What Is the Meaning of Sex?

by Denny Burk

Sex. We live in a world that loves it without understanding it. This book clearly explains the truth about sex and winsomely responds to society’s evolving views on human sexuality and gender. From marriage to birth control, homosexuality to singleness, What is the Meaning of Sex? sets forth a distinctly Christian perspective, equipping you to engage our confused culture with a God-glorifying vision of human sexuality.

Genres: Marriage, Theology, Nonfiction, Sexuality, Christian, Counselling, Religion

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Denny Burk (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical studies at Boyce College, the undergraduate arm of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as associate pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Burk edits The Journal for Biblical Manhood & Womanhood and speaks and writes extensively about gender and sexuality. He keeps a popular blog at DennyBurk.com.

Reviews

[Emma Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good content. (The meaning/ultimate purpose of sex is to glorify God.) Definitely a layman’s resource. Christians are to glorify God through their gender, sex, singleness, marriage bed, use of birth control, etc. There were a lot of stats and current events from the early/mid 2000s sprinkled in that were interesting.

Taking off stars because the structure and writing style really did me in. There’s a very lengthy chapter on why some people pit Paul and Jesus against each other hermeneutically and it just didn’t seem necessary given how he structured the other chapters. Again, fine content, but maybe not here?

TLDR: This was required reading in a class at my undergrad, I took a different class instead, and I’m not mad about it.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in the wake of the sexual revolution, thinking about what should be regarding as normative sexual behaviors has shifted. Conservative or liberal, we can all agree that our age is an age of sexual confusion. And it's not just the "culture" that has had conceptions of sexual meaning crushed, but the Church as well. What are Christians who want to earnestly obey Jesus, love their neighbor, and bring God glory in their sexual lives, to do?

Denny Burk has produced an excellent resource on these questions and more for those pilgrims desiring to reach the Celestial City. Burk leaves no stone uncovered, writing chapters on marriage, homosexuality, birth control, gender, singleness, etc. He argues that ultimately the telos of sexuality is to bring glory to God and then explores all sorts of issues related to sexuality through that lens. He not only interacts with scholarship by those who are not Christians, but also engages many arguments by self-professed evangelicals whom, he argues, are mistaken.

I've heard many of the arguments Burk provides in this book about each of the related topics before, but I think this is the first "one stop shop" I've found. Often times some of the arguments can be embedded in the midst of rather academic resources, so to have a very readable condensation is a gift to the church.

Also, it's worth noting that is not really a devotional meditation on the subject of sex like something you may find by Piper, but rather a theological and ethical consideration of the subjects. While I wasn't initially expecting a book so heavy on ethics, I'm grateful for what it is.

I would also say that Burk's chapter on divorce, and exegesis of the "permissibility taxonomy" in 1 Corinthians 6 & 7 was some of the best I've ever read on each of the subjects. I'll be happy to gladly recommend this book (alongside Kostenberger's God, Marriage, and Family) for those who have questions regarding Christianity and sexuality.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good read. My NetGalley copy was messed up and hard to read (due to sentences being out of place at times), so I think that made it a little bit harder for me to read -- but I don't hold that against the book.

I liked the use of scripture and quotes from other books. It made it seem like this book was really researched and thought out.

All in all, not at easy read, but a good one.

*I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Gannon Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful and thoughtful treatment of sex in relation to the Christian marriage. His thesis was concerned with transforming the Christian understanding of sex from "what is permissible and impermissible" and towards "what brings the most glory to God?" I think this is the proper perspective to have when approaching the subject. Chapter 2 was one of the most helpful chapters I have ever read on the topic of Hermeneutics and on its own makes this book worth the price you pay for it and would benefit every pastor/theologian. I particularly found chapter 4 (Glorify God with Your Conjugal Union) and 5 (Glorify God with Your Family Planning) to be helpful treatments on their respective subjects. Burk thoughtfully interacts with the topics, gives two opposing views, and then offers his perspective on the topic. All throughout, his emphasis is focused towards Scripture and what it has to say or not say about a particular matter. I found his treatment on the Roman Catholic perspective on contraception and a Protestant response to it to be especially helpful as a way to uphold the truth of Scripture without going too far. I would highly recommend this book to any who are looking for a book on a Christian perspective of sex.

[Andrew Mulnix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corinthian slogans really changes the way one reads 1 Corinthians

[Aadel Bussinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Does an ok job at countering some of the (maybe) erroneous views expressed in other Christian sex books, but it doesn't really provide any real guidance or new helpful information. It explained the meaning of sex within the first couple of chapters and from there, well, it kind of just rambled.

[Josiah Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burk built a big gun but didn’t pull the trigger. His development of a hermeneutical and rational approach in the first half was well done and worth the read. His focus on the glory of God was very well defended and biblically refreshing. However, he failed to consummate its potential in the second half.

The depth of his treatment on various issues was inconsistent and left many open-ended questions. It seemed like the content was guided more by the frequency of various questions from his college students than by a holistic vision for any thorough, systematic organization. He also played too safe—preferring to reinvent the wheel (e.g. explaining why porn use is not biblical) in a more sophisticated fashion rather than attempting to provide any moral guidance in the less obvious areas (e.g. boundaries of healthy sexual behavior within heterosexual marriage—in fact he criticizes the Driscolls for their approach, rightly, but fails to offer an alternative).

For all the work of developing the right perspective, he didn’t apply that thinking to enough issues in enough depth and left me wishing for a revised and expanded edition once he’s gained more experience.

[Joshua Reichard · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a culture marked by sexual fluidity and slogans such as “I was born this way” or “you do you” Burk’s book is a fresh voice on how God has created us male and female. God has deigned the world in a way that reflects His glory and His power. This book touches topics from hermeneutics all the way to intersex. I found the section on intersex illuminating and clear. I have read a good deal on this topic but Burk made a clear and concise position on what to do if placed in an intersex situation.

Lastly if you are married, single, dating, or engaged this book is a must read. Helpful for all stages of life.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on biblical sexuality that I have ever read. Should be on the shelf of every minister who wants to defend the biblical view of sexuality in a time of moral revolution. Recommended. Dr. Burk had done the church a great favor by writing this book.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tour-de-force of what the purpose of sex is! Great book! A must read! Sexual ethics, sexual activity, etc are a huge issue in our culture and this book does a great job addressing them!!! Highest recommendation!!!!

[Khan Ashraf Alif · Rating 1 out of 5]

Totally Misleading title, it's not about psychology or scientific studies. It's all "according to catholic bible"

[Mark Joubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of sexuality covering a number of different topics, analyzing them from a biblical worldview. Addresses contemporary literature and research and offers much needed critique.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who are familiar with and/or grounded in biblical sex-ethics will not find a lot of "creative" new or original material from Burk. But that is not to say that his book is anything but incisive, relevant, refreshing, and sorely needed.

He defends the classic view of marriage and sex, but his exegesis is alive, careful, and faithful, and his writing lucid and precise. Burk sees the storms coming where the young generation will be forced to pick sides and stand firm on questions of homosexuality, marriage, gender, etc.

Burk's careful and faithful exegesis and pastoral application, paired with his clear and concise organization, make this book highly accessible and immediately useful. I therefore heartily commend it to anyone who needs a clear understanding of gender and sexuality and the purposes of marriage (so that's essentially ... everyone), an understanding that is in accord with God's creational norms and human dignity.

His discussions on gender, divorce, and intersex (problems related to human sexual development in children) are cogent, insightful, and penetrating. He rightfully discusses the issue of human beings as (only) male and female, equal in status/"essence" yet different in role, in light of the Trinity, where there is hierarchy and ordering and even subordination in the (economic) Trinity, though God the Father and God the Son are of EQUAL substance/deity. So too are men and women of equal value, sharing in the same image of God, yet with different (and in the case of women, subordinate) roles.

Burk's careful and faithful exegesis and pastoral application, paired with his clear and concise organization, make this book highly accessible and immediately useful. I therefore heartily commend it to anyone who needs a clear understanding of gender and sexuality and the purposes of marriage (so that's essentially ... everyone), an understanding that is in accord with God's creational norms and human dignity.

Burk is correct to insist that sex-ethics is a watershed case-study for understanding and assessing the dynamic between Christianity & Culture today. It is precisely in the great divide between the Bible's sexual ethic (something largely uncontested and held firmly by the church for over two millenia) and the culture's own subversive sexual ethic that one sees what it means to live as a light to this world and how OFFENSIVE it is to live in the light of divine revelation and creational norms (for anyone who does not accept what the culture says about gender and homosexuality is "backward, bigoted, oppressive, hopeless, hateful," not unlike the KKK standing in the way of human equality, progress, and civil rights).

Burk has reminded us what it means to be salt and light and witnesses to this (sexually-)broken and confused world. He reminds us how offensive, challenging, and prophetic our call may be to stand firm and give voice to the truth. But he also shows us how much the biblical worldview has to offer this confused world tossed by the fickle winds of deception and speculative, dehumanizing ethics. This world is in desperate need of nourishing and healing truth. For when the world does not comport to creational norms set by God leads (however unacceptable they are to people in rebellion and sin and even to Christians saved by grace), there will be great loss of social morality and human flourishing; great pain and brokenness and leads to great pain and confusion for humans, all of whom are embodied, sexual beings!

A few minor points: Burk's discussion of marriage and procreation and contraceptives was excellent. However, I personally prefer Christopher Ash's subordination of the command to be fruitful and multiply (procreation) to the cultural mandate. But this is a minor quibble. Also, Burk's handling of the question of marriage vs. singleness is concise and sensitive, biblical and balanced. His evaluation and assessment of the popular marriage and sex book by the Driscoll's is also critical yet fair (though I have not personally read the book, he helpfully summarizes some key conclusions and arguments in it).

Again, at the risk of repeating myself, this is an excellent and easily commendable book that is at once readable and uncompromisingly faithful to an increasingly disdained and disregarded Scripture. Though he writes winsomely, Burk acknowledges that the Scriptural truths he proclaims is nothing short of offensive and hateful to this sinful generation enslaved by the powers and rulers of this sinful world. But proclaim he shall, for only the truth can set us free.

[Josh G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exegetically oriented and practically helpful. Burk deals with most of the major issues within the field of sexual ethics. Each chapter is accessible, detailed, and well researched. Very helpful book.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to biblical views on marriage, sex, and gender. I would have given it five stars but Burk's reformed exegesis led me to a four star rating.

[Molly Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clear, challenging, and Scripture-saturated study on the meaning of sexuality, gender, and marriage in a time and culture that tragically cheapens all three. This book covers a broad range of topics such as homosexuality, marriage, family planning, gender, and sexuality. In a culture that screams its views at us, it is so important for those of us who follow the Lord to know what we believe on these issues. As Burk says, "The messages coming from our culture are clear. Ours should be even more so."

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty comprehensive and more-academic look at how Christians should understand sex. The book is divided into eight chapters which each cover fairly distinct sub-topics in the area. Overall, I found that Burk displayed very careful exegesis that dealt with most of the competing views in the different areas, making this a pretty strong book. Many of his chapters were really good, and his section dealing with the issue of intersex was superb.

His weakest chapter was the one on birth control, where, unfortunately, Burk repeats the myth that only Catholics are against birth control (go back just over a century and you'll be hard-pressed to find much any Protestant theologian arguing for birth control). Burk presented some good arguments for birth control, but, because he continued to treat the anti-birth-control movement as just a Catholic thing, I didn't feel like he fully addressed the issue.

This perhaps leads to perhaps one of the two weaknesses that I saw with the book; while Burk does a superb job dealing with contemporary studies and authors with regards to this topic, the book is pretty lacking with regards to referencing any authors or Christian figures before the twentieth century. Perhaps that comes with the genre since this is more of an academic look at the subject--and Burk did quote some older authors--but I would have liked to see him dealing with more theologians outside this current century.

The second weakness I saw is that, perhaps due to the fact that Burk is dealing with eight pretty distinct sub-topics in the area, I didn't feel like some topics were addressed very fully, and so some objections didn't seem to be fully addressed. This is understandable given the scope, but still something that, IMO, bears mentioning.

Overall, despite the weaknesses, this was a really good book that provided me with a lot of good framework for considering the issue. While I was at first skeptical that showing that the ultimate purpose of sex is the glory of God would dramatically change the discussion as much as he claimed it did, over the course of the book he convinced me that focusing on the subordinate ends without the ultimate end really does leave something fundamental out of the discussion. As a single, some chapters were less relevant than others, but I still felt like I was able to get a lot out of it, so this definitely is not only a book for married people. While the book stretches at some points to address all facets of the issue, this is a good look at sexual ethics.

Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).

[Pastoralmusings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denny Burk has done the church a service in writing "What Is The Meaning Of Sex?"
The book is founded upon the understanding that we should give glory to God in all that we do.
Thus, Burk titles the chapters:
1. Glorify God With Your Body
2. Glorify God With Your Hermeneutic
3. Glorify God With Your Marriage
4. Glorify God With Your Conjugal Union
5. Glorify God With Your Family Planning
6. Glorify God With Your Gender
7. Glorify God With Your Sexuality
8. Glorify God With Your Singleness
Burk writes simply so that anyone can read and understand this book.
Burk also takes the Biblical stance concerning sexuality and upholds Biblical morals. That is what I expected, and I was not disappointed.
Burk seems to have been by no means afraid to take on the hard questions. Among those is the issue of how to understand the Scriptures. One's hermeneutic certainly determines how he understands the Scriptures on sexuality. In "Glorify God With Your Hermeneutic" Burk contends for the complementarian's approach to understanding the Scriptures regarding sexuality as opposed to the liberal and feminist approaches. I applaud him for doing so, as I believe that is most faithful to the whole of the Bible.
Burk also took on the hard question of gender. That does indeed get quite involved. I believe he handled the issue well, and I know he brought up some points that I had never considered.
I believe this book was written with a desire to give God glory and be of help to His people. I feel confident that it will accomplish that purpose. Burk is firm in his convictions, yet compassionate in his application of them.
The only negative that I find is the fact that the chapter on family planning seemed somewhat deficient in its approach to the issue of pill and large families. There seemed to be a bit of hesitance on Burk's part in that chapter about the pill and whether or not it is acceptable. Furthermore, though Genesis chapter 38 is mentioned in at least two other places in the book, I cannot recall finding a mention of Onanism in this particular chapter.
On the whole, however, this book is a worthwhile read that I heartily recommend.
Thanks to Angela Cheatham of Crossway, who provided this review copy freely with no expectation or demand of a positive review.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In reading widely around the topic of sexuality and gender, a subset of my Masters dissertation (and bigger!) interest in the Doctrine of the Image of God and its application for today, I’ve read dozens (scores?) of books on sex, coming from a range of perspectives and a whole host of angles. A list of my reading list, with some links to reviews, can be found here. Yet I’ve not read many books that deal with the key question of the meaning of sex, and very few that cover (even briefly) the broad spectrum of issues that ‘sex’ throws up. With an honourable mention to Kostenberger’s God, Marriage and Family, I think this recent book by Southern Baptist associate Professor of biblical studies, Denny Burk, is a particularly helpful overview of a range of questions, that also engages with the question of meaning.

https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...

[Phillip Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book that sets out a very clear and decisive orthodox Christian view of sexuality. While few in the world want to hear the truth today, Denny Burk speaks, prophet-like into a maelstrom of confusion. I think Christians are going to have a lot of work to do as time goes by, loving those who have been hurt by departing from God's original pattern for men and women.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book. If you've read much from complementarian sources such as the Journal of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, there won't be anything substantially new in this except treatments of recent cultural developments.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some very needed clarity in the midst of widespread and ever-expanding confusion surrounding the topic. Will be using this in the future as a valuable resource in multiple contexts, I'm sure.

[Dallas Goebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denny Burk has written a sober, concise, and thoughtful book on sexuality as God created it. I literally could not put this book down until it was finished, and highly recommend it to all.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book covering issues of gender and sex. A good resource for a Christian in contemporary culture.

[Eric Molicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for pastors/scholars on a Biblical theology of sex and sexual issues.

[Daniel Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is just subpar and much of his exegesis is less than convincing. If you're looking for a book full of dry rambling that doesn't have much to do with the title, this is the book for you.

[John Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This is now my one-stop book for the biblical teachings on sexuality.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review on my blog: http://wp.me/pf2RR-hx