Sex in the Parish [Paperback]

Karen Lebacqz (Author), Ronald G. Barton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1991

Karen Lebacqz and Ronald Barton examine the gift of sexuality in relation to the parish and the dynamics of sexual desire and temptation. Included in this book are the expreiences of a pastor who did not set appropriate limits; explainations of how the pastoral role affects sexual contact between pastor and parishioner; suggestions for a framework of ethical analysis; an examination of questions for women in ministry, single pastors, and pastors who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual; and a review of ethical issues related to persons who carry responsibilities for the structures of ministerial practice.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This book is the best this reviewer has read on the topic. It affirms the value of healthy sexuality, discusses desire and temptation, cites an example of pastoral failure to set boundaries, explores the uniqueness of pastoral roles in this context, and shows how sexual contact can be affected by these roles. The study develops an ethical analysis framework and discusses special issues such as women in ministry, single clergypersons, and homosexual or bisexual clergypersons. Essential for seminary libraries and recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Karen Lebacqz is Robert Gordon Sproul Professor Emeritus of Theological Ethics at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.

Ronald G. Barton is a former Associate Conference Minister in the Northern California Conference of the United Church of Christ in San Francisco, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (January 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664250874
• ISBN-13: 978-0664250874
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #313,795 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Text, February 22, 2011

By 

dthueson (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sex in the Parish (Paperback)

Solid text that discusses the challenges of relationships for those who work in ministry. Its primary focus is on the warnings, cautions, and consequences of unhealthy relationships on both ministers, those who engage in relationships with ministers, and the congregations they serve. However, it also covers the challenges of ministers who found healthy and successful relationships while in the ministry.

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and Clear, February 10, 2008

By 

J. Hall-Fuller (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sex in the Parish (Paperback)

Using case studies, current events, and surveys from ministers, the authors identify the questions, issues, joys, and dangers related to pastors' sexuality and their professional role. A very clearly written book that helps frame the questions and point us toward the answers. Key points include (1) the power differential between pastor and congregant, which makes consent usually impossible; and (2) the cultural background that supports sexism, relationship addictions, and heterosexism and makes this more than simply a question of the pastor's personal responsibility. An excellent and interesting read.

3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Secular Book, Not Theological, November 4, 2006

By 

M. Gudka (Des Moines, Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sex in the Parish (Paperback)

Don't be fooled by the title that includes the word "Parish." This book looks at sexual issues from a secular / liberal perspective. The writer uses no theological or biblical basis for her conclusions. If you are looking for a standard liberal book on sexual issues in the work place base (and the work place just happens to be the church), this is your book. If you are looking for a deeper theological perspective, this is not your book.