Love the Sin: Sexual Regulation and the Limits of Religious Tolerance [Paperback]

Janet Jakobsen (Author), Ann Pellegrini (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0807041335 | ISBN-13: 978-0807041338 | Publication Date: April 15, 2004

In this powerful and timely book, Janet R. Jakobsen and Ann Pellegrini make a solid case for loving the sinner and the sin. Rejecting both religious conservatives' arguments for sexual regulation and liberal views that advocate tolerance, the authors argue for and realistically envision true sexual and religious freedom in this country. With a new preface addressing recent events, Love the Sin provides activists and others with a strong tool to use in their fight for freedom.

Editorial Reviews

Review

[Love the Sin's] arguments are advanced with wit and flair. The book pushes us to consider the possibility that our own fundamental assumptions about freedom, morality, Christianity and sexuality might be just plain mistaken. --David Harrington Watt, Christian Century

"[A] tightly packed analysis of the fallacy of sexual tolerance in American society . . . Like any trumpet call to pull down the walls, this book serves its purpose by giving the GLBT community a new focus and even a renewed idealism." --Gayle R. Baldwin, Gay & Lesbian Review

"Love the Sin presents an alternative vision for thinking about politics and religion. It is a unique work, in that it is a critique of the paradigm that is so inbred in us, and a challenge to create a new paradigm that holds nothing but possibilities for a truly inclusive America." --Mary Louise R. Cervone, Conscience Magazine

About the Author

Janet R. Jakobsen is director of the Center for Research on Women at Barnard College. She is the author of Working Alliances and the Politics of Difference: Diversity and Feminist Ethics.

Ann Pellegrini is associate professor of religious studies and performance studies at New York University. She is the author of Performance Anxieties: Staging Psychoanalysis, Staging Race.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Press (April 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807041335
• ISBN-13: 978-0807041338
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #121,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Nonfiction > Civil Rights
  • #26 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Nonfiction > Sexuality

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the Book, January 13, 2003

By 

"noontimecritic" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love the Sin: Sexual Regulation and the Limits of Religious Tolerance (Sexual Cultures) (Hardcover)

In their co-written book, Jakobsen and Pellegrini have presented a compelling account of the enduring role of "sin" in contemporary political discourse, from the Clinton impeachment proceedings to the Christian Coalition's attack on homosexuals.

They point out, among other compelling insights, that the concept of religious tolerance, long viewed as a progressive Enlightenment value, has often justified the very kinds of repression it is intended to prevent by positing an authoritative norm (in the United States, the Judeo-Christian tradition) from which other religious, sexual and political minorities are "permitted" to deviate.

The two authors also draw an extended analogy between freedom of religious and sexual expression, and argue that the Supreme Court, especially in its pivotal 1986 Bower v. Hardwick ruling, has essentially ignored the Constitution on the matter of church-state separation by invoking a general notion of "morality"--thereby reinforcing the dominance of Christian values in America.

Jakobsen and Pellegrini envision a more pluralistic society in which disestablishment of religion and state is pushed to its logical conclusion, and extended to the realm of sexuality. This is an excellent, intelligent book--a must for the scholar and general reader alike interested in religion, politics, and the law.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a captivating read., May 14, 2004

By 

C.David Wilburn (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love the Sin: Sexual Regulation and the Limits of Religious Tolerance (Paperback)

This one is not just for the ivory tower. Topics discussed give a historical perspective on the issues we face today. I found concise useful information and thoroughly enjoyed the read. I give the authors a great deal of credit for giving me a greater insight into sexuality and religion, topics I thought I had rather a good grasp of.
Three Cheers form a fellow sinner!

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read, July 16, 2003

By 

chicoer2003 "chicoer2003" (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love the Sin: Sexual Regulation and the Limits of Religious Tolerance (Sexual Cultures) (Hardcover)

Though some of the reasoning behind the viewpoints seems weird the book is still good. It take an interesting look at the religious right and how they perceive sex, as well as homosexuality. A read for any uber religious fanatic who thinks that sex is good, as long as it's Christian sex.