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Review: Holy Sexuality and the Gospel

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel book cover on blue background

I am so thankful that I first spotted this book at the local bookstore as Holy Sexuality and the Gospel by Dr. Christopher Yuan is one of the most insightful books I've read on this particular topic. I love that the author references himself as a "Bearer of Christ" as this is a very apt conclusion after finishing this book.

Many thanks to Multnomah and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

From the author of Out of a Far Country, which details his dramatic conversion from an agnostic gay man who put his identity in his sexuality to a Bible professor who now puts his identity in Christ alone, comes a gospel-centered discussion of sex, desire, and relationships.

Dr. Christopher Yuan explores the concept of holy sexuality—chastity in singleness or faithfulness in marriage—in a practical and relevant manner, equipping readers with an accessible yet robust theology of sexuality. Whether you want to share Christ with a loved one who identifies as gay or you're wrestling with questions of identity yourself, this book will help you better understand sexuality in light of God's grand story and realize that holy sexuality is actually good news for all.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Filled with biblical references, I appreciate how clearly this book lays out the primary understandings of anthropology and ecclesiology through the framework of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation as depicted in the Gospel story. Regardless of the various stances that Christians may take on what constitutes holy sexuality, the author provides an undeniably compelling case for why we need to turn to the Bible to define sexuality rather than relying on culture, which can fuel some of these variances. The overarching theme that we need to die to ourselves as disciples of Jesus Christ supercedes any other identity that we may cling to, putting singleness and marriage in their proper context. This book offers both a theological foundation and practical advice for how Christians can engage with people who define themselves by their sexuality.

This book's strength is in how logically holy sexuality is presented and why this matters for the Christian church. This is likely one of the best resources I've come across on how churches should function, why we need churches, and how Christians can embody the love of God to those different from us. Holy Sexuality and the Gospel has much to say about biblical sexuality, but extends this concept to a longing for eternal companionship that is completely fulfilled by God. If you want a book that challenges your paradigm of singleness and marriage and calls Christians to a more enduring promise that extends beyond this life, Dr. Yuan paints the most beautiful picture of the church as the bride of Christ that calls people from all backgrounds to draw near Him as disciples and as a spiritual family.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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