REVOLUTIONARY SEX
How the good news of Jesus changes everything
By William Taylor
10Publishing. 113 pages. £4.99
ISBN 978 1 910 587 409
This concisely written volume contains a short series of sermons given by the author (rector of St Helens Bishopsgate) on the broad topic of what the Bible has to say about sex and sexual behaviour.
The provocative title refers to Taylors’ contention that the Gospel offers a revolutionary counterpoint to our Western, sexually liberal culture. He certainly manages to pack a substantial amount of nourishing Bible truth into his book and it makes for rewarding reading for Christians who need to fully understand why a careful and biblical understanding of sex and its place in life is so important.
Tantalising
Given the brevity there are inevitably some areas where further development would have added value. For example, the influence of historic worldly philosophies on current thinking about identity is very relevant and helpful to the modern reader but only gets a few tantalising mentions. On a practical note, whilst being very clear about many sexual behaviours, he shies away from stating his views about what the Bible says (or does not say) about masturbation. For many of his hearers and readers the issue of pornography and how to deal with it will be a concern and is also given little space.
It is all generally good stuff. However, this reviewer is left wanting more signposting to practical resources including websites and more references to a wider range of helpful material, rather than some quite esoteric articles and papers, fewer references to Anglican matters, and perhaps above all more of an invitation for believers to experience how God extends his grace and forgiveness to the sinner involved in sexual sin. This is, after all, how the gospel really does change us all.
This book is primarily for thoughtful Christians who want a good summary of Bible teaching on sexual behaviour. It may also be useful as a guide to use for group Bible studies especially since each chapter begins with the relevant Bible text making it straightforward to follow the arguments.
