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Good Sex: A Christian and a Pagan Discuss Sexual Ethics

good sexGood Sex presents sexual ethics in the light of faith. Speaking on behalf of Christianity,  Buss describes “love your neighbor as yourself” as the only Christian “rule”; it is a positive rule rather than one that focuses on prohibitions. Since this call is never fulfilled in practice, it is joined by forgiveness for oneself and others. More concrete guidelines need to be aided by “wisdom” which is not specifically Christian. Detailed biblical support is provided at the end. Stipe, a contemporary Pagan, advocates respect for all living things and doing no harm as a minimal ethical guide, leaving positive prescriptions to individual judgment. Buss and Stipe discuss details of sexual ethics in largely positive terms-what is good to do-but also with a concern for problems that should be avoided. They agree in many practical matters, just as Christians and Pagans did many years ago, before sexual equality became an ideal. They discuss various kinds of sex, including seeing and being seen, touching, masturbation, and penetration; different sexual identities; committed and uncommitted relationships, including the advisability of extended relations; having and raising children; abortion; and sensuous awareness in a spiritual setting.

 

  • Paperback: 194 pages
  • Publisher: Wipf & Stock (January 13, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1625641885
  • ISBN-13: 978-1625641885
  • Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches

 

Reviews

I do not exaggerate when I say that this small book should be read and studied by every religious congregation in the country without delay. With admirable candor and honesty this work addresses the current widespread sexual confusion and fear that permeates religious communities in particular, and the wider society in general. –The Rev. Dr. Raymond Lawrence Jr., Director emeritus, Pastoral Care, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York

Good Sex is a creative and sex-positive conversation, grounded in both sound spirituality and genuine care for the health of human relationships. It avoids oversimplifying multifaceted realities like bisexuality, polyamory, and the development of sexual intimacy while also avoiding a scholarly tone. . . . Readers will find that Good Sex makes a valuable contribution to thinking about issues of meaning and ethics in contemporary sexuality. –John R. Ballew, Licensed Professional Counselor, Georgia

Martin Buss and Nickie Stipe offer a winsome exploration of some of the most important and most difficult questions of sexuality as we meet them in our current society. . . . The book is a welcome, realistic study that is deeply grounded in Christian tradition and venturesome in its practicality. –Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary, Georgia

 

About the Author

Martin J. Buss is Professor Emeritus at Emory University. Nickie M. Stipe has an MDiv from Yale University and a PhD in Religion from Emory University. She is currently employed as an editor in the Religion Department at Emory University.

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