Another thought provoking book by Rob Bell. Although I can't always follow his line of reasoning, the book made me think. And, the book at times made me cry. The book does a wonderful job of balancing the importance of sex between the extremes of the animal behavior of much of society and the unrealistic angelic standard of much of the church. I whole-heartedly recommend this book. ( )

Very good. Great exploration of the connections between sexuality and spirituality. ( )

The author does a nice job exploring the connections between sexuality and spirituality. His main thesis is that humans are relational in nature. Our sexuality and spirituality are the two greatest avenues we seek out relationships (with each other and with god). I thought the book takes a more refreshing view of sexuality than most traditional Augustinian-influenced texts. I know some have proposed this being a good text to replace the "I kissed being a sexual person goodbye" series, but I am unsure if the material within this book can be understood by the majority of high school students. Nevertheless, the book will create some good conversations within theological settings. ( )

Title: Sex God
Author: BELL Rob
Publisher: Zondervan
Format: Paperback
BCID: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5...
No. of pages: 201
First sentence: Once there were two brothers.

When I first saw this book, I thought the author was trying to be sensationalist. I mean, sex sells, doesn’t it? And I bought it. And then it sat on the shelf while I put off reading it and put it off some more. I finally read it over the last couple of days for the Spring Reading Thing and I was very pleasantly surprised. Bell’s language is beautiful in and of itself and he didn’t try for sensationalism once. The book is called ‘Sex God’ because it’s about sex and it’s about God. Bell looks at human relationships, sex and our spiritual relationship. He refers to the Bible often and sees marriage imagery in many verses. This book has stoked my enthusiasm for reading the Bible and I think I’ll be reading with a new understanding of what my relationship with God could (or should) be like.

I would recommend this book to anyone (Christian or just ‘open to Christian ideas’) who’s interested in relationships. I think it could be particularly useful for married/engaged couples who want to take their relationship to the next level.

The book’s cover is attractive although pink isn’t my favourite colour. Within the text, headings are in pale pink and I did find this difficult to read.

8/10 ( )

What is it about:
How sexuality, spirituality, being human,
being a Christian, loving others, dating, marriage,
letting go of your past, relationships...
are all inter-connected.

What went through my mind:
Instead 0f calling this a book,
it's more like a collection of insights / wise sayings.
I liked how the book is not written like
a (boring) lecture / theological discussion,
but simply the thought process of a fellow Christ-follower,
contemplating how to connect the dots in life,
so things would fall into place in God's bigger picture --Glad that i got to take a peek at his ideas : )

Why Should you read it, too?
Just to gain some fresh ideas about life & God & people.
& No, this book doesn't talk exclusively about SEX.
"This is really (not) about THAT." ( )

Bell is big on "'This' is really about 'that'." So many seemingly normal experiences in our lives actually have a lot to say about our sexuality. I love this book because certain Christians have made sex an overly hot-button or tabboo issue. But Bell makes a great case for a redeeming sexual ethic without sounding preachy at all.

A silly piece of fluff that neither teaches anything of substance nor incites one to do further research into either Christianity of sexuality. The only kind of person I can see as reading, enjoying, and remembering this book is someone who both is self-congratulatory and whose perspective perfectly matches that of the author.

Rob Bell has a distinctive writing style - very conversational and easy. You really get the feeling he is talking to you from across the couch. Although the change in tone is refreshing, I think it could get old quickly (Max Lucado-ish).

The points in his book are a great topic. The conclusions he came to, the jumps in inference are too much to go unmentioned, though. There was little grounds and little Scriptural backing to support his ideas.

Most profound for this review, though, is that, although I finished this book within the last week, I'm having trouble recalling much about it. It was pretty forgettable apparently. ( )

Bell is clever --he cites Banksy at one point-- but the book is completely Christian-centric. The sub-title belies the book's narrow focus on one religious tradition.

He then holds up the June Carter - Johnny Cash union while conveniently omitting it's adulterous origins. "Ring of Fire" is not exactly obtuse in its symbolism -- to a Biblical literalist it is not even symbolic (e.g.: defile holy union, burn in hell.) So, from within the frame work Bell has placed himself this seems a disingenous slight of pen.

Not so off, perhaps, as suggesting that the fruit of the tree of life was a watermelon. Sorry, I am missing the punchline on that one. ( )

A superb exploration of spirituality and sexuality from Christian perspectives. Rob Bell's book is rooted in practical examples and situations, and is informed by a deep understanding of Christian writings. His style is clear and engaging, drawing the reader in and then bringing you up short with new insights. I loved it. ( )

http://www.loneprairie.net/lp_library... ( )