I wasn’t sure what I was going to think of Randy Elrod’s Sex, Lies, and Religion when I opened the book. What I found was a well written, well though-out look at sexuality from a biblical perspective. Elrod takes on the western (especially American) preoccupation and fear of sex; including nudity, masturbation, and attraction. He does a great job of getting the reader to reevaluate the traditional readings of biblical narratives that we have grown up hearing from Sunday School, and the pulpit. You may not agree with every conclusion that he comes to, but you will definitely think.
Elrod takes on nudity by first looking at Michelangelo’s David, describing the artistry and the feeling of experiencing it for the first time. He then moves to the familiar story of Adam and Eve. He writes:
The Hebrew Bible says that God created man and was pleased with his naked beauty. The Bible describes both man and woman as unclothed and feeling no shame. And although God created them nude, subsequently it was Adam and Eve who covered themselves and hid in shame–not from each other–but from God.
We know that Adam and Eve were ashamed but is it possible that they did not want God to look upon their nakedness because they realized their intimacy with God was irretrievably forfeited? What if they were ashamed of what they had lost (an intimate connection) rather than ashamed of their nakedness?
As I said, you may not agree with his interpretation, but Elrod with make you think about your attitude towards sexuality, and everything that entails. Pick up a copy, read it, and see if you see things a little differently when you’re done.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from cre:ate 2.0 Publishing to read and post a review on my site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
{ 0 comments }