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Sex and the Single Girl
A study on sex that goes beyond "just don't do it."
Whereas most sexuality studies for singles focus solely on purity—simply offering a “don’t do it” or “just wait” message—Sex and the Single Girl presents a broader understanding of what it means to honor God with our sexuality. This resource will equip single women to understand their sexuality, trust the Lord for redemption and healing, and stand against the cultural trends that marginalize and compromise sexuality.
Juli Slattery, a clinical psychologist and cofounder of Authentic Intimacy, has devoted the last five years of her life to equipping women with God’s truth about sexuality. Here she drives home the truth that every sexual choice is also a spiritual choice. The six-week study is broken down into five days for each week, prompting study and reflection. The weeks cover:
Why Sexuality Matters: Shows the connection between spirituality and sexuality
Embracing a Grand Design: Explores God’s design and the beauty of living according to His wisdom.
Sexuality and Your Character: Helps women think through how their sexuality is part of their worship and Christian identity.
Sexual Boundaries: A very practical chapter providing a biblical grid for matters like masturbation, oral sex, and how far is too far to go in a dating relationship.
Battling Temptation: Takes a peak at “the enemy’s playbook” to help women anticipate, prepare for, and stand against sexual temptation.
Restoring Intimacy with God: Shows how God can tear down the wall of sexual sin, shame, and confusion through forgiveness and redemption.
This study has been tested through pilot groups with college women and other 20somethings. Revised according to their feedback, it is primed and ready to help any single woman think biblically about sexuality, live accordingly, and experience the joy and freedom of doing so.
This study is especially relevant today. One of the greatest threats to the modern church and emerging adults is the distortion of sexual design. Study after study has documented the proliferation of porn use (among both men and women), sexual exploitation on college campuses, experimentation with homosexuality and bi-sexuality, and the acceptability of multiple sexual partners. The average single Christian has received very little teaching on the purpose of sexuality, and a simple “Just wait until you’re married” approach won’t cut it. Christian singles need to be equipped with a biblical worldview of sexuality and practical tools for talking it out.
This study, which Slattery created with two women familiar with curriculum development, is ideal for college campuses and small groups. It will prompt discussions on practical topics like sexual temptation, sexual conduct, and responding to cultural thinking on gender issues and sexual autonomy. It is designed to challenge women to examine the assumptions underlying their sexual behaviors and beliefs. The ultimate goal of this resource is to introduce women to an intimate relationship with God who cares about every aspect of her life.
Whereas most sexuality studies for singles focus solely on purity—simply offering a “don’t do it” or “just wait” message—Sex and the Single Girl presents a broader understanding of what it means to honor God with our sexuality. This resource will equip single women to understand their sexuality, trust the Lord for redemption and healing, and stand against the cultural trends that marginalize and compromise sexuality.
Juli Slattery, a clinical psychologist and cofounder of Authentic Intimacy, has devoted the last five years of her life to equipping women with God’s truth about sexuality. Here she drives home the truth that every sexual choice is also a spiritual choice. The six-week study is broken down into five days for each week, prompting study and reflection. The weeks cover:
Why Sexuality Matters: Shows the connection between spirituality and sexuality
Embracing a Grand Design: Explores God’s design and the beauty of living according to His wisdom.
Sexuality and Your Character: Helps women think through how their sexuality is part of their worship and Christian identity.
Sexual Boundaries: A very practical chapter providing a biblical grid for matters like masturbation, oral sex, and how far is too far to go in a dating relationship.
Battling Temptation: Takes a peak at “the enemy’s playbook” to help women anticipate, prepare for, and stand against sexual temptation.
Restoring Intimacy with God: Shows how God can tear down the wall of sexual sin, shame, and confusion through forgiveness and redemption.
This study has been tested through pilot groups with college women and other 20somethings. Revised according to their feedback, it is primed and ready to help any single woman think biblically about sexuality, live accordingly, and experience the joy and freedom of doing so.
This study is especially relevant today. One of the greatest threats to the modern church and emerging adults is the distortion of sexual design. Study after study has documented the proliferation of porn use (among both men and women), sexual exploitation on college campuses, experimentation with homosexuality and bi-sexuality, and the acceptability of multiple sexual partners. The average single Christian has received very little teaching on the purpose of sexuality, and a simple “Just wait until you’re married” approach won’t cut it. Christian singles need to be equipped with a biblical worldview of sexuality and practical tools for talking it out.
This study, which Slattery created with two women familiar with curriculum development, is ideal for college campuses and small groups. It will prompt discussions on practical topics like sexual temptation, sexual conduct, and responding to cultural thinking on gender issues and sexual autonomy. It is designed to challenge women to examine the assumptions underlying their sexual behaviors and beliefs. The ultimate goal of this resource is to introduce women to an intimate relationship with God who cares about every aspect of her life.
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
91 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 19, 2017
4.5 stars
Very good read! Lots of good information, Biblical wisdom, and real, raw, and redeeming testimonies to share. Juli Slattery gets to the heart of the issue: Is Jesus Christ Lord of your life - including your love life ... your sexuality? Sex and the Single Girl is written in a Bible study format, and I think it would be great to do with a group of close Christian girl friends.
I look forward to reading more by Juli Slattery.
Very good read! Lots of good information, Biblical wisdom, and real, raw, and redeeming testimonies to share. Juli Slattery gets to the heart of the issue: Is Jesus Christ Lord of your life - including your love life ... your sexuality? Sex and the Single Girl is written in a Bible study format, and I think it would be great to do with a group of close Christian girl friends.
I look forward to reading more by Juli Slattery.
December 19, 2025
This is a topic I have mostly grown tired of reading about because I find many of the available resources to be largely unhelpful, legalistic, and cliche, though perhaps well-intentioned. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and am very glad I gave it a chance.
In a world of incredibly diverse opinions on the subject matter and “how far is too far”, Juli offers a refreshingly simple approach of how to search for God’s take on things through Scripture. She provides a clear guide for how to take these very real and very important questions to God Himself to answer, even when it might not be explicitly touched on in the Bible.
She holds the line of grace and truth exceptionally well, remaining clear on the standard of holiness and pursuit of purity while also championing the boundless grace, mercy, forgiveness, redemption, and freedom available in Christ. Rather than adding yet another opinion to the pile of what to not do, she seeks to tackle the heart of the issue and how to lean into and pursue God’s lordship over our entire lives, including and especially our God-given sexuality. Her insights into how our sexuality actually leads us to a deeper understanding of and dependence upon God are excellent.
I will be recommending this to many women in my life, and highly recommend it for new believers especially. These are such important topics to discuss and to disciple, as they are nearly inescapable. If there is any issue that necessitates Scriptural wisdom, discussion, and Titus 2 mentorship, surely it is this one. May our fear of approaching a vulnerable and tricky topic not cause us to leave our daughters and sisters and friends and disciples to discern truth about their sexuality on their own in this chaotic and deceptive and daunting world. God is not afraid of our questions. Neither should we be.
Juli provides a space for women to deliberate and ponder insightful and introspective questions that lead them back to the heart of the Father. This book is so Scripture-filled, and far beyond just the typical passages you would expect to see in a book of this nature. Regardless of your level of temptation or struggle in this area, I highly recommend it as a way to grow in your understanding of what biblical sexuality is, as well as an incredible resource to add to your toolbox in your ministry and disciplemaking.
In a world of incredibly diverse opinions on the subject matter and “how far is too far”, Juli offers a refreshingly simple approach of how to search for God’s take on things through Scripture. She provides a clear guide for how to take these very real and very important questions to God Himself to answer, even when it might not be explicitly touched on in the Bible.
She holds the line of grace and truth exceptionally well, remaining clear on the standard of holiness and pursuit of purity while also championing the boundless grace, mercy, forgiveness, redemption, and freedom available in Christ. Rather than adding yet another opinion to the pile of what to not do, she seeks to tackle the heart of the issue and how to lean into and pursue God’s lordship over our entire lives, including and especially our God-given sexuality. Her insights into how our sexuality actually leads us to a deeper understanding of and dependence upon God are excellent.
I will be recommending this to many women in my life, and highly recommend it for new believers especially. These are such important topics to discuss and to disciple, as they are nearly inescapable. If there is any issue that necessitates Scriptural wisdom, discussion, and Titus 2 mentorship, surely it is this one. May our fear of approaching a vulnerable and tricky topic not cause us to leave our daughters and sisters and friends and disciples to discern truth about their sexuality on their own in this chaotic and deceptive and daunting world. God is not afraid of our questions. Neither should we be.
Juli provides a space for women to deliberate and ponder insightful and introspective questions that lead them back to the heart of the Father. This book is so Scripture-filled, and far beyond just the typical passages you would expect to see in a book of this nature. Regardless of your level of temptation or struggle in this area, I highly recommend it as a way to grow in your understanding of what biblical sexuality is, as well as an incredible resource to add to your toolbox in your ministry and disciplemaking.
April 29, 2023
This book was well organized and I appreciated how interactive it was for the reader. This topic is one I wish there were more books (or even just conversations) on, and the unique twist of this book (for the single girl) is one I appreciate. The author was also the right messenger, with a lot of expertise on the topic of Biblical sexuality. But what I really respected was that where she wasn’t an expert — singleness — she recruited two other women to help co-write the book.
Another thing that I really liked about this book was the way the author tackled topics boldly but graciously. I think that is a difficult line to navigate, and in my opinion, she did so with excellence.
My only complaint was that this seemed somewhat surface-level, more of an overview than a comprehensive guide. I think something deeper-level would have been more applicable to me in my current life, but that doesn’t reflect on this book as I think it was only intended to be an introductory-type study.
Note: I would have no qualms about recommending this to even young teens, this was written very tastefully.
Another thing that I really liked about this book was the way the author tackled topics boldly but graciously. I think that is a difficult line to navigate, and in my opinion, she did so with excellence.
My only complaint was that this seemed somewhat surface-level, more of an overview than a comprehensive guide. I think something deeper-level would have been more applicable to me in my current life, but that doesn’t reflect on this book as I think it was only intended to be an introductory-type study.
Note: I would have no qualms about recommending this to even young teens, this was written very tastefully.
October 3, 2017
I won a copy of this book.
This book is not for me. It's just more indoctrination using the bible and God to make us feel bad and guilty. If God made me, he also made my urges. Why should I feel bad for feeling how I do. Week 4 goes into the specifics of sex, like masturbation and oral sex (outside of marriage). Being gay is okay, as long as you don't act on the urges you have (God is just testing you, perhaps, to see if you'll follow the rules?). And don't worry if you don't follow any of these rules, you're forgiven already because Jesus died for anything thing you might have done or will do in the future.
My opinion? This book was a waste of a tree.
This book is not for me. It's just more indoctrination using the bible and God to make us feel bad and guilty. If God made me, he also made my urges. Why should I feel bad for feeling how I do. Week 4 goes into the specifics of sex, like masturbation and oral sex (outside of marriage). Being gay is okay, as long as you don't act on the urges you have (God is just testing you, perhaps, to see if you'll follow the rules?). And don't worry if you don't follow any of these rules, you're forgiven already because Jesus died for anything thing you might have done or will do in the future.
My opinion? This book was a waste of a tree.
September 1, 2017
If you're looking for a sound Bible study from a trustworthy source that helps women discuss and work through issues relating to sexuality and spirituality in an honest, healthy and authentic way, your search is over. Sex And The Single Girl is an outstanding Bible study that does not shy away from the issues that women in our culture face today, but teaches them how to make good choices when faced with temptation and difficult decisions.
This book is structured as a 6-week Bible study with 5 days of reading and interactive quizzes and journaling exercises that are thoroughly grounded in God's Word but are both relevant and practical.
While the book is intended for young single women, I think women of all ages and backgrounds would benefit from this material, particularly those who were not raised in a healthy environment and want healing and transformation in this area of their lives.
I highly recommend this book to you!
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
This book is structured as a 6-week Bible study with 5 days of reading and interactive quizzes and journaling exercises that are thoroughly grounded in God's Word but are both relevant and practical.
While the book is intended for young single women, I think women of all ages and backgrounds would benefit from this material, particularly those who were not raised in a healthy environment and want healing and transformation in this area of their lives.
I highly recommend this book to you!
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
January 28, 2020
This book impacted my life on so many levels!
It helped me find answers to so many questions I had.
It raised many new questions worth pondering on.
It helped me see so many things from a different perspective.
It gave me new insight.
It gave me good quality resources that I can use for my human sexuality course.
It made me think.
It made me cry.
It made me pray.
It made me talk and share with other girls around me.
Do you need a fresh, new, honest, deep, well-Bible-rooted book study on a topic of sexuality?
- READ this, you won't regret it.
It helped me find answers to so many questions I had.
It raised many new questions worth pondering on.
It helped me see so many things from a different perspective.
It gave me new insight.
It gave me good quality resources that I can use for my human sexuality course.
It made me think.
It made me cry.
It made me pray.
It made me talk and share with other girls around me.
Do you need a fresh, new, honest, deep, well-Bible-rooted book study on a topic of sexuality?
- READ this, you won't regret it.
April 4, 2020
This is more geared toward college-aged women, I think. Possibly high school age for some. Has some good information but not really as applicable for young adult/older singles. I could see it being a helpful tool for a small group or mentorship relationship, however.
June 9, 2024
This was good for discussion and I appreciate the perspective Juli Slattery has to offer. She is compassionate, forthright and supportive. Not revolutionary or anything, but solid and thoughtful and helpful.
November 20, 2024
Did this Bible study with a few ladies and it’s so good! Really shows you to why God created women as He did. And how you can battle sins and giving it all to Jesus :)
July 3, 2017
This Christian book is designed to be read in daily or weekly increments over 6 weeks, but I read it all in two days! It has reflective questions at the end of each section that can be answered alone or in a group study.
I loved that this book is saturated with Scripture! Almost every other page quotes Scripture or refers to a Bible example. The writing is thoughtful, and exhorts the reader to think carefully about God's Word, and to examine our hearts circumspectly. It really puts a spotlight on the truth of spiritual warfare, and how our sexual nature plays a large part in that battle.
A good portion of the book deals with our spiritual and sexual identities, and how we can deceive ourselves into thinking that those identities are separate from each other. I was glad that the major focus of the book is God's love and forgiveness in the midst of our sin.
One of the main focuses of the book is to explore how some particular emptiness in our lives drives us to fill that space with sexual sin. And the book does a wonderful job of showing how only God, only the love of Christ, can fill that emptiness and bring us what we truly desire- emotional intimacy with God. This is illustrated with personal stories and short testimonies from real (anonymous) people, who declare God's grace and love through their own sexual struggles.
There are whole chapters full of practical advice for resisting temptation, but my favorite was the advice on how to know if the thoughts and feelings of sexual guilt or desire are coming from God or from Satan. Sometimes there are storms of wild thoughts racing through our heads, and it is so difficult to find the truth in all that chaos. Asking yourself, "Is that thought I'm having from God or is it a lie of Satan?" and having a real logical way to KNOW the difference is invaluable when navigating the murky waters of sexual morality.
I really loved the practical advice and real-life answers in this book!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher/author through NetGalley, in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved that this book is saturated with Scripture! Almost every other page quotes Scripture or refers to a Bible example. The writing is thoughtful, and exhorts the reader to think carefully about God's Word, and to examine our hearts circumspectly. It really puts a spotlight on the truth of spiritual warfare, and how our sexual nature plays a large part in that battle.
A good portion of the book deals with our spiritual and sexual identities, and how we can deceive ourselves into thinking that those identities are separate from each other. I was glad that the major focus of the book is God's love and forgiveness in the midst of our sin.
One of the main focuses of the book is to explore how some particular emptiness in our lives drives us to fill that space with sexual sin. And the book does a wonderful job of showing how only God, only the love of Christ, can fill that emptiness and bring us what we truly desire- emotional intimacy with God. This is illustrated with personal stories and short testimonies from real (anonymous) people, who declare God's grace and love through their own sexual struggles.
There are whole chapters full of practical advice for resisting temptation, but my favorite was the advice on how to know if the thoughts and feelings of sexual guilt or desire are coming from God or from Satan. Sometimes there are storms of wild thoughts racing through our heads, and it is so difficult to find the truth in all that chaos. Asking yourself, "Is that thought I'm having from God or is it a lie of Satan?" and having a real logical way to KNOW the difference is invaluable when navigating the murky waters of sexual morality.
I really loved the practical advice and real-life answers in this book!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher/author through NetGalley, in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
September 29, 2017
To be honest, I not yet done completing this study because I am reading it slowly and try to digest all the information! It is so rich in biblical truth on a topic I feel needs more people to speak biblical truth in.
Set up as a 6-week study with 5 daily readings, this study provides a thorough background on God and sexuality, as well as applicable truth to apply to your everyday life. As a Christian single the truths give me a why to views on sex, relationships and more. It's a great study to do individually, but could be wonderful for a group of single friends. I also think it would be greatly helpful for Moms/caregivers/spiritual mothers of young women.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Set up as a 6-week study with 5 daily readings, this study provides a thorough background on God and sexuality, as well as applicable truth to apply to your everyday life. As a Christian single the truths give me a why to views on sex, relationships and more. It's a great study to do individually, but could be wonderful for a group of single friends. I also think it would be greatly helpful for Moms/caregivers/spiritual mothers of young women.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2021
This book paints a more complete, beautiful picture of the symbolic nature of God-designed sexuality than the view most of us grew up with, and certainly more genuine and wholesome than what pop culture feeds us today. Your WHOLE self and life were created to bring glory to God. It’s set up as a study book that is backed up by Scripture and contains thought-provoking questions and practical applications.
March 7, 2024
This was one of the best studies I’ve ever done when it comes to marital status and sexual purity. A clear direction to go in, but with so much grace and a beautiful process to re-wire my brain about sex and desire and how God made us.
February 24, 2021
Women long for intimacy. It’s been that way since the beginning of time. Those of us that do not have that in a physical relationship struggle with how to fulfill these longings in a legitimate way. But most of us don’t even know where to start. We struggle with understanding how our sexuality can even be a part of our lives in a God-honoring way if there we are not married. This can often result in shame and the decision to compartmentalize our sexuality, to the point that we become “sexual atheists,” choosing to shut God out of the bedroom completely. It makes it harder and harder to determine what is and isn’t true, often because we are afraid or even embarrassed to ask the right questions. It makes many young women ask the question, “Can I be sexual, spiritual, and single at the same time?"
In the book study, Sex and the Single Girl, Dr. Juli Slattery guides her readers through 6 weeks that will answers your toughest questions, challenges your perspective, guides you towards healing and freedom, and helps you draw closer to God. Through 5 days of reading and questions for 6 weeks, Juli helps us understand why our sexuality matters, helping to understand the beauty of God’s grand design. She walks us through sexual boundaries, and helps determine where they should fall by creating a biblical grid. We learn to discern the difference between temptation and sin, and Juli gives us tools to stop temptation before it leads us to sin. Then Juli helps us come back to the feet of Jesus, understanding that our sexuality is part of who God created us to be, and no matter what we’ve done with it in the past, it can be reconciled to bring us into a more intimate relationship with Him. This is all done within the context of a study that guides readers through Scripture to support it.
This book is profound. It answered so many of my questions by directly addressing single women. It helped me see that I can be sexual, spiritual, and single at the same time and still honor God in the process. I would recommend this book to any young woman 18 or older.
*I received a copy from the publisher for the purpose of this review
In the book study, Sex and the Single Girl, Dr. Juli Slattery guides her readers through 6 weeks that will answers your toughest questions, challenges your perspective, guides you towards healing and freedom, and helps you draw closer to God. Through 5 days of reading and questions for 6 weeks, Juli helps us understand why our sexuality matters, helping to understand the beauty of God’s grand design. She walks us through sexual boundaries, and helps determine where they should fall by creating a biblical grid. We learn to discern the difference between temptation and sin, and Juli gives us tools to stop temptation before it leads us to sin. Then Juli helps us come back to the feet of Jesus, understanding that our sexuality is part of who God created us to be, and no matter what we’ve done with it in the past, it can be reconciled to bring us into a more intimate relationship with Him. This is all done within the context of a study that guides readers through Scripture to support it.
This book is profound. It answered so many of my questions by directly addressing single women. It helped me see that I can be sexual, spiritual, and single at the same time and still honor God in the process. I would recommend this book to any young woman 18 or older.
*I received a copy from the publisher for the purpose of this review
October 20, 2017
I'm so glad I chose this workbook for review! This a 6-week study on a topic Christians tend to shy away from but is in dire need of being addressed. This book was exclusively written for the single girl. Dr. Slattery touches on very important topics about sex that many young girls struggle with: premarital sex, masturbation, pornography, sexual fantasies among others. With much love and patience, Dr. Slattery gently guides the student through misconceptions many girls have about sex.
Each week consists of 5 days of material. Every week is based on a topic and every day has a short reading portion with some real short stories from other young women, and then some questions for self -reflection and meditation. The topics covered are: Why Sexuality Matters, Embracing a Grand Design, Sexuality and Your Character, Sexual Boundaries, Battling Temptation, Restoring Intimacy with God. This workbook can either be done alone or in a group.
Going through this book has made me realize that you're never alone in your personal struggles. Sex doesn't have to be taboo nor shameful to talk about. In Sex and the Single Girl, you will find yourself discovering lies you believed all your life and how to handle pain, confusion, or anger brought from experiences. Dr. Slattery has done an amazing job of lending Scriptural advice with love and grace, never condemnation. I recommend this study to ALL single girls, whether you struggle with lust, masturbation, pornography, premarital sex, or none at all. This study is for you.
I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Each week consists of 5 days of material. Every week is based on a topic and every day has a short reading portion with some real short stories from other young women, and then some questions for self -reflection and meditation. The topics covered are: Why Sexuality Matters, Embracing a Grand Design, Sexuality and Your Character, Sexual Boundaries, Battling Temptation, Restoring Intimacy with God. This workbook can either be done alone or in a group.
Going through this book has made me realize that you're never alone in your personal struggles. Sex doesn't have to be taboo nor shameful to talk about. In Sex and the Single Girl, you will find yourself discovering lies you believed all your life and how to handle pain, confusion, or anger brought from experiences. Dr. Slattery has done an amazing job of lending Scriptural advice with love and grace, never condemnation. I recommend this study to ALL single girls, whether you struggle with lust, masturbation, pornography, premarital sex, or none at all. This study is for you.
I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
August 6, 2017
Marriage and sexuality were always intended to teach us about intimacy with God.
-Juli Dr. Slattery
I would recommend this book to every girls and women out there. The more I read this the more I realize our definition and perspective of sex have been twisted by the world.
There is a big question of why parents and most of christian leaders never explain about sex and sexuality to young people at church. They just simply get “Don’t have sex before marriage” speeches. Other than that all the questions and curiosity of sex are taboo. In the other side, as Juli mentioned it in her book, our culture and media has no problem inserting the topic into almost every venue.
Most of the parents or christian leaders are confused about the subjects either. We don’t have enough material to teach them. We know it’s bad, but we cannot explain why is it bad. Our teenager cannot be stop with just a “don’t do it” words.
This book explains everything about sexuality in a very practical and relevant ways with God’s truth as its foundation. I think I am going to use this book as a guidance book for sex and dating class in my church. The lessons are separated in 6 weeks, broken down into five days for each week. With questions, reflections, and the truth, it helps to equip the girls to really understand sex in God’s eyes and bring them deeper into an intimacy with their true love, Jesus.
-Juli Dr. Slattery
I would recommend this book to every girls and women out there. The more I read this the more I realize our definition and perspective of sex have been twisted by the world.
There is a big question of why parents and most of christian leaders never explain about sex and sexuality to young people at church. They just simply get “Don’t have sex before marriage” speeches. Other than that all the questions and curiosity of sex are taboo. In the other side, as Juli mentioned it in her book, our culture and media has no problem inserting the topic into almost every venue.
Most of the parents or christian leaders are confused about the subjects either. We don’t have enough material to teach them. We know it’s bad, but we cannot explain why is it bad. Our teenager cannot be stop with just a “don’t do it” words.
This book explains everything about sexuality in a very practical and relevant ways with God’s truth as its foundation. I think I am going to use this book as a guidance book for sex and dating class in my church. The lessons are separated in 6 weeks, broken down into five days for each week. With questions, reflections, and the truth, it helps to equip the girls to really understand sex in God’s eyes and bring them deeper into an intimacy with their true love, Jesus.
January 30, 2018
I received a complementary copy of this book from Goodreads. I was hoping to read it to be better-equipped to provide guidance for others I counsel, and to guide myself if I become widowed in the future, but was disappointed. It provides a fundamentalist Christian perspective on sexuality that made me feel excluded. It presumes a familiarity with biblical scripture, and does not copy out all of the verses selected, which would have been useful because my Bible version did not appear to be the same as the one the author referred to when she did include biblical scripture. I felt excluded by the author's presumption that anyone believing in evolution could not accept a higher power behind the process. The idea that "God cares more about your Holiness than your happiness" was an interesting argument for life-long celibacy, if it turns out to be part of God's plan. Intellectually, it was interesting to be challenged with a fundamentalist perspective. Unfortunately, it fell short of my hopes for an ethical consideration of challenging issues. However, the book was very well written, and the author is to be commended for providing guidance on challenging sexual issues.
January 20, 2022
Refreshes the conservative Christian viewpoint of sexuality by breathing permission to talk about female sexual experience. Missed the mark for me when I noticed a lot of misinformation (e.g. stats on cohabitation), prooftexting Bible verses out of context, attributing women’s trauma to punishment for sin, and overall shaming language for a book that claims to not be interested in shaming women for their histories.
(Note: she uses Bible passages as one would expect for a Conservative argument on sexuality. That part isn’t new to her or necessarily her idea, but she does perpetuate it.)
Consider Unprotected Texts (Knust) for a different take on sexuality that reads the Bible IN CONTEXT and with a biblical studies framework. The results are strikingly different and do well to remove the slut-shaming from Christian spirituality.
Sex & the Single Girl gets 2 stars because the last chapter speaks beautifully about the gift of God’s love and it’s overwhelming power when held to any sin. This is the only part worth reading, in my opinion, if you skip the “salvation by works” implications.
(Note: she uses Bible passages as one would expect for a Conservative argument on sexuality. That part isn’t new to her or necessarily her idea, but she does perpetuate it.)
Consider Unprotected Texts (Knust) for a different take on sexuality that reads the Bible IN CONTEXT and with a biblical studies framework. The results are strikingly different and do well to remove the slut-shaming from Christian spirituality.
Sex & the Single Girl gets 2 stars because the last chapter speaks beautifully about the gift of God’s love and it’s overwhelming power when held to any sin. This is the only part worth reading, in my opinion, if you skip the “salvation by works” implications.
August 1, 2017
Set up as a six week study, covering five days a week. It's comes across as better suited for the college aged but I found quite a bit useful for all ages. This is a great book for parents to go through with their teenagers.
Each days reading is distinctly laid out ending with a reflect and respond section for journaling, reflection and deeper thought or discussion. At the end of each week there is a "Pulling it All Together" section- bringing together the key "truths" from the week as well as answers the questions posed at the beginning of the week.
The scripture given is for you to look up yourself. A few times the Bible verse is written out but mostly you have to go find it. I loved this.
At the end of the book is a "Now What" section for self-reflection. Discussion questions inviting you to look back, look inward, look upward and look forward.
Very good book that moves beyond just the simple "wait for marriage".
I received this book free from NetGalley and Moody Publishers for my honest opinion.
Each days reading is distinctly laid out ending with a reflect and respond section for journaling, reflection and deeper thought or discussion. At the end of each week there is a "Pulling it All Together" section- bringing together the key "truths" from the week as well as answers the questions posed at the beginning of the week.
The scripture given is for you to look up yourself. A few times the Bible verse is written out but mostly you have to go find it. I loved this.
At the end of the book is a "Now What" section for self-reflection. Discussion questions inviting you to look back, look inward, look upward and look forward.
Very good book that moves beyond just the simple "wait for marriage".
I received this book free from NetGalley and Moody Publishers for my honest opinion.
July 22, 2021
Este libro debería de ser una lectura obligada en la vida de cada joven cristiana. Muchas verdades las escuché por primera vez, y no entiendo por qué, me gustaría haberlas sabido antes. La verdad es que la sexualidad es un tema abandonado por la iglesia, pero Dios quiere también hacerse cargo e involucrarse en esa área. Creo que debería de ser una lectura obligada porque normalmente vemos nuestra sexualidad como algo aislado para Dios, y si lo ponemos como Tabú, creeremos un montón de mentiras porque allá afuera sí que comentan mucho del tema.
Este libro habla desde el amor y no desde la condenación. El estudio lo terminas esperanzada, agradecida y con convicción. Es sumamente práctico y sirve de devocional. Si se lee cómo un estudio grupal es un bendición enorme, saber que tienes un montón de amigas y hermanas para platicar de esto, que al final también es invento y diseño de Dios. Termine este estudio sabiendo que esta área de mi vida tiene el potencial de acercarme más al Señor que alejarme de Él. No lo piensen mucho y cómprenlo!
Este libro habla desde el amor y no desde la condenación. El estudio lo terminas esperanzada, agradecida y con convicción. Es sumamente práctico y sirve de devocional. Si se lee cómo un estudio grupal es un bendición enorme, saber que tienes un montón de amigas y hermanas para platicar de esto, que al final también es invento y diseño de Dios. Termine este estudio sabiendo que esta área de mi vida tiene el potencial de acercarme más al Señor que alejarme de Él. No lo piensen mucho y cómprenlo!
July 17, 2023
Meh. Most quips I have with this book are less about the content itself and more so personal opinions on…idk evangelical culture and a million other things.
I’m sure I could cherry pick my way through it, but overall there were no major theological concerns.
Would I recommend it? Not really. It’s written to be a week by week study, and it could serve in a mentorship type setting for women that might not have any foundation for biblical sexual ethics. But, even then, I would just recommend reading straight from the scripture regarding sexuality and spirituality.
I don’t want to bash it if it’s been helpful for so many women (as the other comments have seemed to imply), I just think if the church is doing it’s job in teaching and discipleship then a book that’s this specific isn’t necessary.
Also, it’s clearly written for a younger audience. Age wise, it could be helpful for middle/high school, maybeeee early college.
I’m sure I could cherry pick my way through it, but overall there were no major theological concerns.
Would I recommend it? Not really. It’s written to be a week by week study, and it could serve in a mentorship type setting for women that might not have any foundation for biblical sexual ethics. But, even then, I would just recommend reading straight from the scripture regarding sexuality and spirituality.
I don’t want to bash it if it’s been helpful for so many women (as the other comments have seemed to imply), I just think if the church is doing it’s job in teaching and discipleship then a book that’s this specific isn’t necessary.
Also, it’s clearly written for a younger audience. Age wise, it could be helpful for middle/high school, maybeeee early college.
January 18, 2019
It's a book that I wish I had read as a young single women trying to figure out God and sexuality and not realizing they aren't separate things. This book is meant to be used as a daily/weekly study and has great questions for thinking, truths to embrace and scripture for finding God's answers. I highly recommend all women take time to do this study and share it with other women, especially teens and young adults. The explanation and perspective of having sexual integrity and wanting wholeness with God is for all stages of our life and something I desire to grow more in understanding myself. Juli's reminder that your sexuality deeply impacts your spirituality and vice versa is key as well as truth on who you are in Christ and what is true of you no matter your past or previous choices. God longs to redeem our lives and loves us, nothing is beyond His healing and forgiveness.
June 9, 2020
In this six-week study, Dr. Juli Slattery beautifully and thoughtfully discusses why sexuality matters and how it relates to faith. She offers real, honest conversations about the hard things:
• What does it mean to be a sexual woman?
• What is God’s purpose in allowing me to face sexual struggles?
• How do I navigate sexual practices that are not specifically addressed in the Bible?
• Are sexual sins different from other sins?
You’ll find heartfelt testimonials, thought-provoking questions, and simple exercises that allow this little book to do a big work in your life. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged—or even married—this study is a resource anyone can benefit from.
• What does it mean to be a sexual woman?
• What is God’s purpose in allowing me to face sexual struggles?
• How do I navigate sexual practices that are not specifically addressed in the Bible?
• Are sexual sins different from other sins?
You’ll find heartfelt testimonials, thought-provoking questions, and simple exercises that allow this little book to do a big work in your life. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged—or even married—this study is a resource anyone can benefit from.
October 17, 2025
My experience with sex, growing up in the church, was that it was a known concept but not a discussed one. This meant that a lot of my learning happened outside the church, through media and friends, which wasn’t great. I recently found Dr. Slattery through a friend and I wish that I had had this book back then. It would have saved me a lot of time, effort, and tears. I would highly recommend this study to women of all ages, but especially moms of girls or boys. While the language is directed at women, the framework she creates, and the interwoven concept of sexual integrity, is powerful for both genders.
November 29, 2017
I have read countless books on things pertaining to sexuality problems including: lust, porn, masturbation, sex, etc. But this is my favorite book on the topic. Juli Slattery clearly defines terms like sex, sexuality, intimacy (all terms we use interchangeably) and what to do with them. This is my second time going through the book, but I love that it was written to be done in a group with the questions. It really helped my accountability group. Hands down one of my favorite books. I highly recommend!
January 26, 2018
Oh wonderful devotional, where were you when I was in my teens??? I loved this devotional. It was perfect for what I have gone through and continue to struggle with. Slattery does such a great job connecting our sexuality with our spirituality. Sex is not supposed to be some dirty word that Christians don't talk about. Christians NEED to be talking about it but in the right ways. God created sex so of course it's connected to our spirituality. I would recommend this to all women who struggle with what it means to be a Christian woman with sexual desire. And even though it does say for single women, I would say even married women would get a lot out of it. Loved this book. 5 stars definitely. Read it. You won't regret it.
October 24, 2022
This one has to be one of the best studies I've seen written on the topic. Dr. Slattery and her co-authors are very gifted. So much gold in here! I encourage any single woman to read this. At first glance, the title and cover make it seem more geared toward the younger age groups; however, it has something for single females of all life stages. I would have preferred it better if the sections were made longer - for those using it as a devotional, everyday for six weeks, it may be a bit lengthy. It feels as though it takes a while at first to get to the heart of the study.
November 11, 2017
I know it’s designed as a weekly study, but I devoured it in a day. I discovered this book when it was recommended by Girl Defined Ministry on YouTube and rushed to read it.
It is a beautiful that allows you to understand the plan God has for you. The author does not force you to believe the way she does, but instead challenges you to discover Him on your own. I would recommend this book to any Christian girl who is struggling with the aspect of God’s plan in your life.
It is a beautiful that allows you to understand the plan God has for you. The author does not force you to believe the way she does, but instead challenges you to discover Him on your own. I would recommend this book to any Christian girl who is struggling with the aspect of God’s plan in your life.
April 26, 2023
I read this book on request to evaluate/approve it for a program. This is purity culture just updated and repackaged. I would not recommend this. There are few useful things in it and they are placed just at the end and so you read all the shame based stuff and then at end are left with a bit of hope (to me this came of a bit manipulative albeit perhaps unintentional). If you are looking for redemption in this area I bless you to find it another way.
March 22, 2024
this is an absolute must read for any Christian woman. Dr. Slattery’s workbook brings about so much healing in combatting purity culture ideas/guilt/confusion and actually dives deep into God’s nature and topics of forgiveness, thoughtfulness, and love. the questions posed are beyond thought-provoking and leave you sitting in them for days. her points are always backed up by Scripture, and the principles are so rich. 10/10!!!
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