Sexual Character: Beyond Technique to Intimacy [Paperback]

Marva J. Dawn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1993

Aiming to combat the confusion today regarding sexual issues, theologian Marva Dawn offers a fresh biblical understanding of human sexuality, dealing with such issues as marriage, divorce, teenage dating, and homosexuality.

Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; 1St Edition edition (June 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802807003
• ISBN-13: 978-0802807007
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #538,777 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marva J. Dawn serves the global Church as a theologian, author, musician, and educator under Christians Equipped for Ministry and as Teaching Fellow in Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. A scholar with four master's degrees and a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics and the Scriptures from the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Dawn has taught for clergy and worship conferences and at seminaries throughout the world. She is also well-known and highly appreciated as a preacher and speaker for all ages and sometimes contributes to worship by means of her musical gifts. She is the author of more than fifteen books and is happy married to Myron Sandberg; they reside in Washington State.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The heart of intimacy, January 10, 2003

By 

matt (the reading room) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sexual Character: Beyond Technique to Intimacy (Paperback)

I have always thought that there should be bumper stickers that say "Christians make the best lovers". This book would be a defense of that statement. Marva Dawn uses her skills as a biblical scholar, counselor, and insightful commentator on the human condition to write a book that shows that we are not creatues that "have sex", but rather are sexual creatures. THis is a good thing, says Dawn, buut our sexuality needs to be in function of God's design. She outlines this plan in several chapters that focus on the marks of a virtuous sexual relationship.

She also covers topics like homosexuality, abortion, marriage, celebacy, divorce, nurturing children, etc. All with great tact, compassion, and insight. She is really really good at making virtue both exciting, realistically achievable, and fulfilling.
Great for groups or individuals (the book, I mean!).
Enjoy!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sex with an Intellect, January 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sexual Character: Beyond Technique to Intimacy (Paperback)

It has been over a year since I've read Marva Dawn's Sexual Character but it still has left an impression on me. Her prime characteristic is an ability to present a very clear and well thought out explaination of what can be a very emotional and cloudy topic. Her personal examples also shine with relevance and authenticity. If you are looking for a thoughtful and intelligent discussion of Sexual Character, you won't find anything better.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of "Sexual Character" by Marva Dawn, August 29, 2006

By 

Warren T. Baldwin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sexual Character: Beyond Technique to Intimacy (Paperback)

"My parents don't tuck me in. They jusy say good-night over the intercom." Marva tells this true story of a little boy in a Christian school who was part of a class that was asked by the teacher, "How do your parents tuck you in at night?" I'm sure the teacher was hoping students would say, "We say a prayer together" or "They read me a Bible story." Not this little boy.

Marva uses this story to show how Time and Technology have messed up our priorities. The parents had the technology to say "good-night" over the intercom, so why invest the time to walk up the stairs, hug their little boy, tell him a story, and give him a kiss good night?

Our misuse of Time and Technology is creating a lack of intimacy between family members. Children caught in this lack of intimacy will look for it elsewhere. This desperate search for connectedness and bonding could lead them into various relationships that are harmful to them, including sexual. A misdirected search for intimacy is a major reason for young people, and older, to act out sexually.

There is much more to the book, including positive discussions of family, marital sex, fulfillment and imaging God in our marital/family relationships. This is a small book, but a very, very good one.

Chapter 7 alone is worth the price of the book" "The Virtues of Sexual Character for Marriage." Marva looks at the 9 fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 and applies them to the sexual relationship in marriage. She makes the discussion spiritual and very practical. I recommend husbands and wives read this chapter together.

This is an excellent book that I recommend to anyone.