Ethics of Sex

Helmut Thielicke first came to prominence as a German Lutheran minister during the last days of the Second World War in Stuttgart. In the face of bombing raids and Nazi opposition, Thielicke carried on preaching to a congregation of thousands. After the war was over, he joined the faculty of the University of Tübingen as Rector and Professor of Systematic Theology, later becoming the Rector of the University of Hamburg. During this time, he also became a world traveller, lecturing and preaching in the United States, South Africa, Australia and Latin America. He died in Hamburg in 1986.

"On every page there is evidence of his theological grasp and his alert human perception."Church of England Newspaper"There is an impressive balance in his judgements, and sexual questions are discussed with academic detachment, yet also with a warmth of human understanding."Methodist Recorder"Dr Thielicke's study is a valuable contribution to the necessary revaluation of the presuppositions underlying the Christian theology of sex."Theology"It is to be welcomed for its comprehensiveness, and for its combination of theological insight and empirical thoroughness and sensitivity."Expository Times"This book can be urgently recommended to all engaged in pastoral ministry and theological teaching."The Reformed and Presbyterian World"The book is a rare combination: insight, pastoral wisdom, and knowledge of the work of experts in the fields with which it deals ... This is, in fact, the best Christian treatment of this theme which has appeared in a long time."The Guardian

• Preface to My English ReadersTranslator's NoteList of AbbreviationsI. IntroductionThe Duality of Man: Biblical Anthropology of the SexesII. Eros and Agape: Theological Phenomenology of the Human Sex RelationshipIntroductionA. The Problem: The Interconnection of Bios and Person in the Realm of ErosB. The Libido, Animal and HumanC. The Realization of the Sex NatureIII. The Order of MarriageA. The Biblical Interpretation of MarriageB. The Sacramental and the "Worldly" Interpretations of Marriage: Controversial Theological ConsiderationsC. The Changed Position of Woman in the Family and in Society: The Problem of the Equality of the SexesD. Divorce and the Remarriage of Divorced PersonsIV. Borderline SituationsA. Birth Control: The Problem of Optional SterilityB. Interruption of Pregancy: The Problem of Artificial AbortionC. Artificial InseminationD. The Problem of HomosexualityV. ConclusionHistorical Changes in Our Understanding of ErosBibliographyIndex of Scripture PassagesIndex of NamesIndex of Subjects