Evangelicals Now
<< February 2002 >>

An Ounce of Prevention

Preventing the homosexual condition in today's youth

Gay?

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION:
Preventing the homosexual condition in today's youth
By Don Schmierer
Word Publishing. 239 pages
ISBN 0 84993 716 7

This provocatively-titled book is written by a man who, according to the cover, has been active in interpersonal and counselling ministry for four decades and has been involved in operating several Christian addiction recovery programmes.
He currently leads the 'His Servants' ministry which works amongst students, business professionals and church leaders. The author is American and the book itself American in style and layout, with plenty of sub-headings, summaries, quotes and a series of stories and imaginary conversations. It's quite readable and not overly technical with psycho-babble kept to a minimum!

The book is divided into two main sections. The first considers the possible origins of homosexuality and includes a brief but helpful summary of scientific research in the area as well as detailed descriptions of the author's understanding of what the gay lifestyle involves. He reaches the conclusion, (which for some will be controversial), that with careful parenting and effective, alert youth leadership in churches, homosexuality is preventable.

The second main section of the book describes how to create a loving Christian environment and sets out ten preventative parenting principles and concludes with a chapter on the need for forgiveness.

In reading the book you become aware very early on that the author's heart is in the right place. He has seen lives of individuals and their families torn apart by AIDS and by participation in the gay lifestyle. He argues that, since the causes of homosexual feelings probably lay in the early development of the child within the context of a dysfunctional family, rather than picking up the pieces later in life, it is best to address the root causes. The reviewer has a great deal of sympathy with this viewpoint and indeed it can be argued that a great variety of problems in later life could potentially be avoided though effective Bible-based parenting.

However, the book does have its weaknesses, including an over-reliance on anecdotal evidence, and a tendency to over-simplify which at times detracts from some of the very helpful points the author makes. It is also a shame that real life case studies and the views and experiences of men and women struggling with homosexual feelings are not included. Concerned youth leaders and anxious parents will be attracted to this book and find it of interest, but there is still more to be said on the subject.

Stefan Cantore, Guildford