Our culture is sex-crazed. That is no secret. But our culture is also deeply confused about sex and sexual ethics, often sending conflicting messages—at times promoting an “anything goes” attitude while at other times seeking to impose limits on sexual behavior. Unfortunately, Christians seem equally confused, and the church has tended to respond with simplistic answers. The reason for this confusion is that the meaning of sex has been largely lost.
Dennis Hollinger argues that there is indeed an inherent, God-given meaning to sex. This meaning provides a framework for a biblical sexual ethic that adequately addresses contemporary moral issues. Written primarily as an ethical guide for human sexuality, The Meaning of Sex provides a good balance between theological reflection and engaging discussion of the practical issues Christians are facing. Part 1 lays the groundwork, discussing ethical theories and the competing worldviews that shape various approaches to sexual morality. The Christian worldview of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation is then applied to sex, followed by an exploration of the God-designed purposes for sex. Part 2 delves into critical issues: premarital sex, sex within marriage, homosexuality, reproductive technologies, and faithful living in a sex-obsessed world.
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“Historians note that it was actually with the Puritans a century later that sex and marriage received their full dignity and positive stature, much to the surprise of moderns who cynically use the ‘puritanical’ label for any attempts to curb sensual appetites.” (Page 49)
“And what is at stake in all of this? Sex, contrary to the popular sentiment, is not just a private matter. Sexual behavior and thinking affects our character, relationships, the way we have children and socialize them, and the very contours of culture itself.” (Page 19)
“intended to help us understand the difference between these two effects—harm and enrichment.” (Page 19)
“asceticism, naturalism, humanism, monism, and pluralism” (Page 44)
“Principles clearly should play a role in a Christian sexual ethic. They set the markers and boundaries for this wonderful gift of God. But principles, isolated from a larger story or worldview, frequently fail to motivate people to follow God’s designs. Without a framework they easily turn into legalisms, in which people follow the law for the law’s sake. In the face of the great moral challenges of our time, such appeals will hardly ground, motivate, and sustain our moral lives.” (Page 33)
Hollinger addresses the complex issues of sexuality with a rare combination of theological-philosophical expertise, cultural savvy, and pastoral sensitivity. A much-needed 'for such a time as this' book.
—Richard J. Mouw, president, Fuller Theological Seminary
In a culture that is careening toward sexual nihilism, we desperately need teachers like Dennis Hollinger. His teaching shows us clearly and concretely what life could look like if we received our sexuality as a gift and lived sexually in line with God's redemption of creation.
—Jonathan R. Wilson, Pioneer McDonald Professor of Theology, Carey Theological College
[W]hat sets apart a truly Christian sexual ethic is that it is founded on the distinctive meanings of sex and sexuality established by God and revealed in the Scriptures. Hollinger’s book articulates these foundations persuasively and then mines them to clarify the most pressing ethical and moral challenges facing the church today. This is a wonderful sourcebook for thinking Christians.
—Stanton L. Jones, author, Ex-Gays? and God’s Design for Sex