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The Meaning of Sex: Christian Ethics and the Moral Life

Publisher:
, 2009
ISBN: 9781441226310
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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.

Get this title and more with the Baker Academic and Brazos Press Ethics and Spiritual Formation Collection (37 vols.).

Resource Experts
  • Examines all of the major questions about sex in contemporary dialogue
  • Roots sexual ethics in the Bible and traditional Christian theology
  • Clarifies the Christian teachings about sex in a sexually confused society
  • Introduction
    • Frameworks
    • Ethical Theories and Sex
    • Worldviews and Sex
    • The Christian Worldview and Sex
    • The Purposes of Sex
  • Issues
    • Sex Before Marriage
    • Sex in marriage
    • The Challenge of Homosexuality
    • Reproductive Technologies and Sexual Ethics
    • Living in a Sex-Crazed World

Top Highlights

“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

Dr. Hollinger joined Gordon-Conwell from Evangelical Theological Seminary (ETS) in PA, where he had served as President and Professor of Christian Ethics since 2004. He brings to his post at Gordon-Conwell extensive academic and administrative experience. Prior to assuming the presidency of ETS, he served for seven years as Vice Provost, College Pastor and Professor of Christian Ethics at Messiah College, Grantham, PA. He also served as Associate Professor of Church & Society and Preaching at Associated Mennonite Biblical Theological Seminary, Elkhart, IN, and as Assistant and Associate Professor of Church & Society at Alliance Theological Seminary, Nyack, NY. In addition, he has served as a visiting and adjunct professor at seminaries in the U.S. and in Ukraine, Russia and India. Dr. Hollinger has also served as a full-time pastor at several churches. He was pastor of Washington Community Fellowship, an urban church in the nation’s capital; pastor of the Evangelical Free Church of Blairstown, NJ; and youth pastor of the Congregational Bible Church, Marietta, PA. He held interim pastoral and preaching positions in Indiana and New York. extensively in the U.S. and internationally.

 

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