Religion and Sexuality

The Editor: C. K. Robertson is Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Arizona, Honorary Canon of the Diocese of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and a Fellow of the Episcopal Church Foundation. Formerly a professor of ethics and communications, he holds a Ph.D. in theology from Durham University and serves on advisory boards for both The Protestant Hour/Day 1 and Film Clips, Inc.Dr. Robertson has written or edited several works, including Conflict in Corinth: Redefining the System (Peter Lang, 2001), Religion as Entertainment (Peter Lang, 2002), and Religion and Alcohol: Sobering Thoughts (Peter Lang, 2004).

«‘Religion and Sexuality’ is a masterful accomplishment and fulfills a vital need in the church today. C. K. Robertson and his colleagues tackle tough, complex, and highly charged issues with reason, faith, and grace. You won’t agree with everything in this book, but you will certainly think about it and, I hope, talk about it, pray about it, and be transformed by it.» (Peter Wallace, Executive Producer and Host of ‘Day 1’, and Author of ‘Out of the Quiet’)«‘Religion and Sexuality’ is a welcome addition to thoughtful conversation about sexuality, gender, religion, and ethics. Written by accomplished scholars representing a variety of disciplines and religious perspectives, this collection offers fresh and realistic examinations of sexual issues old and new. With prose ranging from playful, to provocative, to purposeful, this book will be a catalyst for fruitful discussion among pastors, students, and scholars.» (John S. Grabowski, Associate Professor and Director of Moral Theology/Ethics, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and Author of ‘Sex and Virtue: An Introduction to Sexual Ethics’)«This is a collection of intellectually stimulating and at times provocative essays emerging from a wide spectrum of voices. The reader will encounter fresh thinking as well as new interpretations of older approaches. ‘Religion and Sexuality’ is a fine contribution to the conversation and worthy of wide readership.» (The Right Reverend J. Neil Alexander, Episcopal Bishop of Atlanta, and Author of ‘This Far by Grace: A Bishop’s Journey Through Questions of Homosexuality’)

• Contents: C. K. Robertson: Imagination and Innuendo: An Introduction – Douglas C. Mohrmann: Is Anyone Listening? The Waning Voice of the Bible in Sexual Ethics – B. J. Oropeza: What Is Sex? Christians and Erotic Boundaries – Georgia A. Newman: Woman’s Place or Women’s Spaces: Intertwining History, Herstory, and Christianity – David D. Peck: The Lord Gave, and the Lord Hath Taken Away: A History of Mormon Polygamy – Douglas MacLeod: The Oppressed Self: Desire, Sexuality, and Religious Cinema – John W. Gamble: Out of Bounds: The Clergy and Sexual Boundaries – Deborah Vess: Eunuchs for the Kingdom: The Origin and Discipline of Clerical Celibacy – Lesley A. Northrup: Homosexuality in the Evolution of American Christianity – Philip Culbertson: Mothers and Their Golden Sons: Exploring a Theology of Narcissism – C. K. Robertson: Conclusion - I’m Okay, You’re a Heretic: Sex as Power and Threat.