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Bringing Sex into Focus: The Quest for Sexual Integrity, By Caroline J. Simon alt

Bringing Sex into Focus

The Quest for Sexual Integrity

by Caroline J. Simon

Bringing Sex into Focus
Ebook
  • Length: 176 pages
  • Published: November 30, 2011
  • Imprint: IVP
  • ISBN: 9780830869442

In a culture that includes sex in everything from advertising to climbing the corporate ladder, it's easy to feel fuzzy about the true purpose and place of sexuality.In this book philosopher and ethicist Caroline J. Simon identifies six "lenses" through which people understand sex and sexuality: covenantal, procreative, expressive, romantic, power and "plain sex." Guided by a virtue ethic, she applies those lenses to a variety of sexual scenarios, from flirtation and desire to marital sexuality, helping us to see what filters we run issues of sexuality through and how, properly ordered and weighted, they can help us achieve sexual integrity.Here is a book for anyone interested in developing a holistic, biblical sexual ethic that brings into focus the bewildering array of cultural sexual presentations we're surrounded by every day.

REVIEWS

"Caroline Simon presents a balanced philosophical approach to the orthodox Christian ethics of sex for a whole new generation of wonderers. Bringing Sex into Focus is well worth your time."Andrew Marin, author of Love Is an Orientation, www.themarinfoundation.org
"The skeptic would argue that the Bible was written in a time and culture so different from ours that its prescriptions are no longer valid or relevant for us. But truth be told, the New Testament world was characterized by as much sexual freedom as we have today. In our age of 'whatever floats your boat,' Caroline Simon makes the virtuous life appealing, worth pursuing and ultimately profoundly satisfying."Rebecca Manley Pippert, author of Out of the Saltshaker into the World
"Caroline Simon defends sexual integrity, but that's not her sole intention. With clarity and care Simon describes cultural lenses used to determine what we believe about flirting, premarital sex, prostitution and other sexual behaviors. She challenges readers to avoid simplistic explanations of perspectives other than their own as she helps us understand how each leads to consistent beliefs about sexual behaviors. Simon's readable, philosophical study of sex makes an important contribution to the field."Lisa Graham McMinn, professor of sociology and author of Sexuality and Holy Longing
"In this fine book Caroline Simon delivers marvelously on what she promises: philosophically informed insight into the complexities of human sexuality. Not that she stays on the level of theory. There is much practical wisdom here on the 'ordinary' interactions of our highly sexualized culture: flirtation, seduction, 'hook-ups,' and much more!"Richard J. Mouw, president and professor of Christian philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary
"Bringing Sex into Focus delivers on the promise of its title: clarifying the meaning of sex and sexual faithfulness. Caroline Simon describes multiple lenses--both Christian and secular--used to interpret human sexuality, and fairly brings them into dialogue with one another. The book promotes civility and fairness for Christians engaging diverse sexual views and also upholds Christian ideals. Readers will be challenged to sharpen their vision, supported by this well-researched andlucidly presented book."Jenell Williams Paris, professor of anthropology, Messiah College, and author of The End of Sexual Identity
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CONTENTS

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part I: Basic Equipment
1. Six Sexual Lenses
Part II: Christian Ideals--How Christians See and Are Seen
2. Marital Sexuality
3. Chastity andVirginity
Part III: Complications--Where Clarity Is a Challenge
4. Flirtation and Seduction
5. Homosexuality
Part IV: Convolutions--A World Shaped by Deficient Visions
6. Casual Sex
7. Sex as a Commodity
Conclusion: Toward Sexual Integrity
Notes

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ABOUT Caroline J. Simon

Caroline J. Simon

Caroline J. Simon is the author of several books, including The Disciplined Heart: Love, Destiny and Imagination. She is the John and Jeanne Jacobson Professor of Philosophy at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, with a concentration on humanities and ethics.

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