Sanctified Sexuality: Valuing Sex in an Oversexed World

In this hefty if narrow anthology, 25 contributors consider sexuality from a biblical perspective. Chapters are organized by topic and consider such issues as gender identity, cohabitation, abortion, remarriage after divorce, infertility and assisted reproductive technology, and sexual assault. Christopher West opens with teachings on Pope John Paul II’s theology of the body: “Your body is you,” he writes. “Which is why if someone broke your jaw in a fit of rage, you wouldn’t take him to court for ‘property damage’ but for personal assault.” Other contributions provide novel readings of stories and accounts in the Bible, such as Glahn’s interpretation of the foundational marriage account in Genesis 2, which doesn’t mention procreation or motherhood. Psychologists Jessica McCleese and Chelsi Creech detail research into Christian adolescent sexuality, including slight declines in premarital sex and controversial findings on gender dysphoria. Though the contributors are spread out across speakers, pastors, professors and counselors, nearly all have a connection to Dallas Theological Seminary, giving them a certain sameness of perspective that favors conservative interpretations. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter make the book group ripe for studies and dialogue. These in-depth essays will be a great resource for Christians concerned with the sexualization of society. (Sept.)