Arthur—a well-known speaker, author of more than 100 books and Bible studies, and founder of Precept Ministries International along with her husband, Jack—tackles the tough subject of sexuality and the Christian life. From Genesis to Revelation, she dissects the Bible and leads readers through what it has to say about sex and its misuse outside of the context of marriage between a man and woman. Even though Arthur never sidesteps what she believes are God's harsh words on the subject, she does so with compassion, as someone who knows the personal consequences of irresponsible behavior—she confesses to having had numerous affairs after her divorce. "There is
hope no matter what has been done to you sexually," she says. "You can recover; your loved ones can recover. Our society could recover!" In a wonderful analogy she uses with teens, she likens sex to a can of Drano. It's a great product, but it has to be used according to the manufacturer's directions, or it can poison or even kill a person. Most of the book deals with the consequences of sex outside of marriage, but ends on a hopeful note that those who have engaged in illicit sex can experience God's redemption and recapture His original vision for their lives. She calls it a return to the Garden of Eden, in which a man and woman bound in holy matrimony explore and delight in sexual union—something that transcends the physical and weds their spirits. (Sept.)
Forecast:The old adage that "sex sells" may hold true, but it's also true that in the Christian market, there is an audience for thoughtful and biblically sound books
about sex. With more than five million copies of her books and Bible studies in print, Arthur is a very well-known name in the CBA market, and her platform—extensive speechmaking and ministry through Precept Ministries International—will help in reaching readers. WaterBrook plans a national publicity campaign with advertisements in various Christian periodicals.
