As Christians living in a sexually confused, sexually exploitive, and sexually broken world, it’s so important for us to think Biblically about sex and sexuality. Here are 5 books I recommend:
1.Why does God care who I sleep with? by Sam Allberry
This book lays a great foundation for understanding why God cares about sex so much. I think it will especially serve those who are new to the Christian faith.
God cares who we sleep with because he cares deeply about the people who are doing the sleeping. He cares because sex was his idea, not ours. He cares because misusing sex can cause profound hurt and damage. He cares because he regards us as worthy of his care. And, in fact, that care is not only seen in telling us how we should use sex, but also in how he makes forgiveness and healing available to us when we mess this up.
Sam Allberry
2. Talking Back to Purity Culture: Rediscovering Faithful Christian Sexuality by Rachel Joy Welcher
If you grew up in the church, this book is probably for you. Rachel carefully confronts the damaging impact of evangelical purity culture, while also providing a beautiful and Christ-exalting vision for Christian sexuality.
If we talk about sexual purity apart from the gospel, we will create chaste Pharisees instead of imperfect disciples. Obedience is a response to grace, not a ladder to heaven.
Rachel joy Watson
3. Born Again This Way: Coming out, coming to faith, and what comes next by Rachel Gilson
I loved this book so much that I read it twice. Rachel is humble, winsome, and wise. This is more than a testimony about turning from homosexuality to follow Jesus–it’s a book about the supremacy of Christ and the joy of sanctification. Whether or not we experience homosexual desire, all of us are called to take up our cross and follow Him. It’s hard, but He’s worth it!
What is the motivation to obey a law that seems nonsensical? It can only be deep trust in the one who asks.
Rachel gilson
4. Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been by Jackie Hill Perry
I’ve already shared a bit about this book here. But I love it. Jackie’s writing is as beautiful as it is theologically rich.
If He is the Creator, then we are created. If He is Master, then we are servants. If He is love, then we are loved. If He is omnipotent, then we are not as powerful as we think. If He is omniscient, then there is nowhere to hide. If He cannot lie, then His promises are all true. It is faith in the truths of God’s character that has the power to completely revolutionize how our lives are lived out. Not only that, there is so much joy to be had on Earth because there is more glory in God than we can imagine.
Jackie Hill Perry
5. Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot by Mo Isom
If you a woman who struggles with hidden sexual sin and unhealed shame, I think you’ll find this helpful. Mo opens up about her past struggles with promiscuity and pornography addiction (Yes–women struggle too and it’s not talked about enough!) and how she found freedom in Christ. [Disclaimer: I have some concerns/disagreements with her chapter on modesty. Depending on your background, it might be more condemning than helpful.]
As God’s perfect and crafted creations, given the freedom of choice from a loving Creator, we didn’t revolt with the desire to be bad people; we revolted with the desire to be our own people. And all that could come from that was the bad and the broken we wrestle with now.
Mo Isom
