Secrets of Eve: Understanding the Mystery of Female Sexuality

by Archibald D. Hart, Catherine Hart Weber, Debra L. Taylor

Based on research of over 2,000 Christian women, this ground-breaking book unlocks the secrets of female sexuality, candidly addressing important sexual issues and ways to resolve them. The Secrets of Eve shows women how to celebrate God's design for sexuality and through understanding, bridge the gap between the sexes.

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction, Marriage

301 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 1998

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most exciting read, but it is the result of a survey. And nothing surprising here, but it was good to see all of these Christian notions of sexuality confirmed by data, opposing the media's picture. Sound and backed clearly by data.

Notes:
1. Female Sexuality: The Untold Story
- complex, much more so than male sexuality; this is often not recognized by men or even women
- often references "Sex in America" report, which authors acknowledge as fairly complete and unbiased
- this study focused on 2000 Christian women and acknowledged God as important to sexuality
- discussed some of the misconceptions about sexuality, in and out of the church
2. Am I Normal?
- emphasizes wide continuum for many behaviors relating to sex; there is no one "normal"
- what is not normal is what is often portrayed in the media
- many women (and men) fear their desires are wrong
- eight common (normal) questions:
- 1. sex drive: 26% said low but some high; often less than men (women most often think of sex weekly, whereas men most often daily)
- 2. frequency of sex in marriage: most common is weekly but ranges from yearly to daily; having kids makes finding time harder but does not affect frequency much
- 3. changes over time: many factors alter throughout life, but if you take care of your body, drive can persist into old age; may take longer; menopause can have varied effects
- 4. balancing roles of lover and mother: fatigue is the biggest issue, often exacerbated by depression
- 5. manual stimulation: often required for a female to reach orgasm and is perfectly moral in context of lovemaking with one's partner
- 6. masturbation: common even among women, despite shame; least common in married women but still 20% do it monthly (men more like 60%)
- 7. effects of abuse: huge and lasts for years but can be overcome
- 8. importance of being Christian: can inform you so positively; theology of the body
3. What Do Women Really Want from Sex
- mainly want emotional and then physical closeness
- want time, talk, and romance
- need to be appreciated
- want to please husband
4. Sexual Desire
- 4% have none at all; 42% have a moderate desire, 28% have a strong desire
- link between desire and frequency one thinks about sex; most think of it weekly
- link between desire and satisfaction
- many factors influence desire but ultimately linked to hormones
- those with low desire often "turn themselves off" by viewing it negatively, hard but possible o turn around
5. The Quest for Orgasm
6. The Energy Crisis
7. Hormones and Sexuality
8. Marital Happiness and Sex
9. Female Sexual Trauma
10. Sexuality and the Single Life
11. Sex Education for Girls
12. Bridging the Gender Gap

[Margarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting...if you don't mind reading a book about what sexuality issues christian women face..