As I’ve stated redundantly to the point of redundancy, churches need a robust theology of sexuality which is easy to understand and communicate. My friend Garry Ingraham of Love and Truth Network would go further—we need a dramatic culture shift in most churches. And for that task, this book may be just the tool.
As a clinical psychologist and Christian teacher, Dr. Juli Slattery is uniquely gifted and equipped to help shift a congregation’s approach to sexual matters. Instead of simply presenting a theology, this book is her call to action. Instead of simply conveying concepts, she is challenging us to engage in sexual discipleship.
Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters is truly a gift to the Church. It is easy to read, group user friendly, and written to awaken us. Rather than calling the culture to heed do’s and don’ts, she speaks confidently about reshaping the narrative. She states:
Although sexuality presents an enormous challenge to Christians and to the world at large, it is not a problem to be solved but a territory to be reclaimed. (P. 9, italics hers.)
In the past, I’ve recommended a few other books to shape our thinking. Dr. Timothy Tennent’s For the Body: Recovering a Theology of Gender, Sexuality, and the Body is a thorough and succinct theological work, but its academic feel can be intimidating. It’s good to have on your shelf, but not one that will engage the average church study group.
And, of course, I’ve recommended Into the Light: Healing Sexuality in Today’s Church. It is much more readable, contains four chapters on a sexual theology that is easy to grasp, and addresses a number of sexual issues which need the healing hands of Jesus extended through the local church. It is written for group discussion, has a DVD to assist the group, and continues to receive high praise from many.
But the advantage to Slattery’s book is its practicality. She engages the reader in making disciples who thoroughly understand sexuality. Great theology is presented, but followed with an altar call.
Though they wouldn’t voice it, some pastors might think sexual matters are an unnecessary appendage to discipleship. After all, shouldn’t we simply be making disciples who can share their faith? But Slattery brings home the point that the first thing many nonChristians will want to know about any faith-sharing disciple is what they believe about sexuality. It is the defining issue for Generation Z.
So, yes, she’s evangelistic about all of this. Consider the conclusion in her final chapter. It’s lodged under the subtitle “No Pressure, but It All Starts with You”:
The sexual shifts and changing assumptions around us make us feel as though every few years we have to adjust to a new normal. Rethinking Sexuality presents the challenge for the church to also create a new normal.
I can envision a time when Christians are known by the world for their sexual integrity, their compassion, and the hope they offer.
I imagine a time when, while we may be seen as strange and even be persecuted for our commitment to biblical sexuality, we will be known as people full of humility and grace.
I imagine a time when it is normal for Christians to talk and pray and teach about all aspects of sexuality.
I imagine stories of redemption and healing as being commonplace among those who carry the name of Christ. He has all authority in heaven and on earth. It’s time that we started acting on that authority. (Pp. 190-191 italics mine.)
If you are not trying to change the culture of your local church, why not? Pray about this. Any of the books mentioned above could be used in a study, but this readable book by Slattery is a great place to begin. No pressure, but it all starts with us!
The final words of her book are a good conclusion for this article:
God is inviting you to this kind of life, in pursuit of revival for His glory. Will you say yes? If enough of us do, we just might see our great God turn the world upside down.
Dr. Timothy Tenant is also President of Asbury Seminary, and his first love is evangelism.