"Mere Sexuality" by: Todd Wilson

 Age: 17+

Description: What do Christians believe about human sexuality?

In Mere Sexuality, author and pastor Todd Wilson presents the historic Christian consensus about human sexuality, the Great Tradition of the church for centuries as taught in each of its major expressions - Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant. Wilson highlights the stunning shift of opinion on issues of sexuality in the evangelical church and why this break with the historic church is problematic for the future of Christianity. Along the way he provides ordinary believers with an introduction to the historic Christian vision of sexuality, yet does so in conversation with some of the twenty-first century's leading challenges to this vision.

In a culture that is deeply confused about human sexuality, Wilson believes it is time for evangelicals to retrieve the historic Christian tradition and biblical teaching on the question of sexuality. Mere Sexuality seeks to guide readers back to the beauty and coherence of this vision of sexuality in the face of an aggressive and all-consuming pagan and secular worldview.

My Rating: 5/5

    The issue of sexuality is extremely relevant in today’s Christian and secular culture. In Mere Sexuality, Todd Wilson shines light on the sensitive topics surrounding sexuality. Once Christians know and understand the truth of the gospel, they should not be afraid to share it with love.
    Todd Wilson explains that every human is born with a specified gender (except for very rare occasions). These genders are created by God as complementary parts to those of the opposite gender. I agree with this statement and believe it should be expressed more often than it is within Christian culture. Humans are made to be in union with a singular individual of our opposite sex.
    Marriage is rapidly deteriorating in modern culture. Todd Wilson argues that part of this decline is due to the lack of priority placed upon the eternality of the marriage covenant. This could also contribute to the rise in pre-marital cohabitation. This lifestyle is neither spiritually, nor mentally healthy. God’s Word makes it very clear that cohabitation before marriage is fornication. Additionally, without the security found in promised permanence, there will undoubtedly be fear and anxiety about infidelity.
    The sacred union of marriage is a reflection of Jesus’ union with His bride, the church. Wilson teaches that Christians’ intimate and exclusive relationship with Jesus should be mirrored within that of their spouse. Jesus demands full priority over other relationships, just as one’s spouse should receive full priority over all other human relationships. Multiple times in Scripture, Christ promises never to leave or forsake His bride. In His perfect nature, He will keep His promises.
    Sex is often seen as an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, it needs to be talked about nonetheless. In the sight of the sinful world, sex is only for pleasure. Wilson makes an excellent point, though combating that view. He claims that when sex is only a source of pleasure, the children that may result from it could be seen as a hindrance or inconvenience. I had never heard someone combat this view before, and I really appreciated Wilson’s insightful, Scripture-driven comments.
    The issue of homosexuality is perhaps one of the biggest controversies within Christian culture sexuality debates. I am unafraid to state that homosexuality is sinful and hated by God. However, no sin is worse than another. In God’s eyes, all sins are of equal filth. Therefore, theft and homosexuality are on the same level. Wilson encourages those struggling with this sin to walk closely with the Lord while patiently waiting for the perfect restoration to come.
    Believers should be informed about the issues that are present within Christian and secular culture. In doing so, they will be more capable of accurately imparting the truth of God’s Word to those God brings across their path. Todd Wilson’s Mere Sexuality is a much-needed book today. He unashamedly tackles sensitive issues while holding onto his firm faith in Christ and His Word.
 

Things to be aware of in "Mere Sexuality:"
 

Language:
- 2 "da*ned" (both were from a quote)
- 1 usage of the Lord's name in vain (from a quote)
 

Romantic Content:
- Sexual abuse is mentioned
- Intimacy and sex are discussed
 

Additional Notes:
- Lots of discussion about gay marriage and same-sex attraction

 

Links to the book: Amazon and Goodreads.