Skip to main content

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: 👍

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

All the Cheese

I've been coming across content within the past several weeks that has stereotyped Christian books (and other mediums) as being cheesy on Christian accounts. While this isn't a new label or even a new topic, what has surprised me somewhat has been seeing more Christian authors jump into this conversation who wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Although some authors will name others whom they believe are writing non-cheesy fiction, I feel as though the damage has been done by repeating this blanket statement. While readers have freely been engaging in this type of commentary for some time, it's been interesting to see authors chime in, where in some cases, there seems to be an emphasis on self-promotion over reflection. I'm not stereotyping and saying that all authors or even the authors I'm connected to respond with this tactic (because I really don't think they do!), but there are a few out there from my limited experience who seem to respond to this disc...
11 comments
Read more

Fallen

This is a post that I wish I didn't have to write. Please understand that I recognize that we are all fallen; therefore, everything that we create is marred, imperfect, and tainted due to sin. What I'm exploring is what happens when there are authors or other creators who have acted in a way that harms others and there is little-to-no news of repentance or reparations being made. I'm not writing anything investigative as many skilled and brilliant Christians are already doing so. I'm more writing as a bystander who is grieved at some of the news that has come up and attempting to process it all. The first news that really impacted me was learning about the passing of Jennifer Lyell, former Lifeway Vice President, whom headlines have also called a Southern Baptist Convention abuse survivor . This hit close to home for a multitude of reasons even though prior to yesterday, I hadn't heard of her story. One of the reasons it affected me was because the professor who was...
Post a Comment
Read more

Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur Carolyn Miller Jennifer Mistmorgan Honey Stone Jessica...
Post a Comment
Read more