Synopses & Reviews
In this groundbreaking book, Arnold, a pastor for over forty years, provides fresh biblical insights into critical issues including the sacredness of sex, the struggle against temptation, the decision to remain single or to marry, child rearing, homosexuality, divorce and remarriage. Sex, God, and Marriage offers healing to anyone who has known discouragement or failure - and hope to anyone who is willing to take a bold new look at a topic of universal interest and concern. Unlike the vast majority of marriage books, Sex, God, and Marriage digs deeper than the usual issues and goes to the root: our relationship with God, and the defining power of that relationship over all others in our lives.
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A message that is desperately needed today . . . should be in the hands of every educator and teenager. Alice von Hildebrand
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Clear, compassionate, uncompromisingly Christian, and straight from (and to) the heart. . . . Pretty close, I think, to what Jesus would say if he were to write a book about sex today - and probably as socially acceptable as he was. Peter Kreeft, Boston College
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To advocate an ideal of sexual purity is perhaps the last American taboo. . . . This book provides a wise spiritual guide on how, and why, to lead such a life. Paul C. Vitz, New York University
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In this book we find a message needed today in every part of the world. Mother Teresa
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Arnold's bold statement on the meaning of marriage clarifies for the sometimes confused church a concept central to Christian teaching. Charles Edward Blake, Presiding Bishop, Church of God in Christ
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Simple and short, but deep, this is one of the best books on handling sexuality in a way that honors God. J. I. Packer, Regent College
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I am very happy for this book and for its moral conviction. Pope Benedict XVI
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Arnold writes simply, eloquently, and faithfully. His Sex, God, and Marriage is a relentless, biblical call for renewed Christian commitment. Advocates of accommodated, acculturated Christianity will find little comfort in these pages; struggling disciples, however, will be much encouraged. William H. Willimon, Duke Divinity School
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Striking for its clear and penetrating presentation of simple (and yet immensely profound) biblical truths about human sexuality. I wish everyone could read this call to cut through the complications of modern life by a holy and Christ-like life. William A. Dyrness, Fuller Theological Seminary
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Clear, compassionate, uncompromisingly Christian,< b=""> Peter Kreeft, <> Boston College
About the Author
People have come to expect sound advice from Johann Christoph Arnold, an award-winning author with over a million copies of his books in print in more than 20 languages. A noted speaker and writer on marriage, parenting, and end-of-life issues, Arnold is a senior pastor of the Bruderhof, a movement of Christian communities. With his wife, Verena, he has counseled thousands of individuals and families over the last forty years. His books include Why Forgive?, Rich in Years, Seeking Peace, Cries from the Heart, Be Not Afraid, and Why Children Matter. Arnold's message has been shaped by encounters with great peacemakers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, César Chavez, and John Paul II. Together with paralyzed police officer Steven McDonald, Arnold started the Breaking the Cycle program, working with students at hundreds of public high schools to promote reconciliation through forgiveness. This work has also brought him to conflict zones from Northern Ireland to Rwanda to the Middle East. Closer to home, he serves as chaplain for the local sheriff's department. Born in Britain in 1940 to German refugees, Arnold spent his boyhood years in South America, where his parents found asylum during the war; he immigrated to the United States in 1955. He and his wife have eight children, 42 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They live in upstate New York.
Table of Contents
Contents Foreword by Mother Teresa Introduction by Robert P. George To the Reader Part I: In the Beginning 1. In the Image of God 2. It Is Not Good for Man to Be Alone 3. They Shall Become One Flesh 4. The First Sin 5. Restoring the Image of God 6. Sexuality and the Sensuous Sphere 7. The Pure in Heart Part II: What God Has Joined Together 8. Marriage in the Holy Spirit 9. The Mystery of Marriage 10. The Sacredness of Sex 11. Parenthood and the Gift of Children 12. The Purity of Childhood 13. For Those Considering Marriage 14. The Service of Singleness Part III: The Spirit of Our Age 15. With or Without God 16. What about Homosexuality? 17. The Hidden War 18. Divorce and Remarriage 19. Therefore Let Us Keep Watch A Call to Purity Notes For Further Reading