Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Zondervan Books (2007), 208 pages
Description
Religion & Spirituality. Nonfiction. HTML: Sex. God. You know the two subjects are connected; you just don't have the words for how they are connected. And they cannot be separated. Where the one is, you will always find the other. When you actually live and feel and engage, you discover that the physical things around us are like windows into more. And when you talk about sexuality, you quickly end up in the spiritual---because 'this' is always about 'that.' Something deeper. Something behind it all. You can't talk about sexuality without talking about how we were made. About how we relate to each other. About how we were made to relate to each other. And that will inevitably lead you to who made us. At some point you have to talk about God. To make sense of the one, we have to explore the other. That is what this book is about..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member heikid
What is it about:
How sexuality, spirituality, being human,
being a Christian, loving others, dating, marriage,
letting go of your past, relationships...
are all inter-connected.
What went through my mind:
Instead 0f calling this a book,
it's more like a collection of insights / wise sayings.
I liked how
a (boring) lecture / theological discussion,
but simply the thought process of a fellow Christ-follower,
contemplating how to connect the dots in life,
so things would fall into place in God's bigger picture --Glad that i got to take a peek at his ideas : )
Why Should you read it, too?
Just to gain some fresh ideas about life & God & people.
& No, this book doesn't talk exclusively about SEX.
"This is really (not) about THAT."
How sexuality, spirituality, being human,
being a Christian, loving others, dating, marriage,
letting go of your past, relationships...
are all inter-connected.
What went through my mind:
Instead 0f calling this a book,
it's more like a collection of insights / wise sayings.
I liked how
Show More
the book is not written likea (boring) lecture / theological discussion,
but simply the thought process of a fellow Christ-follower,
contemplating how to connect the dots in life,
so things would fall into place in God's bigger picture --Glad that i got to take a peek at his ideas : )
Why Should you read it, too?
Just to gain some fresh ideas about life & God & people.
& No, this book doesn't talk exclusively about SEX.
"This is really (not) about THAT."
Show Less
LibraryThing member tcarter
A superb exploration of spirituality and sexuality from Christian perspectives. Rob Bell's book is rooted in practical examples and situations, and is informed by a deep understanding of Christian writings. His style is clear and engaging, drawing the reader in and then bringing you up short with
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new insights. I loved it. Show Less
LibraryThing member russell_duren
Bell is big on "'This' is really about 'that'." So many seemingly normal experiences in our lives actually have a lot to say about our sexuality. I love this book because certain Christians have made sex an overly hot-button or tabboo issue. But Bell makes a great case for a redeeming sexual ethic
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without sounding preachy at all. Show Less
LibraryThing member heathersy
Bell is clever --he cites Banksy at one point-- but the book is completely Christian-centric. The sub-title belies the book's narrow focus on one religious tradition.
He then holds up the June Carter - Johnny Cash union while conveniently omitting it's adulterous origins. "Ring of Fire" is not
Not so off, perhaps, as suggesting that the fruit of the tree of life was a watermelon. Sorry, I am missing the punchline on that one.
He then holds up the June Carter - Johnny Cash union while conveniently omitting it's adulterous origins. "Ring of Fire" is not
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exactly obtuse in its symbolism -- to a Biblical literalist it is not even symbolic (e.g.: defile holy union, burn in hell.) So, from within the frame work Bell has placed himself this seems a disingenous slight of pen. Not so off, perhaps, as suggesting that the fruit of the tree of life was a watermelon. Sorry, I am missing the punchline on that one.
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LibraryThing member kristicw
Rob Bell has a distinctive writing style - very conversational and easy. You really get the feeling he is talking to you from across the couch. Although the change in tone is refreshing, I think it could get old quickly (Max Lucado-ish).
The points in his book are a great topic. The conclusions he
Most profound for this review, though, is that, although I finished this book within the last week, I'm having trouble recalling much about it. It was pretty forgettable apparently.
The points in his book are a great topic. The conclusions he
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came to, the jumps in inference are too much to go unmentioned, though. There was little grounds and little Scriptural backing to support his ideas.Most profound for this review, though, is that, although I finished this book within the last week, I'm having trouble recalling much about it. It was pretty forgettable apparently.
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LibraryThing member heinous-eli
A silly piece of fluff that neither teaches anything of substance nor incites one to do further research into either Christianity of sexuality. The only kind of person I can see as reading, enjoying, and remembering this book is someone who both is self-congratulatory and whose perspective
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perfectly matches that of the author. Show Less
LibraryThing member skokie
The author does a nice job exploring the connections between sexuality and spirituality. His main thesis is that humans are relational in nature. Our sexuality and spirituality are the two greatest avenues we seek out relationships (with each other and with god). I thought the book takes a more
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refreshing view of sexuality than most traditional Augustinian-influenced texts. I know some have proposed this being a good text to replace the "I kissed being a sexual person goodbye" series, but I am unsure if the material within this book can be understood by the majority of high school students. Nevertheless, the book will create some good conversations within theological settings. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rosarium_PDX
Very good. Great exploration of the connections between sexuality and spirituality.
LibraryThing member wbc3
Another thought provoking book by Rob Bell. Although I can't always follow his line of reasoning, the book made me think. And, the book at times made me cry. The book does a wonderful job of balancing the importance of sex between the extremes of the animal behavior of much of society and the
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unrealistic angelic standard of much of the church. I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member cheetosrapper
A very interesting book on sexuality and its relations to God. I am not sure that I agree with the author but I do appreciate his candor on his views. I would suggest a contrast between this book and Real Sex by Lauren Winner.
LibraryThing member aevaughn
Extremely interesting it provoked many wonderful thoughts and it enjoyed much more than his book " Jesus Wants to Save Christians. My only criticism is that I wish he had gone into more detail with almost everything. Regardless this should be read by everyone though!
LibraryThing member Tpoi
Tries too hard. Some great thoughts and the beginnings of many wonderful conversations, but not a worthy book.
LibraryThing member deusvitae
An analysis of the connections between sexuality and Christianity.
The author does well at showing how modern views of sexuality and the goal of sexuality in modern culture really involves yearnings and desires that are far deeper.
He shows well how marriage and sex were always intended to be a
Controversial often, but compelling throughout. If one can stomach the title and the explored associations, it's worth the read.
The author does well at showing how modern views of sexuality and the goal of sexuality in modern culture really involves yearnings and desires that are far deeper.
He shows well how marriage and sex were always intended to be a
Show More
physical representation of the spiritual connections that ought to exist between a human and his God and his fellow man. Controversial often, but compelling throughout. If one can stomach the title and the explored associations, it's worth the read.
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LibraryThing member DubiousDisciple
Relax, folks, this is not a call to worship Yahweh like some kind of fertility idol. It’s just another of Bell’s weird book titles.
I’m a Bell fan, but I confess this wasn’t one of my favorites. If we’re gonna talk about this stuff, well, there are lots of interesting passages in the Bible
1. Sex is a reality of life. We’re not animals and we’re not angels. (I’d argue that we’re both, but I’ll save that for another time). The Bible says we’re higher than the animals, and we’re higher than the angels! Sex should not degenerate into animalistic urges, but neither should we pretend we’re sexless beings like angels. It’s a special, if confusing, gift.
2. But don’t do it until you’re ready for marriage. In the Bible, sex was the final, binding act of a marriage. It is not the ceremony that joins two people together forever, it is the carnal act, and this is God’s way.
Bell plays more of the role of a pastor than a teacher in this book, so I found it less interesting than his other works. But maybe it’s just what you’re looking for.
I’m a Bell fan, but I confess this wasn’t one of my favorites. If we’re gonna talk about this stuff, well, there are lots of interesting passages in the Bible
Show More
about sex, sexuality, and the sexes. But Bell ignores all the interesting discussion, and zeroes in on two basic themes:1. Sex is a reality of life. We’re not animals and we’re not angels. (I’d argue that we’re both, but I’ll save that for another time). The Bible says we’re higher than the animals, and we’re higher than the angels! Sex should not degenerate into animalistic urges, but neither should we pretend we’re sexless beings like angels. It’s a special, if confusing, gift.
2. But don’t do it until you’re ready for marriage. In the Bible, sex was the final, binding act of a marriage. It is not the ceremony that joins two people together forever, it is the carnal act, and this is God’s way.
Bell plays more of the role of a pastor than a teacher in this book, so I found it less interesting than his other works. But maybe it’s just what you’re looking for.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ScoutJ
Not your typical relationship book, and DEFINITELY not your typical Christian relationship book. I have enjoyed reading Bell's books and look forward to the next one.
Subjects
Awards
Publishers Weekly's Best Books of the Year (Religion — 2007)
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