Soul Virgins: Redefining Single Sexuality (Paperback)

by Doug Rosenau (Author), Michael Todd Wilson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Sex therapists Rosenau (A Celebration of Sex) and Wilson attempt to give Christian singles a new framework for understanding and expressing their sexuality. They encourage readers to step back and consider God's design for sex—intimacy as opposed to just physicality—and provide suggestions for meeting their intimacy needs in nonsexual ways. While the authors cover that age-old question, "How far can I go?" (the answer varies for different couples, but they advise avoiding anything that would be covered by a bikini), their real aim is to get singles to ask the question, "How do I grow, stay pure, and help my partner become more sexually whole?" The authors advise restraint, but stress that this should be viewed as disciplining "sexual surges" out of a desire to follow God rather than merely repressing desires to fit in with the church's standards. Some of the advice is not fresh or terribly helpful (i.e., singles groups can feel better by giving each other back rubs), and while the authors share examples from their own lives, the writing at times feels overly clinical. But this book may appeal to Christian singles trying to understand and live out God's purposes for their sexuality. (May)
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Product Description
Sex and sexuality are hot topics these days. But many single adults are tired of the "how far is too far?" approach because it doesn't go far enough. Why does the discussion stop at the physical? What about the deeper spiritual and relational aspects of sexuality? Pioneering Christian sex therapists Doug Rosenau and Michael Todd Wilson team up in this helpful and hopeful book about understanding sexuality and intimacy beyond what our "do it if it feels good" culture says it is. Providing a much-needed spiritual perspective to the sexuality debate, the authors tackle difficult topics from a biblical foundation to help single adults establish practical models for maintaining purity and creating a healthy sexuality. With real-life personal stories, Soul Virgins helps singles accept their sexuality as a godly discipline. Rosenau and Wilson provide a 3-D discussion of body, soul, and spirit that proves sexuality is ultimately more about relational intimacy than just the physical act of sex.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080106600X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801066009
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,060 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #8 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Sex > Sex & Religion > Christian Sexual Ethics
  #35 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Gender & Sexuality
  #40 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living > Relationships > Dating & Single Life

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for singles - an excellent alternative framework for relationship building, October 11, 2006

By	J. Gorny (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While the title of this book suggests that it is designed primarily for singles, I know that after talking with my mother about it she wanted to read it right away. Within our contemporary climate of interpersonal boundary confusion we lack a significant structure that we can thrive in. For many singles, this has resulted in friendships that are not as fulfilling, causing them to catapult themselves toward marriage as a means of escaping the drudges of living alone.

This book lays a whole new framework across the board, refining a continuum of relationships and showing the benefits that each have to offer. The book doesn't just tell you what is inappropriate in intimate relationships - instead, it challenges the reader to look at all of the relationships in their lives, to challenge their own expectations and to affirm the widespread array of affection that used to exist before we decided the big 'O' is the end-all to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The book includes a great section on making personal reparations for past history and encourages a new outlook that is not out of reach.

It includes a chapter on male-female physiological cues that is invaluable for both singles who have difficulty functioning socially, but also for married people who want to avoid unintentionally giving off (or giving in to) inappropriate vibes or cues.

Finally, it has a great section that goes through the many benefits of each kind of realtionship and provides a very level-headed outlook on the benefits of being single and also of being married.

One of the other sides of this book is the scriptural and theological methodology that they follow - not only do they show it in action throughout the book, but they also outline a very responsible methodology for searching the scriptures for answers that may not be explicitly stated in the text.

The text does touch on homoeroticism briefly, asking difficult questions of those who are involved in a homoerotic relationship and assuming free will applies to the lifestyle - that it is not in-born and not a healthy option created by God.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book!!!!!, March 6, 2007

By	Shannon C. Cramer "sccramer" (chattanooga TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I loved this book. Growing up in church you just learn true love waits but you never learn why. Why indeed? This book not only answers the why but gives you tools to be able to futher your relationship with your mate and God at the same time. I loved the bridge concept and discussing what elements ( eroitc and not) truly belonged in each stage of the realtionship continuim. It was amazing! As an ex sunday school teacher still in touch with a lot of her youth this book has been instimnetual and talking with girls about what a true relationship with their boyfriends should look like. I will definitely teach these principles to my son. Thank you!!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul Sexy, the way God intended, December 9, 2008

By	Josh Spurlock "www.GetRelationshipHelp.com" (SPRINGFIELD, MO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Doug Rosenau and Michael Todd Wilson have put together a great, balanced, resource for the Christian body. No other book out there so clearly takes on the challenges of Single Sexuality like Soul Virgins. The concepts discussed in this book will prove to be a resource both for individuals figuring out their sexuality for themselves and for pastors who are looking to communicate God's vision for our sexuality. Highly recommended. You can also find resources at Tri-Lakes Relational Center, GetRelationshipHelp.com