Naked Truths: The Relationship Between Religion, Sex, And The Bible

Synopsis

Product Description

Chapter 1: In the Image of God

In the context of Genesis, procreation and dominion are quintessential to the reality of being made in the image of God, as together they distinguish us from the animals who also were given the imperative to “be fruitful and multiply.”

Chapter 2: She Shall be Called Woman!

Examines the creation of woman, and its immediate effects on the man. Key words and phrases from the creation narrative are examined for what they reveal about God's radical viewpoint on human sexuality.

Chapter 3: The Joy of SECKS (Sensually Enhancing Christian Knowledge of Sexuality)

Examines male and female sexual response, with male and female physiology forming a basis for insight. The concept of “knowing” necessitates foreplay, and calls for a redefining of the concept of foreplay. Our sexuality is greater than the sum of our sexual parts.

Chapter 4: Religion and Sexuality

Historical perspective on the effect Christianity has had on demonizing sexuality, and the resultant collective sexual repression it has caused. The effects of centuries of viewing sex as sinful and dirty has left Christianity in no position to speak with authority and credibility on sexual issues in a way that is relevant to a sexually enlightened contemporary audience.

Chapter 5: A Modern History of Sexuality

A modern history of sexuality, especially the progress made by pioneers in sexual research in the 20th century. The chapter also examines the quantifiable health and wellness benefits of sex, and how life actually imitates art (not the other way around) in the case of human sexuality.

Chapter 6: The Nature of the Struggle

Makes the case that sex is spiritual—it impacts and effects every aspect of our being. The chapter then looks at the modern phenomenon of Tantric Sex as an attempt by New Age practitioners to recapture that lost sense of spiritual connectedness between lovers. The content then moves toward examining the real reason for the struggle that most people, especially young people today, have in trying to maintain sexual purity. Modern practices leading to marriage predispose young people to failure in fighting the struggle.

Chapter 7: Where Does Adultery Stop and Polygamy Begin?

Defines what marriage is, in an actual biblical, not theological sense. As such, the chapter comprises a comparative analysis of the difference between fornication and adultery; then formulates the provocative question, “Where does adultery stop, and polygamy begin?” All this is done within the framework of answering the question, “What is marriage?”

Chapter 8: Monogamy, and the Curse of Being Male

Examines the question, “Is monogamy natural, or even advisable?” The examination is conducted primarily through a male-focused lens. Alternatives to monogamy are also examined for their relative merits, or lack thereof. In the end, an honest and candid assessment is given.

Chapter 9: Who's the Boss?

Examines the relational dynamics between men and women as portrayed in Gen 3:16 in the ongoing struggle for control, viz., who is in charge in the relationship? It goes on to point out a second dynamic that is revealed in the text—one that resides in the nature of all women, a characteristic of which all women need to beware, lest they fall victim to it. In other words, it answers the question definitively, “Why do women often like bad boys?” Ends with a discussion on domestic violence.

Chapter 10: Oh to be Single and Christian!

Singleness and the Christian. Traces a history of social views toward being unmarried, then shifts to modern developments that helped redefine being single as an acceptable and desirable, even preferable lifestyle to being married. The chapter outlines three types of single people. It draws on advice from the Apostle Paul for a purpose for the single life. Calls for an honest assessment of singleness and the desire for companionship. The chapter closes with a description of a fourth type of single person, and the difficulties that face those in our churches, especially women, who desire companionship yet face a dearth of eligible men in the church.

Chapter 11: Older Women, Younger Men

Examines “Cougarism” and compares modern social issues to the history of relationships, and then makes the case that there are times, within limits and common sense practice, that women can marry younger men.

Chapter 12: Why Couples Get Divorced — The Real Reason

A surprising answer as to the real reason why couples get divorced. The wisdom of the ancients is brought to bear upon our modern practices and shows the modern practices not to be as enlightened as we first thought. Examines emerging modern trends in living arrangements that may ease the burden on couples and families. It is then shown that the emerging modern trends which seem like such radical departures from established norms, are actually very much rooted in what people in ancient times and in early biblical culture, had practiced. The information gives people permission to make decisions about family life that wok best for them in their own unique circumstances, regardless of what others might say or think.

Issues and Answers:

Deals with some of the individual subjects raised in earlier chapters and adds some other sexual hot topics. Also gives answers to many popular questions that a Christian might have about sex-related issues.