The Freedom Of Sexual Love

"This is a love story. It is the story of sexual love, the love of man and woman united in the mystery of a sacrament which joins them in one flesh." On this compelling note, Joseph and Lois Bird begin a detailed and sympathetic treatment of the Christian concept of sexuality in marriage. The authors examine--candidly and explicitly--the physical, psychological, and spiritual dimension of the marital union as well as the responsibilities of marriage. A mature, comprehensive guide to the subject of human sexuality, The Freedom of Sexual Love covers all aspects of love-making with wholesomeness and reverence. The authors emphasize the inseparability of spirit and flesh in Christian marriage, stressing the involvement of the total personality. Thus, they consider fully the psychological and spiritual meaning found in sexual relations and the nature of man and woman as they interact as husband and wife. Throughout the book the authors stress that sexuality permeates every aspect of the human relationship in marriage and there is a need for the marriage partners to understand this fully. Drawing upon the countless experiences of the many couples they have counseled, and especially upon their own marriage, the authors have succeeded in portraying the marital union as a commitment in love. The Freedom of Sexual Love is an invaluable reading experience for anyone married, about to be married, or contemplating the sacrament of marriage.

In Love and Freedom, Jorge Ferrer proposes a paradigm shift in how romantic relationships are conceptualized, a step forward in the evolution of modern relationships. In the same way that the transgender movement surmounted the gender binary, Ferrer defines how a parallel step can—and should—be taken with the relational style binary. This book offers the first systematic discussion of relationship modes beyond monogamy and polyamory, as well as introduces the notion of “relational freedom” as the capability to choose one’s relational style free from biological, psychological, and sociocultural conditionings. To achieve these goals, Ferrer first discusses a number of critical categories—specifically, monopride/polyphobia, and polypride/monophobia—that mediate the contemporary “mono–poly wars,” that is, the predicament of mutual competition among monogamists and polyamorists. The ideological nature of these “mono–poly wars” is demonstrated through a review of available empirical literature on the psychological health and relationship quality of monogamous and polyamorous individuals and couples. Then, after showing how monogamy and polyamory ultimately reinforce each other, Ferrer articulates three relational pathways to living in-between, through, and beyond the mono/poly binary: fluidity, hybridity, and transcendence. Moving beyond that binary opens a fuzzy, liminal, and multivocal relational space that Ferrer calls novogamy. In this groundbreaking book, readers will learn practical tools to not only transform jealousy, but also enhance their relational freedom while being aware of key issues of diversity and social justice. They will also learn novel criteria to evaluate the success of their intimate relationships, and be introduced to a transformed vision of romantic love beyond both monocentrism and emerging polynormativities.

Sex. Religion. There is no denying that these two subjects are among the most provocative in American public life. Even the constitutional principle of church-state separation seems to give way when it comes to sex: the Supreme Court draws on theology as readily as it draws on case law when rendering decisions that touch on sexuality. In this compelling and carefully argued study, Janet R. Jakobsen and Ann Pellegrini examine this powerful and disturbing connection as they explore the reasons why secular institutions habitually use religion to regulate sexual life. From state legislatures to the halls of Congress and the Supreme Court, from daily newspapers to popular magazines and television talk shows, Jakobsen and Pellegrini illustrate the intensity of America's obsession with sex in the name of values and the dangers it poses to some of our most basic freedoms. Using a wide range of case studies, Love the Sin offers an insightful critique of the ways in which sexuality in general and homosexuality in particular are discussed and debated in the public arena. Additionally, the book sets forth constructive alternatives that highlight the vital links between sexual and religious freedom and expose the hazards of using religion as a justification for regulating sexuality. A timely, necessary, and refreshing contribution to the many debates surrounding religion, morality, and sex, Love the Sin boldly dreams an America that lives up to its promise of freedom and justice for all.

If God means for us to save sex for marriage, why doesn't he just zap us with sexuality on our wedding night? Why do most of us experience sexual feelings throughout our adult lives, not just in the safe confines of marriage? Is limiting marriage to the union of a man and a woman anything but outdated prejudice? What is our sexuality actually for? Today's culture overwhelmingly tells us that sex is essential for human flourishing. Far too often the church perpetuates the same message - as long as you are married. But far from being liberating, this idolising of sex leaves us even more sexually broken than before. With refreshing honesty and clarity, Ed Shaw calls on the church to rediscover its confidence in the Bible's teaching about our ability to experience or express sexual feelings. He points us to how God's word reveals that sexuality's ultimate purpose is to help us better know God and the full power of his passionate love. He shows us how this is surprisingly good news for all our joys and struggles with sexuality.

Discover the freedom, holiness, and beauty of sex in marriage. Intimacy and sex should flow from an attitude of true selflessness. A verse-by-verse look at the Song of Solomon, Intimacy Ignited shows couples how to fire up and maintain the flames of a passionate marriage. Sex plays a vital role in every healthy marriage, yet there's more to intimacy than just sex. If your marriage doesn't have the passion it once did, learn why romance and intimacy is all about being a servant lover. Part marriage manual, part commentary, and part Bible study, Intimacy Ignited is a great resource.

When Helen Gurley Brown's Sex and the Single Girl hit bookstores in 1962, the sexual revolution was launched and there was no turning back. Soon came the pill, the end of censorship, the advent of feminism, and the rise of commercial pornography. Our daily lives changed in an unprecedented time of sexual openness and experimentation. Make Love, Not War is the first serious treatment of the complicated events, ideas, and personalities that drove the sexual revolution forward. Based on first-hand accounts, diaries, interviews, and period research, it traces changes in private lives and public discourse from the fearful fifties to the first tremors of rebellion in the early sixties to the heady heyday of the revolution. Bringing a fresh perspective to the turbulence of these decades, David Allyn argues that the sexual revolutionaries of the '60s and '70s, by telling the truth about their own histories and desires, forced all Americans to re-examine the very meaning of freedom. Written with a historian's attention to nuance and a novelist's narrative drive, Make Love, Not War is a provocative, vivid, and thoughtful account of one of the most captivating episodes in American history. Also includes an 8-page insert.

The modern world is full of temptations that can lead people not only into unhappy lives but also into the throes of addiction. Navigating the world alone is not an easy task for any of us. Why not let The Freedom to Love be a most valued companion in overcoming an addiction to a sinful life? By living your life guided by true Christian morality and spiritual principles, you can break free from temptations and have the courage to experience real love. Why study the 12 Step recovery from a Christian context? Addicts and codependents are unable to choose real love without being grounded in solid moral values. Christianity offers a purposeful commitment to a way of life that heals human wounds and rectifies the effects of sin. It promotes character, growing in the measure that the person depends on truth and grace. Devote yourself to the study and development of Christ's love and you will find the strength to break free from addiction, codependency and sinful behaviors that preclude love.