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Sexual Character: Beyond Technique to Intimacy

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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!

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.

"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.