. The focus of the book is in response to the Obergefell decision by the Supreme Court in 2015, what it meant then and what we can expect to see in our culture going forward from that decision. As usual, Wilson pulls no punches and writes with wit, clarity and humor. His robust and unapologetic adherence to Scripture is refreshing and admirable and ultimately leads to an outlook of hope, rather than despair. His letter at the end of the book (Appendix 1). to the 5 Supreme Court justices who voted to uphold gay marriage is worth the price of the book all by itself.
211 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2022
I found the snarkiness and smugness of the author to be off-putting.
Profile Image for Sarah Kewley.
13 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2023
Wonderful book about how to love and care for people well and uphold the truths of God’s Word. Doug is so witty, there were many LOL moments :D Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Joel Rasmussen.
124 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2023
Written as only Douglas can; straight to the point, tongue in cheek, flamethrower in hand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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