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Let’s Talk about Sex


Post Author: Sarah Kinney Gaventa

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The thesis of most of these books (especially those directed to young Christians) is that sexuality only really counts if it is expressed in the context of marriage and that any sex outside of marriage should cause a person to feel ashamed. None of them explore sexuality and spirituality in a curious, non-judgmental way.

The cover for Oh God Oh God Oh God, depicting two white illustrated figures, unclothed but coveredLara Blackwood Pickrel and Heather Godsey’s new book, Oh God, Oh God, Oh God! Young Adults Speak out about Sexuality and Christianity, is wonderful simply because sexuality isn’t debated. The collection of essays inside this book are all first person accounts of young adults and their thoughts about sexuality. Whether ruminating on the “hook-up” culture of college, a coming-out experience, or a young married couple’s struggle with infertility, these essays are searingly honest. These essays are not prescriptive, but descriptive. They invite a conversation, rather than telling you how God feels about each sexual act. One essay, of particular interest to me as a minister wondering how to discuss sexuality with her congregation, reflects on the writer’s very positive experience with a childhood camp that used the “Eighters’ Method” of sex education. From the author’s account, this method seems to use the ultimate practical and non-manipulative blend of frank information about sex and understanding of human beings as spiritual creatures.

I left the book feeling unsatisfied, though, only because I wish the publisher had invited them to do a series of books. I did not want the book to end! I wanted a book full of essays about dating, and another book full of essays about being gay in the church, and a third book full of essays about the struggles and joys of starting (or trying to start) young families. For that matter, how about another book filled with essays about dealing with sexual abuse and how it has an impact on one’s spirituality? Each essay was so good, it left me wanting more like it. I wanted to hear a multitude of conversations around each topic, because each was so captivating.

Oh God, Oh God, Oh God!: Young Adults Speak Out about Sexuality and Christian Spirituality is a great, quick read that opens many great questions and conversations about its subject matter. This book would be great to read with a college or twenty-something group, or even a mature group of high school students.


The Rev. Sarah Kinney Gaventa is the assistant rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Princeton, NJ.


2 replies
  1. Laura S-R says:

    I loved this book. Sarah puts her finger on why it’s so powerful – the essays are “descriptive” rather than “prescriptive.” I wish I’d had this book when I was in my early 20s.

    Reply

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