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4.23 AVERAGE

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

“holiness is not self-improvement” 

good and helpful stuff! only thing I didn’t rock with was the seemingly positive stance on porn consumption - I get bolz-weber is trying to dismantle sexual shame but it felt misaligned with the rest of the book to ignore that the porn industry perpetuates and profits off of violence against women and fetishizing POC & queer ppl! something to think about ☝🏼

nonetheless!! a recommended read for anyone navigating purity culture after leaving evangelicalism 
hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

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This book was encouraging to read, and I really enjoyed the variety of stories and perspectives shared through Nadia's congregation's experiences. The shame you may feel from the messages you received growing up is not necessary. Sex is GOOD and HOLY.

My favorite part was about how the very first blessing in scripture is lifting up sex as good and holy - go forth and multiply. What a refreshing way to look at the holiness and beauty found in human sexuality and sexual expression.

A great read for the religious and non-believers. It looks to reset the role of the church in the sexual existence of it's followers. An honest look at how damaging the teachings of the church can be when only certain aspects of the Bible are taught. While it is about sex, it is never cheap or tawdry. It is about the genuine desire for holiness and sexuality to be equal parts of life.

This is an antidote to I Kissed Dating Goodbye and other harmful repressive teachings Evangelicals have been told about sex and sexuality. It is a quasi-memoir with literary interludes. Because so much has emerged about religious institutions and sexual abuse, I hope Bolz-Weber writes a follow-up focusing specifically on that.
emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

This is the first of Bolz-Weber's books I have read. I have heard her speak and preach many times and have always heard the Gospel and this book was no exceptions.

Much of what she challenges in regards to the church's teaching, or lack there of, around sexual spirituality have been questions and wonderings I have wrestled with much of my adult life. I appreciate having a resource like this book to go to which more fully articulates an understanding of God's sexual giftedness.

For myself not an earth-shattering take on God, sex and the Bible, but I know for many it will/could be and I am grateful for Bolz-Weber for publicly continuing to push our individual and collective faith in bold and reformative ways. No doubt she is a purveyer of the gospel.

A both interesting and somewhat disturbing treatise about how conservative religious teachings surrounding sexuality can cause long lasting psychological harm that can be difficult to overcome for some people. I haven't been religious for several decades now, and so it was hard to relate to some of the more religious leaning writing in this.

Parts did remind me a bit of my youth, though even back then I considered my personal sexuality no one else's business and didn't pay as much attention to what the religion I grew up in had to say about it as some people unfortunately tend to. No regrets there. This book also reminded me why I chose to raise my kids outside of religion and in a hopefully more sex positive way and am still glad I did that.

I needed this book! Nadia Bolz-Weber has written a very engaging, compelling book about how the Christian Church has perverted sexuality from its true form into something shameful and/or to be avoided. She uses Scripture and stories to reframe the Church’s harmful narratives that have damaged so many. Instead, she shows how sex and sexuality - in all its forms (except those that cause harm) - is an integral part of our lives that we should have the opportunity to explore and enjoy, and that our sexuality is an expression of our deep desire to connect with others.