Book Review - Randy Elrod: Sex, Lies & Religion
Was I wrong.
While those things are all mentioned, Randy takes quite a unique approach to sexuality in the bible, and in the lives of a Christian. It’s clearly a difficult subject for many, and simply talking about it makes many people uncomfortable. This book will not help in that regard; indeed, Randy seems bent on intentionally making the reader uncomfortable. But to tell you the truth, some of the best sermons I’ve ever listened to are the ones that made me the most uncomfortable.
It’s ironic, because the point of this book seems to be making us comfortable. So how can discomfort bring us to a place of comfort? Very effectively, apparently. Throughout this short book – at 166 pages, it’s a quick read – Randy takes us past the “cultural norms” that we have built up as a society. He looks at the magnificence of the David – which brings discomfort to many – pointing out that the sexuality is not in the statue, but in our minds. Or more correctly, the negative connotation of the sexuality. Because after all, it is part of us, part of God’s wondrous creation.
A large part of the book is dedicated to practical issues – building intimacy, opening one’s mind to freedom in one’s sexuality. I will need to read this again, to be sure, as one quick read is not enough to absorb it. This book will make many people uncomfortable. But when you’re uncomfortable, that’s when you move.
Sex, Lies and Religion can be purchased here. The book will be available, appropriately, on Valentine's Day.
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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
nice review man...it was a great book for sure
ReplyDeleteInteresting review. I suppose Randy Elrod a north American: he'd have to be, I guess, no other country names people Randy. It's hard to imagine many Europeans that would see issues of sexuality in Michael Angelo's David, at least without prompting.
ReplyDeleteBut sexuality is an area that requires thought, investigation and an attempt to understand how we deal with alternative views and attitudes, and most importantly, how God views them. Or maybe this was a book about society and conventional sexuality?