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Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality
What do Christians believe about human sexuality?
In Mere Sexuality, author and pastor Todd Wilson presents the historic Christian consensus about human sexuality, the Great Tradition of the church for centuries as taught in each of its major expressions - Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant. Wilson highlights the stunning shift of opinion on issues of sexuality in the evangelical church and why this break with the historic church is problematic for the future of Christianity. Along the way he provides ordinary believers with an introduction to the historic Christian vision of sexuality, yet does so in conversation with some of the twenty-first century’s leading challenges to this vision.
In a culture that is deeply confused about human sexuality, Wilson believes it is time for evangelicals to retrieve the historic Christian tradition and biblical teaching on the question of sexuality. Mere Sexuality seeks to guide readers back to the beauty and coherence of this vision of sexuality in the face of an aggressive and all-consuming pagan and secular worldview.
In Mere Sexuality, author and pastor Todd Wilson presents the historic Christian consensus about human sexuality, the Great Tradition of the church for centuries as taught in each of its major expressions - Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant. Wilson highlights the stunning shift of opinion on issues of sexuality in the evangelical church and why this break with the historic church is problematic for the future of Christianity. Along the way he provides ordinary believers with an introduction to the historic Christian vision of sexuality, yet does so in conversation with some of the twenty-first century’s leading challenges to this vision.
In a culture that is deeply confused about human sexuality, Wilson believes it is time for evangelicals to retrieve the historic Christian tradition and biblical teaching on the question of sexuality. Mere Sexuality seeks to guide readers back to the beauty and coherence of this vision of sexuality in the face of an aggressive and all-consuming pagan and secular worldview.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2017
47 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Todd A. Wilson
16 books14 followersTodd Wilson (PhD, Cambridge University) is senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois, and the cofounder and chairman of the Center for Pastor Theologians. He is the author of Real Christian: Bearing the Marks of Authentic Faith and Galatians: Gospel-Rooted Living, the coauthor of The Pastor Theologian: Resurrecting an Ancient Vision and Pastors in the Classics, and the coeditor of Becoming a Pastor Theologian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 22, 2018
This is an interesting book, and Wilson writes during a time when the church and wider society desperately need ethical guidance in the wild world of (post?)modern sexuality. However, Wilson largely fails in that task, perhaps because he is trying to write at the popular level (this would be the most charitable interpretation).
To sum up the book, Wilson tries to combine an "evangelical" or Christ based sex ethic with classical, Catholic, natural law teaching on the meaning of sex, procreation, and married life. I suppose for some within the young, restless, reformed this will be brilliant, but honestly Wilson isn't going to convince anyone who isn't already there. How do we go from the celibate, male Christ to procreation being the primary purpose of sexuality and marriage? Not only is this not convincing, it's not even very Biblical. Perhaps most bizarrely to me was his uncritical acceptance of gender essentialism, which I agree with, but which Wilson simply does not argue for (he mentions DeFranza's (?) recent book on the topic of intersex but just says "I don't agree"). Far more helpful are the works of Mark Yarhouse, who engages with both the theological/Biblical materials and the science (that there book learnin') with compassion and integrity.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book; I'm not sure who I would recommend it to. If the goal is to "capture the aesthetic" or the "imagination", Wilson has failed in that goal.
To sum up the book, Wilson tries to combine an "evangelical" or Christ based sex ethic with classical, Catholic, natural law teaching on the meaning of sex, procreation, and married life. I suppose for some within the young, restless, reformed this will be brilliant, but honestly Wilson isn't going to convince anyone who isn't already there. How do we go from the celibate, male Christ to procreation being the primary purpose of sexuality and marriage? Not only is this not convincing, it's not even very Biblical. Perhaps most bizarrely to me was his uncritical acceptance of gender essentialism, which I agree with, but which Wilson simply does not argue for (he mentions DeFranza's (?) recent book on the topic of intersex but just says "I don't agree"). Far more helpful are the works of Mark Yarhouse, who engages with both the theological/Biblical materials and the science (that there book learnin') with compassion and integrity.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book; I'm not sure who I would recommend it to. If the goal is to "capture the aesthetic" or the "imagination", Wilson has failed in that goal.
November 27, 2017
Short and clear explanation of the topic.
The only thing that bothered me is that for all its talk of presenting what Christians have always held and taught about sexuality, there is almost zero engagement with Church Fathers.
The only thing that bothered me is that for all its talk of presenting what Christians have always held and taught about sexuality, there is almost zero engagement with Church Fathers.
October 3, 2017
How should Christians think about human sexuality? That is the question Todd Wilson asks in his new book, Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality. Wilson (Ph.D., Cambridge University) is senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois, and cofounder and chairman of The Center for Pastor Theologians. His is a timely book, given the sea change of opinion and practice that has washed over Western culture since the middle of the 20th century.
“Did you know,” Wilson asks, “despite a genuine diversity of views expressed along the way, the church has held to a coherent view of human sexuality for centuries?” With a nod to C. S. Lewis, he calls this view “mere sexuality,” that is, “what most Christians at most times in most places have believed about human sexuality.”
The book touches on “a whole range of biblical, theological, cultural, and practical questions.” These include biblical and theological reflections on biological sex, gender identity, marriage, sexual intercourse, celibacy and homosexuality.
For example, Chapter 2, “The Sexuality of Jesus,” looks at what the Incarnation says about sexuality. Many who write on this topic look at Jesus’ words and actions for guidance. What did He teach about sexual immorality? How did He interact with sexual sinners?
This is appropriate, of course, but Wilson thinks we ought to look deeper at what Jesus’ person teaches us about human sexuality. He writes:
"The Son of God, though biologically sexed, lived a sex-free, fully contented life. Not an easy, pain-free existence, but a whole and deeply and richly human life. This is a remarkable fact — one that confronts all of us, whether we’re same-sex-attracted or straight, married or single. It also confronts our secular culture and the evangelical church culture as well — I suspect in some uncomfortable ways. I find it’s easy to forget (and tempting to resist the idea) that I don’t need sex to be satisfied. Jesus didn’t, and yet he was supremely satisfied in God…
"One of the main claims of mere sexuality, as it has been articulated and practiced throughout the church’s history, is that while sexuality (our being biologically sexed as male and female) is central to what it means to be human, sexual activity is not. If we want to be fully human, we have to embrace our sexed bodies. But we don’t have to engage in sexual activity to be fully human. The life of the Son of God makes that perfectly clear."
The Incarnation itself, in other words, challenges the “pervasive and powerful cultural myth” of “our hypersexualized contemporary culture,” namely, that “sexual activity is essential to human fulfillment — that you can’t be human without it.”
I quote this particular passage not because it is the end of Wilson’s discussion — the book goes on for five more chapters — but because it is a badly needed example of how doctrine can inform practice. We cannot present a Christian view of human sexuality unless we have examined it through a theological lens. What we believe about Creation, the Fall, Christ, the Resurrection, and eschatology shapes — at least, it should shape — how we think about and practice sexuality.
Mere Sexuality is written for a broad audience, so it can be read profitably by pastors and laity alike. It would make a good text for discussion in book clubs and small groups. I highly recommend it.
Book Reviewed
Todd Wilson, Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017).
P.S. This review was written for InfluenceMagazine.com and appears here by permission.
P.P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.
“Did you know,” Wilson asks, “despite a genuine diversity of views expressed along the way, the church has held to a coherent view of human sexuality for centuries?” With a nod to C. S. Lewis, he calls this view “mere sexuality,” that is, “what most Christians at most times in most places have believed about human sexuality.”
The book touches on “a whole range of biblical, theological, cultural, and practical questions.” These include biblical and theological reflections on biological sex, gender identity, marriage, sexual intercourse, celibacy and homosexuality.
For example, Chapter 2, “The Sexuality of Jesus,” looks at what the Incarnation says about sexuality. Many who write on this topic look at Jesus’ words and actions for guidance. What did He teach about sexual immorality? How did He interact with sexual sinners?
This is appropriate, of course, but Wilson thinks we ought to look deeper at what Jesus’ person teaches us about human sexuality. He writes:
"The Son of God, though biologically sexed, lived a sex-free, fully contented life. Not an easy, pain-free existence, but a whole and deeply and richly human life. This is a remarkable fact — one that confronts all of us, whether we’re same-sex-attracted or straight, married or single. It also confronts our secular culture and the evangelical church culture as well — I suspect in some uncomfortable ways. I find it’s easy to forget (and tempting to resist the idea) that I don’t need sex to be satisfied. Jesus didn’t, and yet he was supremely satisfied in God…
"One of the main claims of mere sexuality, as it has been articulated and practiced throughout the church’s history, is that while sexuality (our being biologically sexed as male and female) is central to what it means to be human, sexual activity is not. If we want to be fully human, we have to embrace our sexed bodies. But we don’t have to engage in sexual activity to be fully human. The life of the Son of God makes that perfectly clear."
The Incarnation itself, in other words, challenges the “pervasive and powerful cultural myth” of “our hypersexualized contemporary culture,” namely, that “sexual activity is essential to human fulfillment — that you can’t be human without it.”
I quote this particular passage not because it is the end of Wilson’s discussion — the book goes on for five more chapters — but because it is a badly needed example of how doctrine can inform practice. We cannot present a Christian view of human sexuality unless we have examined it through a theological lens. What we believe about Creation, the Fall, Christ, the Resurrection, and eschatology shapes — at least, it should shape — how we think about and practice sexuality.
Mere Sexuality is written for a broad audience, so it can be read profitably by pastors and laity alike. It would make a good text for discussion in book clubs and small groups. I highly recommend it.
Book Reviewed
Todd Wilson, Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017).
P.S. This review was written for InfluenceMagazine.com and appears here by permission.
P.P.S. If you found my review helpful, please vote “Yes” on my Amazon.com review page.
June 1, 2024
4.5. This is my second time through this book and it’s better than I remembered. Rather than exegeting all the biblical texts related to sexuality, Wilson argues from the broad storyline of the Bible, addressing the major topics of sexuality in our current culture: bodies, marriage, homosexuality, friendship, etc. The tone is winsome and gracious while holding to the traditional sex ethic consistent throughout church history. He also shows how God’s design for sexuality is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, in both his person and work. This is a great, concise summary of Christian sexuality.
February 1, 2018
Excellent. One of the most helpful books I've read on sexuality.
May 7, 2021
I expected, due to the title, that this book would have some well-developed ideas on human sexuality, but in the end it's a lot of surface-level judgements riddled with flawed logic and poor interpretation of key Bible passages. Wilson has a tendency to do what a lot of Christians do: pronounce judgement, perpetuate misunderstanding (and even hate), and wreak all of this damage under the guise of love. Mere Sexuality is another well-meant book by a white evangelical who's attempting to lovingly articulate why everyone else is wrong about a given topic, which in this instance is sexuality, specifically biological sex but also extending into sexual orientation.
Wilson’s main argument is that God created only two biological sexes—male and female—and that those sexes are a significant portion of the Imago Dei. From this, Wilson discusses the issues of gay marriage and subtly (but still too much for this egalitarian) supports complementarianism as he blunders through the purpose(s) of marriage and sex, talks about how the church sucks at friendships (amen), and concludes that God still loves you and can maybe take away your gayness if you pray hard enough (or something).
Almost immediately, we bump into some major issues with Wilson's argument of "male and female equals Imago Dei." I call to the stand Dorothy L. Sayers, the theologian, author, and playwright who was good friends with Protestant saint C. S. Lewis. In her essay "Are Women Human?", Sayers argues that we're humans first, and that neither sex nor gender dictates our salvation, interests, aspirations, careers, personality, etc. Sayers sought to unite us under the common banner of "humanity," and from there to allow people to fill whatever roles they fit into best, regardless of gender or sex. To her, as extrapolates in other essays, Imago Dei is chiefly the ability to create, be it sentences as we write, computer programs, books, kitchen cabinets, etc. This argument also fits with the whole "neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female" verse that Paul writes; through Christ, we're all unified and equal; our sex isn’t our main identity, rather, our faith is.
It's been awhile since I've read that essay, but I still remember its truth resonating with me. I also want to raise the issue of God the Father and Spirit not having physical bodies; only the Son, Jesus, has a physical body (Wilson has a chapter on Jesus’ sexuality). Jesus is only one part of the Trinity, plus in other verses he’s called submissive to the Father’s will; it’s hard for me to jump from these facts to interpreting the opening chapters of Genesis as stating that a “significant part” of the Imago Dei is our maleness or our femaleness.
And then we arrive at Wilson's treatment of intersex people. Dear Todd blunderingly throws a rather stale crumb to a not entirely small population of people; he mentions intersex people about twice in the entire book, both mostly off-hand. The first time he calls the them "tragic developmental anomalies." I'm not intersex, but reading that phrase still stung. No human, no part of creation, is made without God's plan and providence; “knit together in our mother’s womb,” right? (Or does that only apply to fetuses?) Yes, you can be born into sin, but our bodies are still valuable and important, whether or not we're born with physical disorders or conditions that are somewhat rare. Wilson also pretends that being intersex is exceedingly rare, but a quick Google search will tell you that 1-2% of humans are born intersex; that's significant, but regardless of the statistic, intersex people are worthy of more than a hasty "tragic anomaly" label; they deserve to be loved, respected, and acknowledged as fully human, created fully good, and most especially made in the Image of God.
Another thread running through the book that feels off: Wilson insists on using "homosexual" or even "consistently same-sex attracted" (try saying that five times fast) instead of "gay." He gives one of his classic shaky argument about this choice, saying the word “gay” implies that one’s core identity is in one’s gayness, but of course that’s wrong because a Christian’s faith should be their core identity. The problem is that Wilson doesn’t acknowledge the harmful and anti-gay connotations of the term “homosexual,” which was the clinical term used when being gay was perceived as a mental illness; from what I gather, “homosexual” is coarse and ignorant word to use (and “consistently same-sex attracted is laughably clunky and awkward). Instead of listening to the community and respecting their requested labels, Wilson barrels ahead with his own terms and definitions.
Another major issue is Wilson's argument for marriage being chiefly for biological reproduction, which is according to God's commands and which renders same-sex marriage pointless. He builds up a multi-page argument about how marriage is more than a momentary emotional connection that you can break via no-fault divorce; the broader culture is degrading both marriage and sex with its media and hookup culture; God calls us to have kids and even names them as a blessing (he gets really close to quiver-full theology without actually naming it); and same-sex couples are outside of God’s bounds because they can’t biologically reproduce. Wilson then undoes his entire argument with more stale bread crumbs, this time tossed to barren hetero couples: “May I encourage you with the thought that the marital union you enjoy with your spouse is in itself intrinsically fruitful, even if the fruitfulness has not resulted in children” (105).
Obviously Wilson had to address (and once again harm) people who don't fit neatly into his little “mere sexuality” box, but he doesn't take the time to explain how barren hetero couples are still in a fruitful relationship and why they’re okay while same-sex couples aren’t. Remember, almost his entire argument in this book against same-sex marriage is that they can’t reproduce (the first appendix is where he mentions the Bible verses that speak on same-sex couples, but even those have only brief mention). Anyway, reading that sentence I quoted above was a bit of a "confused Nick Young" meme moment for me. Just because I can't name the exact logical fallacy being employed, I can still spot a weak argument.
One of the last issues I want to address is Wilson's entitlement to have children (oo, and I haven't even gotten into how he talks about contraception being the devil and corroding our society). He quotes a pithy statement by William H. Willimon that flips the “Can I responsibly bring children into this terrible world?” into a “if God's blessing to us is children, how can we not bring kids (ie future evangelists) into this world?” It's an extremely selfish and flippant view. The world sucks, and it keeps getting worse (and so many of the causes, from climate change to racism, are being greatly ignored by evangelicals). Not to mention, some people may not be in financially, mentally, or physically capable situations to have kids; it's wise to assess your situation and potentially hold off on having kids rather than popping babies out like daisies from the snow (note that Wilson's back cover bio notes he has seven kids). In any case, we're already filled the earth and subdued (ie raped) it; there are so many children who are in foster care and in need of a loving, safe home. Choosing to not have kids is a legitimate option. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
A few good things in this book: The chapter on Jesus's physical body/sexuality was fine, as was *some* of the chapter on the need for better friendships in the church. The church does indeed need to strengthen its ability to form meaningful, non-romantic relationships with other congregants.
I think, however, that the best part of this book is the second appendix, which isn't even written by the Wilson (which says a lot about the book). The essay by Joel Willitts contains a whole lot more grace, compassion, and understanding than any other part of the book, and it illuminates a topic that the church has a severe tendency to shy away from discussing, despite being an issue that affects some congregants and is at times perpetuated by pastors and church leaders: sexual abuse. Honestly Willits should have saved that material for his own book on the topic, though I will say he has a particularly ironic sentence that summarizes Wilson’s portion of the book: “I believe such preachers and writers [who offer short-lived strategies] are well-meaning. But they can, inadvertently, do more harm than good, at least to some.”
Anyway, this book is a hot and underdeveloped mess, like baking sourdough and finding the inside raw and gooey and completely inedible. I think the salt is missing, too.
Wilson’s main argument is that God created only two biological sexes—male and female—and that those sexes are a significant portion of the Imago Dei. From this, Wilson discusses the issues of gay marriage and subtly (but still too much for this egalitarian) supports complementarianism as he blunders through the purpose(s) of marriage and sex, talks about how the church sucks at friendships (amen), and concludes that God still loves you and can maybe take away your gayness if you pray hard enough (or something).
Almost immediately, we bump into some major issues with Wilson's argument of "male and female equals Imago Dei." I call to the stand Dorothy L. Sayers, the theologian, author, and playwright who was good friends with Protestant saint C. S. Lewis. In her essay "Are Women Human?", Sayers argues that we're humans first, and that neither sex nor gender dictates our salvation, interests, aspirations, careers, personality, etc. Sayers sought to unite us under the common banner of "humanity," and from there to allow people to fill whatever roles they fit into best, regardless of gender or sex. To her, as extrapolates in other essays, Imago Dei is chiefly the ability to create, be it sentences as we write, computer programs, books, kitchen cabinets, etc. This argument also fits with the whole "neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female" verse that Paul writes; through Christ, we're all unified and equal; our sex isn’t our main identity, rather, our faith is.
It's been awhile since I've read that essay, but I still remember its truth resonating with me. I also want to raise the issue of God the Father and Spirit not having physical bodies; only the Son, Jesus, has a physical body (Wilson has a chapter on Jesus’ sexuality). Jesus is only one part of the Trinity, plus in other verses he’s called submissive to the Father’s will; it’s hard for me to jump from these facts to interpreting the opening chapters of Genesis as stating that a “significant part” of the Imago Dei is our maleness or our femaleness.
And then we arrive at Wilson's treatment of intersex people. Dear Todd blunderingly throws a rather stale crumb to a not entirely small population of people; he mentions intersex people about twice in the entire book, both mostly off-hand. The first time he calls the them "tragic developmental anomalies." I'm not intersex, but reading that phrase still stung. No human, no part of creation, is made without God's plan and providence; “knit together in our mother’s womb,” right? (Or does that only apply to fetuses?) Yes, you can be born into sin, but our bodies are still valuable and important, whether or not we're born with physical disorders or conditions that are somewhat rare. Wilson also pretends that being intersex is exceedingly rare, but a quick Google search will tell you that 1-2% of humans are born intersex; that's significant, but regardless of the statistic, intersex people are worthy of more than a hasty "tragic anomaly" label; they deserve to be loved, respected, and acknowledged as fully human, created fully good, and most especially made in the Image of God.
Another thread running through the book that feels off: Wilson insists on using "homosexual" or even "consistently same-sex attracted" (try saying that five times fast) instead of "gay." He gives one of his classic shaky argument about this choice, saying the word “gay” implies that one’s core identity is in one’s gayness, but of course that’s wrong because a Christian’s faith should be their core identity. The problem is that Wilson doesn’t acknowledge the harmful and anti-gay connotations of the term “homosexual,” which was the clinical term used when being gay was perceived as a mental illness; from what I gather, “homosexual” is coarse and ignorant word to use (and “consistently same-sex attracted is laughably clunky and awkward). Instead of listening to the community and respecting their requested labels, Wilson barrels ahead with his own terms and definitions.
Another major issue is Wilson's argument for marriage being chiefly for biological reproduction, which is according to God's commands and which renders same-sex marriage pointless. He builds up a multi-page argument about how marriage is more than a momentary emotional connection that you can break via no-fault divorce; the broader culture is degrading both marriage and sex with its media and hookup culture; God calls us to have kids and even names them as a blessing (he gets really close to quiver-full theology without actually naming it); and same-sex couples are outside of God’s bounds because they can’t biologically reproduce. Wilson then undoes his entire argument with more stale bread crumbs, this time tossed to barren hetero couples: “May I encourage you with the thought that the marital union you enjoy with your spouse is in itself intrinsically fruitful, even if the fruitfulness has not resulted in children” (105).
Obviously Wilson had to address (and once again harm) people who don't fit neatly into his little “mere sexuality” box, but he doesn't take the time to explain how barren hetero couples are still in a fruitful relationship and why they’re okay while same-sex couples aren’t. Remember, almost his entire argument in this book against same-sex marriage is that they can’t reproduce (the first appendix is where he mentions the Bible verses that speak on same-sex couples, but even those have only brief mention). Anyway, reading that sentence I quoted above was a bit of a "confused Nick Young" meme moment for me. Just because I can't name the exact logical fallacy being employed, I can still spot a weak argument.
One of the last issues I want to address is Wilson's entitlement to have children (oo, and I haven't even gotten into how he talks about contraception being the devil and corroding our society). He quotes a pithy statement by William H. Willimon that flips the “Can I responsibly bring children into this terrible world?” into a “if God's blessing to us is children, how can we not bring kids (ie future evangelists) into this world?” It's an extremely selfish and flippant view. The world sucks, and it keeps getting worse (and so many of the causes, from climate change to racism, are being greatly ignored by evangelicals). Not to mention, some people may not be in financially, mentally, or physically capable situations to have kids; it's wise to assess your situation and potentially hold off on having kids rather than popping babies out like daisies from the snow (note that Wilson's back cover bio notes he has seven kids). In any case, we're already filled the earth and subdued (ie raped) it; there are so many children who are in foster care and in need of a loving, safe home. Choosing to not have kids is a legitimate option. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
A few good things in this book: The chapter on Jesus's physical body/sexuality was fine, as was *some* of the chapter on the need for better friendships in the church. The church does indeed need to strengthen its ability to form meaningful, non-romantic relationships with other congregants.
I think, however, that the best part of this book is the second appendix, which isn't even written by the Wilson (which says a lot about the book). The essay by Joel Willitts contains a whole lot more grace, compassion, and understanding than any other part of the book, and it illuminates a topic that the church has a severe tendency to shy away from discussing, despite being an issue that affects some congregants and is at times perpetuated by pastors and church leaders: sexual abuse. Honestly Willits should have saved that material for his own book on the topic, though I will say he has a particularly ironic sentence that summarizes Wilson’s portion of the book: “I believe such preachers and writers [who offer short-lived strategies] are well-meaning. But they can, inadvertently, do more harm than good, at least to some.”
Anyway, this book is a hot and underdeveloped mess, like baking sourdough and finding the inside raw and gooey and completely inedible. I think the salt is missing, too.
January 17, 2018
So, if a new convert (say, millennially aged) to Jesus finds home in your church, and she still struggles to accept the Christian “vision” for sexuality in the 21st century, what do you do?
Teach, preach, pray, explain, be patient. Repeat. But if you could give her just one book on the grandeur of God’s image bearing, sexed creatures, which would it be?
The “curriculum” for new believers in the nascent Church (according to Eric Mason’s take on Acts 15:28-29 in his book Manhood Restored) included sexuality right next to idolatry.
Enter Mere Sexuality.
Rev/Dr Todd Wilson is motivated to address in a more comprehensive way and from a different angle the erosion of human sexuality particularly through the cultural debacle of same sex marriage. This is his claim, or at least his impetus.
However as it states in the subtitle of his book, “Mere Sexuality” has more to do with sexuality as a whole than Supreme Court decisions and fervent, cultural acceptance of SSM.
Mere Sexuality (brilliantly spinning off of Clive Lewis’ classic work on Christianity using the same adjective) eloquently and compellingly captures God’s “yes!” in creating humans sexed and thus freshly articulates what historic Christianity has been saying for two millennia. While he doesn’t back down, nuance or soften the historic Christian testimony, he models what he calls later in the book “winning the aesthetic” in the culture war over sexuality.
I wish he would have used a little more Scripture to hack through the weeds of his very convincing proposals. The chapter on Jesus’ sexuality is an example of this bit of scarcity, yet it’s worth the price of the book.
In trying to give a different angle/voice to the Historic Christian belief on homosexuality, he actually does more; thus, carving out a real need for his book in what seems to be more and more a glutted topic and market in evangelical publishing.
Teach, preach, pray, explain, be patient. Repeat. But if you could give her just one book on the grandeur of God’s image bearing, sexed creatures, which would it be?
The “curriculum” for new believers in the nascent Church (according to Eric Mason’s take on Acts 15:28-29 in his book Manhood Restored) included sexuality right next to idolatry.
Enter Mere Sexuality.
Rev/Dr Todd Wilson is motivated to address in a more comprehensive way and from a different angle the erosion of human sexuality particularly through the cultural debacle of same sex marriage. This is his claim, or at least his impetus.
However as it states in the subtitle of his book, “Mere Sexuality” has more to do with sexuality as a whole than Supreme Court decisions and fervent, cultural acceptance of SSM.
Mere Sexuality (brilliantly spinning off of Clive Lewis’ classic work on Christianity using the same adjective) eloquently and compellingly captures God’s “yes!” in creating humans sexed and thus freshly articulates what historic Christianity has been saying for two millennia. While he doesn’t back down, nuance or soften the historic Christian testimony, he models what he calls later in the book “winning the aesthetic” in the culture war over sexuality.
I wish he would have used a little more Scripture to hack through the weeds of his very convincing proposals. The chapter on Jesus’ sexuality is an example of this bit of scarcity, yet it’s worth the price of the book.
In trying to give a different angle/voice to the Historic Christian belief on homosexuality, he actually does more; thus, carving out a real need for his book in what seems to be more and more a glutted topic and market in evangelical publishing.
April 19, 2024
3.75 Stars (I’m getting specific now)
I appreciated his frame the beginning of this book, addressing the various audiences that may be reading it. His tone was compassionate and thoughtful. Also, I was intrigued by his chapter in Jesus’ sexuality— I haven’t thought of that deeply until reading this book. While there were interesting points splattered throughout, I think that chapter was this book’s most illuminating contribution to the subject.
I appreciated his frame the beginning of this book, addressing the various audiences that may be reading it. His tone was compassionate and thoughtful. Also, I was intrigued by his chapter in Jesus’ sexuality— I haven’t thought of that deeply until reading this book. While there were interesting points splattered throughout, I think that chapter was this book’s most illuminating contribution to the subject.
April 28, 2024
Easy read and really good for a basic overview. I did think it ended abruptly though and I also find disagreement with some of the people he mentions in the book.
December 3, 2024
I learned how fast a reader I can be.
April 23, 2021
It doesn't get any more basic than this. Wilson reiterates what the Christian church has been teaching about marriage, sexuality, and children for centuries. I had hoped for something more in-depth, but I think this book was written for the present generation who has no idea how to think biblically about these issues.
December 23, 2018
Great book! But this book for the second appendix alone!!! Highly recommended!!!
July 14, 2021
This review was originally published in the Journal for Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, Vol. 11 No. 1 (Spring 2018): 112-115.
Over the past few years, a staggering mass of print and online media have been devoted to erotic relationships between people of the same sex, and the certification of these relationships in civil and ecclesial marriage. In view of this vast discourse, and the fierce debates endemic to it, does an additional angle need to emerge? Todd Wilson, senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church and chairman of The Center for Pastor Theologians, argues yes in Mere Sexuality. Among many good Christian perspectives, he discerns an abundance of attention to the biblical, personal, and practical dimensions of same-sex relationships, but a dearth of theological focus and historical context. Thus, Wilson aims to offer an introduction to “mere sexuality”, a shorthand reference “to the themes that have characterized the Christian vision of sexuality down through the ages … in other words, the historic consensus” (34). At its core, this vision is a reaffirmation of the crucial importance of sexual difference for theological anthropology in general, and human sexuality in particular.
In Chapter 1, Wilson reflects on the veritable sea change in public opinion about the ethical legitimacy of same-sex erotic relationships, not only within U.S. society at large, but also among American evangelical Christians. He identifies three major reasons for this shift: the loss of functional biblical authority stemming from hermeneutical pluralism, the refashioning of moral intuitions due in significant part to the greater visibility and proximity of gay and lesbian persons, and most fundamentally, “a truncated vision of human sexuality” that underlies the first two factors: “We’ve lost sight of a positive Christian vision for why God made us as sexual beings in the first place” (32). Wilson’s prescription for curing this theological and social myopia is “to recover the moral logic behind Christian sexuality: how babies relate to marriage, and marriage to sex, and sex to identity, and identity to being male and female – and how all of this relates to the person of Christ” (38).
Wilson begins his theological corrective in Chapter 2 by attending to the sexuality of Jesus, retrieving it as a primary locus theologicus by wresting it from ancient and contemporary versions of Docetism. The incarnation of Jesus entails the biologically sexed embodiment of the Word as a human male, as well as his development within and delivery through the body of a human female: “God the Son embraced male and female sexuality to the core. He didn’t sidestep human sexuality” (46). Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus involves the continuation of his embodied human maleness. Thus, “he enshrined sexual difference for all eternity. God affirms his intentions in creation and promises that they will continue forever” (48). Finally, the celibacy of Jesus belies cultural scripts that seek ultimate meaning and fulfillment in sexual activity.
Tackling the relationship between sex, gender, and the Imago Dei is the subject of Chapter 3. Contrasting sex as biologically given with gender as socially constructed, Wilson laments the contemporary conflation and deconstruction of these two. He turns to Genesis 1 and argues “that being male and female is essential to being created in God’s own image” (69), which yields a vocation of appreciating and embodying our “distinctive yet complementary strengths” (74). This prioritization of sex difference is also crucial for marriage, the focus of Chapter 4. Wilson problematizes the companionate view of marriage that romanticizes the couple and overemphasizes physical pleasure. To counteract this widely held reductive vision, he urges reclamation of the comprehensive, exclusive, permanent one-flesh union displayed in the creation narrative. Wilson presses further in Chapter 5, as he delineates the twin purposes – union and procreation – of married sexuality: “in the biblical vision, sex is a blessing not because of the pleasure it brings but because of the purpose it serves: to unite lives and to create life” (97). Because same-sex erotic relationships can neither embody the one-flesh union of sexual difference, nor issue forth offspring, they fall outside the boundaries of mere sexuality.
In Chapter 6, Wilson demonstrates his awareness of the controversial implications of mere sexuality, namely that “it is especially difficult for persons who experience consistent same-sex attraction. It would seem to leave same-sex-attracted individuals with no legitimate, biblically sanctioned means of expressing their sexual desires” (111). Wilson considers the high potential of celibate loneliness to be “perhaps the strongest argument against mere sexuality.” Yet rather than rendering it a practical defeater for the historic consensus, Wilson instead sees this challenge as an opportunity for reformation of church practices toward revitalization of deep friendship.*1 This dovetails into Chapter 7, which expounds upon patience, the key virtue of mere sexuality. Patience is central to spiritual and sexual formation, including the pain of suffering, the longing for healing, and the hope of redemption. The conclusion urges faithful, creative expression of mere sexuality, which “must be done with joy, with tears, and with hope” (136) to be effective. Finally, there are two appendices: a brief account of the biblical convictions that animate the project (all based on 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and a longer narrative by Joel Willitts, who movingly describes the anguished complexities of surviving childhood sexual abuse.
Wilson sounds several clear, winsome notes in his account of mere sexuality, including: a ringing affirmation of creation, embodiment, and sex; attentiveness to the significance of the person of Christ for theological methodology; strong pastoral instincts that both demonstrate and call for deeper sensitivity to the lived experiences of sexual minorities; clarity about the high stakes of the conversation in and for society; and confidence in the church’s historic witness, which indeed needs to be recovered afresh and humbly heeded in a confused and confusing era.
Nevertheless, several concerns with the book need to be registered. First, there are a few factual mistakes. Although these are relatively minor and do not affect the substance of his argument, the appearance of historical*2 and biological*3 errors partially erodes Wilson’s credibility. More seriously, he demonstrates a disquieting penchant for making broad, inadequately substantiated assertions. Some of these include: the claim that marriage is “the most basic of human communities” (36), which might strike the New Testament authors as odd, given the cosmic significance of the church; the identification that “God’s first call on our lives is to acknowledge rather than deny our sexuality” (70), which is an unusual gloss of Genesis 1 and could unintentionally prioritize knowledge of sexuality over knowledge of God;*4 the unnecessary antithesis between the unitive-procreative purposes of sex and pleasure (97), which runs against the grain of wisdom literature’s strong endorsement of physical delight; and the reduction of “the multibillion-dollar-a-year porn industry [to] the idolization of pleasure” (99), which obscures the centrality of power in the exploitation and commodification of women and children.
Perhaps the book’s most significant shortcoming relates to the ambitious aim to which Wilson set himself at the outset: “This book provides an introduction to the historic Christian vision of human sexuality, yet does so in conversation with this century’s main challenges to that vision” (17). The book’s highlights, where it comes closest to realizing this goal, occur when Wilson opens up space to hear from those who have been most affected by the challenges of same-sex attraction (Wesley Hill) and sexual abuse (Joel Willitts). Yet when other challenges (such as transgender or intersex) are involved, Wilson often resorts to generalizations.*5 He acknowledges that other Christians have written about these topics, but either refrains from engaging their work*6 or dismisses their arguments without explanation.*7 In this regard, Wilson does not fully follow through on the journey he asks others to make: “Keep reading to the end. Because only by coming to terms with the whole will you be in a position to make a responsible judgment” (20). Indeed, along with patience and hope, a humble commitment to full engagement with the complexities of human sexuality is vital for spiritual formation.
Footnotes:
*1 He draws extensively from Wesley Hill’s writings, including Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010) and Spiritual Friendship: Finding Love in the Church as a Gay Christian (Grand Rapids, Brazos, 2015).
*2 He writes that the Defense of Marriage Act was signed “a decade ago” (27). The passage of the law occurred in 1996, twenty-one years before the publication of Mere Sexuality.
*3 His list of characteristics of male embodiment – “grows armpit hair, has a ring finger longer than his index finger, a deeper voice than most women, and a penis” – is both too restrictive (i.e., many male bodies have an index finger longer than their ring finger, due to the relative amount of testosterone present in their mother’s amniotic fluid) and too expansive (i.e., many female bodies also grow armpit hair).
*4 His surprising substitution of “sex” for “Aslan” as “not safe but good” (102) is even more problematic in this regard, ironically undercutting his critique of the idolization of sex.
*5 E.g., “It’s a lifestyle choice. The argument is that whether you’re anatomically male or female doesn’t matter all that much for your identity. These biological features, and how we express them, aren’t fixed; they’re negotiable” (63). Yet for people experiencing gender dysphoria, conflict between internally perceived gender and biological sex is both unchosen and very painful. Cf. also “The tragic developmental anomaly of intersex notwithstanding, there really is no third option” (70). Yet this is precisely the question that merits careful theological work.
*6 As in the case of Mark Yarhouse, Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture (Downers Grove: IVP, 2015), (177n13).
*7 As in the case of Megan K. DeFranza, Sex Difference in Christian Theology: Male, Female, and Intersex in the Image of God (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015), (176n13).
Over the past few years, a staggering mass of print and online media have been devoted to erotic relationships between people of the same sex, and the certification of these relationships in civil and ecclesial marriage. In view of this vast discourse, and the fierce debates endemic to it, does an additional angle need to emerge? Todd Wilson, senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church and chairman of The Center for Pastor Theologians, argues yes in Mere Sexuality. Among many good Christian perspectives, he discerns an abundance of attention to the biblical, personal, and practical dimensions of same-sex relationships, but a dearth of theological focus and historical context. Thus, Wilson aims to offer an introduction to “mere sexuality”, a shorthand reference “to the themes that have characterized the Christian vision of sexuality down through the ages … in other words, the historic consensus” (34). At its core, this vision is a reaffirmation of the crucial importance of sexual difference for theological anthropology in general, and human sexuality in particular.
In Chapter 1, Wilson reflects on the veritable sea change in public opinion about the ethical legitimacy of same-sex erotic relationships, not only within U.S. society at large, but also among American evangelical Christians. He identifies three major reasons for this shift: the loss of functional biblical authority stemming from hermeneutical pluralism, the refashioning of moral intuitions due in significant part to the greater visibility and proximity of gay and lesbian persons, and most fundamentally, “a truncated vision of human sexuality” that underlies the first two factors: “We’ve lost sight of a positive Christian vision for why God made us as sexual beings in the first place” (32). Wilson’s prescription for curing this theological and social myopia is “to recover the moral logic behind Christian sexuality: how babies relate to marriage, and marriage to sex, and sex to identity, and identity to being male and female – and how all of this relates to the person of Christ” (38).
Wilson begins his theological corrective in Chapter 2 by attending to the sexuality of Jesus, retrieving it as a primary locus theologicus by wresting it from ancient and contemporary versions of Docetism. The incarnation of Jesus entails the biologically sexed embodiment of the Word as a human male, as well as his development within and delivery through the body of a human female: “God the Son embraced male and female sexuality to the core. He didn’t sidestep human sexuality” (46). Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus involves the continuation of his embodied human maleness. Thus, “he enshrined sexual difference for all eternity. God affirms his intentions in creation and promises that they will continue forever” (48). Finally, the celibacy of Jesus belies cultural scripts that seek ultimate meaning and fulfillment in sexual activity.
Tackling the relationship between sex, gender, and the Imago Dei is the subject of Chapter 3. Contrasting sex as biologically given with gender as socially constructed, Wilson laments the contemporary conflation and deconstruction of these two. He turns to Genesis 1 and argues “that being male and female is essential to being created in God’s own image” (69), which yields a vocation of appreciating and embodying our “distinctive yet complementary strengths” (74). This prioritization of sex difference is also crucial for marriage, the focus of Chapter 4. Wilson problematizes the companionate view of marriage that romanticizes the couple and overemphasizes physical pleasure. To counteract this widely held reductive vision, he urges reclamation of the comprehensive, exclusive, permanent one-flesh union displayed in the creation narrative. Wilson presses further in Chapter 5, as he delineates the twin purposes – union and procreation – of married sexuality: “in the biblical vision, sex is a blessing not because of the pleasure it brings but because of the purpose it serves: to unite lives and to create life” (97). Because same-sex erotic relationships can neither embody the one-flesh union of sexual difference, nor issue forth offspring, they fall outside the boundaries of mere sexuality.
In Chapter 6, Wilson demonstrates his awareness of the controversial implications of mere sexuality, namely that “it is especially difficult for persons who experience consistent same-sex attraction. It would seem to leave same-sex-attracted individuals with no legitimate, biblically sanctioned means of expressing their sexual desires” (111). Wilson considers the high potential of celibate loneliness to be “perhaps the strongest argument against mere sexuality.” Yet rather than rendering it a practical defeater for the historic consensus, Wilson instead sees this challenge as an opportunity for reformation of church practices toward revitalization of deep friendship.*1 This dovetails into Chapter 7, which expounds upon patience, the key virtue of mere sexuality. Patience is central to spiritual and sexual formation, including the pain of suffering, the longing for healing, and the hope of redemption. The conclusion urges faithful, creative expression of mere sexuality, which “must be done with joy, with tears, and with hope” (136) to be effective. Finally, there are two appendices: a brief account of the biblical convictions that animate the project (all based on 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and a longer narrative by Joel Willitts, who movingly describes the anguished complexities of surviving childhood sexual abuse.
Wilson sounds several clear, winsome notes in his account of mere sexuality, including: a ringing affirmation of creation, embodiment, and sex; attentiveness to the significance of the person of Christ for theological methodology; strong pastoral instincts that both demonstrate and call for deeper sensitivity to the lived experiences of sexual minorities; clarity about the high stakes of the conversation in and for society; and confidence in the church’s historic witness, which indeed needs to be recovered afresh and humbly heeded in a confused and confusing era.
Nevertheless, several concerns with the book need to be registered. First, there are a few factual mistakes. Although these are relatively minor and do not affect the substance of his argument, the appearance of historical*2 and biological*3 errors partially erodes Wilson’s credibility. More seriously, he demonstrates a disquieting penchant for making broad, inadequately substantiated assertions. Some of these include: the claim that marriage is “the most basic of human communities” (36), which might strike the New Testament authors as odd, given the cosmic significance of the church; the identification that “God’s first call on our lives is to acknowledge rather than deny our sexuality” (70), which is an unusual gloss of Genesis 1 and could unintentionally prioritize knowledge of sexuality over knowledge of God;*4 the unnecessary antithesis between the unitive-procreative purposes of sex and pleasure (97), which runs against the grain of wisdom literature’s strong endorsement of physical delight; and the reduction of “the multibillion-dollar-a-year porn industry [to] the idolization of pleasure” (99), which obscures the centrality of power in the exploitation and commodification of women and children.
Perhaps the book’s most significant shortcoming relates to the ambitious aim to which Wilson set himself at the outset: “This book provides an introduction to the historic Christian vision of human sexuality, yet does so in conversation with this century’s main challenges to that vision” (17). The book’s highlights, where it comes closest to realizing this goal, occur when Wilson opens up space to hear from those who have been most affected by the challenges of same-sex attraction (Wesley Hill) and sexual abuse (Joel Willitts). Yet when other challenges (such as transgender or intersex) are involved, Wilson often resorts to generalizations.*5 He acknowledges that other Christians have written about these topics, but either refrains from engaging their work*6 or dismisses their arguments without explanation.*7 In this regard, Wilson does not fully follow through on the journey he asks others to make: “Keep reading to the end. Because only by coming to terms with the whole will you be in a position to make a responsible judgment” (20). Indeed, along with patience and hope, a humble commitment to full engagement with the complexities of human sexuality is vital for spiritual formation.
Footnotes:
*1 He draws extensively from Wesley Hill’s writings, including Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010) and Spiritual Friendship: Finding Love in the Church as a Gay Christian (Grand Rapids, Brazos, 2015).
*2 He writes that the Defense of Marriage Act was signed “a decade ago” (27). The passage of the law occurred in 1996, twenty-one years before the publication of Mere Sexuality.
*3 His list of characteristics of male embodiment – “grows armpit hair, has a ring finger longer than his index finger, a deeper voice than most women, and a penis” – is both too restrictive (i.e., many male bodies have an index finger longer than their ring finger, due to the relative amount of testosterone present in their mother’s amniotic fluid) and too expansive (i.e., many female bodies also grow armpit hair).
*4 His surprising substitution of “sex” for “Aslan” as “not safe but good” (102) is even more problematic in this regard, ironically undercutting his critique of the idolization of sex.
*5 E.g., “It’s a lifestyle choice. The argument is that whether you’re anatomically male or female doesn’t matter all that much for your identity. These biological features, and how we express them, aren’t fixed; they’re negotiable” (63). Yet for people experiencing gender dysphoria, conflict between internally perceived gender and biological sex is both unchosen and very painful. Cf. also “The tragic developmental anomaly of intersex notwithstanding, there really is no third option” (70). Yet this is precisely the question that merits careful theological work.
*6 As in the case of Mark Yarhouse, Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture (Downers Grove: IVP, 2015), (177n13).
*7 As in the case of Megan K. DeFranza, Sex Difference in Christian Theology: Male, Female, and Intersex in the Image of God (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015), (176n13).
March 24, 2025
The issue of sexuality is extremely relevant in today’s Christian and secular culture. In Mere Sexuality, Todd Wilson shines light on the sensitive topics surrounding sexuality. Once Christians know and understand the truth of the gospel, they should not be afraid to share it with love.
Todd Wilson explains that every human is born with a specified gender (except for very rare occasions). These genders are created by God as complementary parts to those of the opposite gender. I agree with this statement and believe it should be expressed more often than it is within Christian culture. Humans are made to be in union with a singular individual of our opposite sex.
Marriage is rapidly deteriorating in modern culture. Todd Wilson argues that part of this decline is due to the lack of priority placed upon the eternality of the marriage covenant. This could also contribute to the rise in pre-marital cohabitation. This lifestyle is neither spiritually, nor mentally healthy. God’s Word makes it very clear that cohabitation before marriage is fornication. Additionally, without the security found in promised permanence, there will undoubtedly be fear and anxiety about infidelity.
The sacred union of marriage is a reflection of Jesus’ union with His bride, the church. Wilson teaches that Christians’ intimate and exclusive relationship with Jesus should be mirrored within that of their spouse. Jesus demands full priority over other relationships, just as one’s spouse should receive full priority over all other human relationships. Multiple times in Scripture, Christ promises never to leave or forsake His bride. In His perfect nature, He will keep His promises.
Sex is often seen as an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, it needs to be talked about nonetheless. In the sight of the sinful world, sex is only for pleasure. Wilson makes an excellent point, though combating that view. He claims that when sex is only a source of pleasure, the children that may result from it could be seen as a hindrance or inconvenience. I had never heard someone combat this view before, and I really appreciated Wilson’s insightful, Scripture-driven comments.
The issue of homosexuality is perhaps one of the biggest controversies within Christian culture sexuality debates. I am unafraid to state that homosexuality is sinful and hated by God. However, no sin is worse than another. In God’s eyes, all sins are of equal filth. Therefore, theft and homosexuality are on the same level. Wilson encourages those struggling with this sin to walk closely with the Lord while patiently waiting for the perfect restoration to come.
Believers should be informed about the issues that are present within Christian and secular culture. In doing so, they will be more capable of accurately imparting the truth of God’s Word to those God brings across their path. Todd Wilson’s Mere Sexuality is a much-needed book today. He unashamedly tackles sensitive issues while holding onto his firm faith in Christ and His Word.
Things to be aware of in "Mere Sexuality:"
Language:
- 2 "da*ned" (both were from a quote)
- 1 usage of the Lord's name in vain (from a quote)
Romantic Content:
- Sexual abuse is mentioned
- Intimacy and sex are discussed
Additional Notes:
- Lots of discussion about gay marriage and same-sex attraction
See my full review on my blog here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...
Todd Wilson explains that every human is born with a specified gender (except for very rare occasions). These genders are created by God as complementary parts to those of the opposite gender. I agree with this statement and believe it should be expressed more often than it is within Christian culture. Humans are made to be in union with a singular individual of our opposite sex.
Marriage is rapidly deteriorating in modern culture. Todd Wilson argues that part of this decline is due to the lack of priority placed upon the eternality of the marriage covenant. This could also contribute to the rise in pre-marital cohabitation. This lifestyle is neither spiritually, nor mentally healthy. God’s Word makes it very clear that cohabitation before marriage is fornication. Additionally, without the security found in promised permanence, there will undoubtedly be fear and anxiety about infidelity.
The sacred union of marriage is a reflection of Jesus’ union with His bride, the church. Wilson teaches that Christians’ intimate and exclusive relationship with Jesus should be mirrored within that of their spouse. Jesus demands full priority over other relationships, just as one’s spouse should receive full priority over all other human relationships. Multiple times in Scripture, Christ promises never to leave or forsake His bride. In His perfect nature, He will keep His promises.
Sex is often seen as an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, it needs to be talked about nonetheless. In the sight of the sinful world, sex is only for pleasure. Wilson makes an excellent point, though combating that view. He claims that when sex is only a source of pleasure, the children that may result from it could be seen as a hindrance or inconvenience. I had never heard someone combat this view before, and I really appreciated Wilson’s insightful, Scripture-driven comments.
The issue of homosexuality is perhaps one of the biggest controversies within Christian culture sexuality debates. I am unafraid to state that homosexuality is sinful and hated by God. However, no sin is worse than another. In God’s eyes, all sins are of equal filth. Therefore, theft and homosexuality are on the same level. Wilson encourages those struggling with this sin to walk closely with the Lord while patiently waiting for the perfect restoration to come.
Believers should be informed about the issues that are present within Christian and secular culture. In doing so, they will be more capable of accurately imparting the truth of God’s Word to those God brings across their path. Todd Wilson’s Mere Sexuality is a much-needed book today. He unashamedly tackles sensitive issues while holding onto his firm faith in Christ and His Word.
Things to be aware of in "Mere Sexuality:"
Language:
- 2 "da*ned" (both were from a quote)
- 1 usage of the Lord's name in vain (from a quote)
Romantic Content:
- Sexual abuse is mentioned
- Intimacy and sex are discussed
Additional Notes:
- Lots of discussion about gay marriage and same-sex attraction
See my full review on my blog here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...
December 14, 2017
Todd A. Wilson is the senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois and the co-founder and chairman of the Center for Pastor Theologians. Wilson received an MA in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College and Graduate School and a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of Cambridge. He is the author of several books, including Galatians: Gospel-Rooted Living (Crossway, 2013) and The Curse of the Law and the Crisis in Galatia (Mohr Siebeck, 2007). Most recently, Wilson has written a timely little book on sexuality that presents the historic Christian consensus with clarity and conviction.
Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality is grounded by a longstanding and overarching Christian tradition. Wilson emphasizes with clarity a major cultural shift in the Christian Church on issues of sexuality that prove to be a departure from the historic confession of Church and provide a problematic vision of the future of Christianity. Wilson reorients readers towards the historic Christian vision of sexuality while lovingly engaging with some of today’s leading cultural voices. Mere Sexuality moves beyond the general questions concerning same-sex marriage, gay marriage, and how to love homosexuals the way Jesus did (p. 14). Wilson covers a broad range of biblical, theological, cultural and practical issues in a surprisingly small package with both clarity and charity.
Mere Sexuality is comprised of several brief chapters and two appendices. Wilson introduces the reader to the historic Christian consensus in the initial chapter, and subsequently supports such a consensus with the sexuality of Jesus. Additionally, Wilson explores how sexuality relates to our identity, the meaning of marriage, the purpose of sex as a gift of God within the marriage union, the practical implication of such within human relationships, and more. This is not necessarily a book concerned with homosexuality, per se, though such categories overlap naturally with the exploration found therein. Wilson is not concerned with providing readers with a book focused on what the Bible says about matters homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Rather, it is here that Wilson provides readers with an exploration of the Christian vision of human sexuality as a holistic conviction.
Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality by Todd A. Wilson is a faithful and practical book that addresses the historic Christian consensus of human sexuality with both clarity and conviction. Wilson offers a persuasive portrait of sexuality that invites readers to see how the Christian worldview is to functions within the cultural shift of our day. Wilson is both sensitive and informed concerning the issues at hand, and readers will be deeply encouraged as they follow his guidance. Mere Sexuality comes highly recommended!
Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality is grounded by a longstanding and overarching Christian tradition. Wilson emphasizes with clarity a major cultural shift in the Christian Church on issues of sexuality that prove to be a departure from the historic confession of Church and provide a problematic vision of the future of Christianity. Wilson reorients readers towards the historic Christian vision of sexuality while lovingly engaging with some of today’s leading cultural voices. Mere Sexuality moves beyond the general questions concerning same-sex marriage, gay marriage, and how to love homosexuals the way Jesus did (p. 14). Wilson covers a broad range of biblical, theological, cultural and practical issues in a surprisingly small package with both clarity and charity.
Mere Sexuality is comprised of several brief chapters and two appendices. Wilson introduces the reader to the historic Christian consensus in the initial chapter, and subsequently supports such a consensus with the sexuality of Jesus. Additionally, Wilson explores how sexuality relates to our identity, the meaning of marriage, the purpose of sex as a gift of God within the marriage union, the practical implication of such within human relationships, and more. This is not necessarily a book concerned with homosexuality, per se, though such categories overlap naturally with the exploration found therein. Wilson is not concerned with providing readers with a book focused on what the Bible says about matters homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Rather, it is here that Wilson provides readers with an exploration of the Christian vision of human sexuality as a holistic conviction.
Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality by Todd A. Wilson is a faithful and practical book that addresses the historic Christian consensus of human sexuality with both clarity and conviction. Wilson offers a persuasive portrait of sexuality that invites readers to see how the Christian worldview is to functions within the cultural shift of our day. Wilson is both sensitive and informed concerning the issues at hand, and readers will be deeply encouraged as they follow his guidance. Mere Sexuality comes highly recommended!
January 26, 2018
As the social environment in the U.S.A. continues to stay hot, and civility and sensibility atrophy, it is increasingly important for Christians and pastors to have solid resources that will help us keep our heads about us. Todd Wilson, Senior Pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park Illinois, as well as co-founder and chairman of The Center for Pastoral Theologians, has compiled an easy-to-read study published in the 191 page softback, "Mere Sexuality: Rediscovering the Christian Vision of Sexuality."
This small volume artfully works through creation, the incarnation of Christ, and the resurrection, to tackle, theologically, the place of our embodied sexuality. In many ways it is a Christological anthropology. Instead of turning "God's intentions for human sexuality into a stale set of moral rules" (40), the author beautifully presents the centrality of Christ to the whole subject.
"Mere Sexuality" takes it's cue from C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity" in examining what Christianity has normatively affirmed about being born male and female, marriage, children, sex, singleness and friendship. As Wilson states, the "church's stance against homosexual activity isn't the product of a few Bible proof texts that speak directly to the issue of same-sex practice; it is the result of the Bible's holistic vision of human sexuality, which pervades Scripture" (54). Whether you agree with Wilson or not, by the end of the book you will have a better informed conception of why Christianity has doggedly held its position, and what it sees is at stake.
But the author maintains a charitable and gracious tone throughout the work, while shooting straight. "Mere Sexuality" is not a rant against a specific set of behaviors. It is rather a positive presentation of what is quickly being painted as old fashioned and bigoted. The main point of the manuscript consistently comes through, such as; "Despite the consistent messaging of our culture, you are not who you desire sexually. Instead you are who God has created you to be in his image and likeness, whether male or female. And more importantly, you are who God calls you to be in his Son, Jesus Christ" (75).
"Mere Sexuality" can be quickly read. Yet the content will provide much for reflection, and will heighten anticipation! Christian ministers, seminarians, men, women, inquirers and even opponents should grab up a copy and pour over it. I highly recommend the book!
This small volume artfully works through creation, the incarnation of Christ, and the resurrection, to tackle, theologically, the place of our embodied sexuality. In many ways it is a Christological anthropology. Instead of turning "God's intentions for human sexuality into a stale set of moral rules" (40), the author beautifully presents the centrality of Christ to the whole subject.
"Mere Sexuality" takes it's cue from C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity" in examining what Christianity has normatively affirmed about being born male and female, marriage, children, sex, singleness and friendship. As Wilson states, the "church's stance against homosexual activity isn't the product of a few Bible proof texts that speak directly to the issue of same-sex practice; it is the result of the Bible's holistic vision of human sexuality, which pervades Scripture" (54). Whether you agree with Wilson or not, by the end of the book you will have a better informed conception of why Christianity has doggedly held its position, and what it sees is at stake.
But the author maintains a charitable and gracious tone throughout the work, while shooting straight. "Mere Sexuality" is not a rant against a specific set of behaviors. It is rather a positive presentation of what is quickly being painted as old fashioned and bigoted. The main point of the manuscript consistently comes through, such as; "Despite the consistent messaging of our culture, you are not who you desire sexually. Instead you are who God has created you to be in his image and likeness, whether male or female. And more importantly, you are who God calls you to be in his Son, Jesus Christ" (75).
"Mere Sexuality" can be quickly read. Yet the content will provide much for reflection, and will heighten anticipation! Christian ministers, seminarians, men, women, inquirers and even opponents should grab up a copy and pour over it. I highly recommend the book!
May 14, 2018
Wilson’s purpose for writing this book can be summed up by what he says on page 13:
“So you may wonder why I felt the need to add yet another book to the mix. Here’s why: I don’t think we’ve dealt adequately with the question of homosexuality in the light of God’s design for human sexuality. Instead, we’ve addressed the issue too narrowly—at times almost exclusively in biblical or personal and practical terms. What do I mean? Our approach has been to ask one of two questions—a biblical question or a personal and practical question: What does the Bible really teach about homosexuality? Or, How can we love homosexuals as Jesus would? Of course, these are important questions, but they’re not the only questions we should ask. They’re not sufficient to settle the issue of what we should think about same-sex relationships. We need to put the question in a larger theological context. And that’s what I try to do in this book. The issues we explore here go beyond questions of same-sex practice, gay marriage, or how to love homosexuals the way Jesus would. We’ll touch on a whole range of biblical, theological, cultural, and practical questions related to human sexuality—from birth control and transgenderism to the hook-up culture and theologian Karl Barth’s view of the image of God.”
Wilson then proceeds to work through different issues and get to the heart of sexuality: “mere sexuality”. Though I appreciated Wilson’s unpacking of these issues, I felt that every chapter ended abruptly. There were some gaps in the information given and, overall, it fell short of my expectations. Maybe part of the goal was to keep the book under 200 pages. I know publishers can be funny like that. But I often felt like, in trimming the fat, meat had been cut away. I needed more meat.
In spite of the ‘lack’ though, I was left with a lot to think about and help facilitate my own understanding of sexuality. This is a good companion book, in many ways, to Hill’s “Washed and Waiting”. Though if you have time for only one, I’d definitely recommend Hill.
“So you may wonder why I felt the need to add yet another book to the mix. Here’s why: I don’t think we’ve dealt adequately with the question of homosexuality in the light of God’s design for human sexuality. Instead, we’ve addressed the issue too narrowly—at times almost exclusively in biblical or personal and practical terms. What do I mean? Our approach has been to ask one of two questions—a biblical question or a personal and practical question: What does the Bible really teach about homosexuality? Or, How can we love homosexuals as Jesus would? Of course, these are important questions, but they’re not the only questions we should ask. They’re not sufficient to settle the issue of what we should think about same-sex relationships. We need to put the question in a larger theological context. And that’s what I try to do in this book. The issues we explore here go beyond questions of same-sex practice, gay marriage, or how to love homosexuals the way Jesus would. We’ll touch on a whole range of biblical, theological, cultural, and practical questions related to human sexuality—from birth control and transgenderism to the hook-up culture and theologian Karl Barth’s view of the image of God.”
Wilson then proceeds to work through different issues and get to the heart of sexuality: “mere sexuality”. Though I appreciated Wilson’s unpacking of these issues, I felt that every chapter ended abruptly. There were some gaps in the information given and, overall, it fell short of my expectations. Maybe part of the goal was to keep the book under 200 pages. I know publishers can be funny like that. But I often felt like, in trimming the fat, meat had been cut away. I needed more meat.
In spite of the ‘lack’ though, I was left with a lot to think about and help facilitate my own understanding of sexuality. This is a good companion book, in many ways, to Hill’s “Washed and Waiting”. Though if you have time for only one, I’d definitely recommend Hill.
March 30, 2018
Todd Wilson's Mere Sexuality is a helpful and readable addition to the body of literature on Christianity and sexuality. The unique contribution of this book is its approach -- a theological exploration of sexuality, a look at the big picture rather than simply an exegesis of individual texts or analysis of particular behaviors. Definitely helpful for churches (and individual Christians) wanting to understand the larger picture of Christianity's teaching on biblical sexuality.
Additionally, Joel Willits' appendix entitled "Bent Sexuality" is worth the price of the book. I will be making copies of this to give out. Willits gives a wonderful (and heartbreaking) theological analysis of sexual abuse and the unique challenges this presents for those who want to live out "mere sexuality."
From the publisher... "What do Christians believe about human sexuality? In Mere Sexuality, author and pastor Todd Wilson presents the historic Christian consensus about human sexuality, the Great Tradition of the church for centuries as taught in each of its major expressions - Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant. Wilson highlights the stunning shift of opinion on issues of sexuality in the evangelical church and why this break with the historic church is problematic for the future of Christianity. Along the way he provides ordinary believers with an introduction to the historic Christian vision of sexuality, yet does so in conversation with some of the twenty-first century's leading challenges to this vision.
In a culture that is deeply confused about human sexuality, Wilson believes it is time for evangelicals to retrieve the historic Christian tradition and biblical teaching on the question of sexuality. Mere Sexuality seeks to guide readers back to the beauty and coherence of this vision of sexuality in the face of an aggressive and all-consuming pagan and secular worldview."
Additionally, Joel Willits' appendix entitled "Bent Sexuality" is worth the price of the book. I will be making copies of this to give out. Willits gives a wonderful (and heartbreaking) theological analysis of sexual abuse and the unique challenges this presents for those who want to live out "mere sexuality."
From the publisher... "What do Christians believe about human sexuality? In Mere Sexuality, author and pastor Todd Wilson presents the historic Christian consensus about human sexuality, the Great Tradition of the church for centuries as taught in each of its major expressions - Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant. Wilson highlights the stunning shift of opinion on issues of sexuality in the evangelical church and why this break with the historic church is problematic for the future of Christianity. Along the way he provides ordinary believers with an introduction to the historic Christian vision of sexuality, yet does so in conversation with some of the twenty-first century's leading challenges to this vision.
In a culture that is deeply confused about human sexuality, Wilson believes it is time for evangelicals to retrieve the historic Christian tradition and biblical teaching on the question of sexuality. Mere Sexuality seeks to guide readers back to the beauty and coherence of this vision of sexuality in the face of an aggressive and all-consuming pagan and secular worldview."
June 9, 2018
Todd Wilson, pastor and theologian, offers a clear and balanced view of Christian sexuality. Mere Sexuality, a take off from C.S. Lewis's book Mere Christianity, is the set of beliefs most Christians in most times and most places have held about human sexuality. It seeks to get past the vacillations, redefinitions and misinterpretations of Scripture and church history that many Christian leaders and denominations have championed since the sexual revolution of the 1960's. While being traditional and conservative in its definition, it is extremely empathetic to those who struggle with all forms of sexual sin including identity and activity. Wilson tries to bridge the cultural divide and I commend him for the attempt. I am a bit cynical that any book or writing can overcome the deep divisions within our society over the issues raised. He is not likely to get a hearing (or reading in this case) from those outside the evangelical camp. It would be nice if the book were published by a non-Christian publisher. It might be more widely read as a result.
There is only one place where Wilson gets lost in the weeds of unexplained Christian assumptions and vocabulary. Overall, very commendable as it is a difficult task to try to speak to two audiences without losing one along the way.
The book ends with an appendix entitled "Bent Sexuality," which is worth the price of the book. It truly opened my eyes to the impact of sexual abuse and lines up with other things I have been reading on the neurological consequences of trauma and why it is so difficult to overcome the habits of a lifetime that have been literally wired into our brains. I won't read the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8) in the same way again.
I recommend the book to anyone dealing with sexual issues in themselves or those around them. I think they will find it extremely helpful.
There is only one place where Wilson gets lost in the weeds of unexplained Christian assumptions and vocabulary. Overall, very commendable as it is a difficult task to try to speak to two audiences without losing one along the way.
The book ends with an appendix entitled "Bent Sexuality," which is worth the price of the book. It truly opened my eyes to the impact of sexual abuse and lines up with other things I have been reading on the neurological consequences of trauma and why it is so difficult to overcome the habits of a lifetime that have been literally wired into our brains. I won't read the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8) in the same way again.
I recommend the book to anyone dealing with sexual issues in themselves or those around them. I think they will find it extremely helpful.
January 8, 2024
Good short little read.
I especially liked Chapter 2: The Sexuality of Jesus, and Chapter 4: “One Flesh.”
The chapter about the sexuality of Jesus fleshes out the implications that Jesus was really a man. A full fledged, Y chromosomed man. And it really shows how he is the example. It is insane that he never once entertained a lustful thought. He was tempted in every way as us, but he never fell and never blamed his hormones or genetics. He perfectly showed what it is to be a man, and yet he never had a partner. In a culture that promises sex to be the apex of life, Jesus diminishes that idea. Even in my own thinking I tend to think marriage will make everything ideal. But Jesus didn’t need anything but a perfect relationship with God to be truly satisfied.
Of course, sex is still a gift from God and the chapter on marriage is great. The concept of becoming “one flesh” was thorough and explained the totality of what marriage entails. The explanation of a biblical definition of marriage makes hookup culture and porn and divorce and adultery and homosexuality and lust so much more nasty in my eyes (rightly).
I especially liked Chapter 2: The Sexuality of Jesus, and Chapter 4: “One Flesh.”
The chapter about the sexuality of Jesus fleshes out the implications that Jesus was really a man. A full fledged, Y chromosomed man. And it really shows how he is the example. It is insane that he never once entertained a lustful thought. He was tempted in every way as us, but he never fell and never blamed his hormones or genetics. He perfectly showed what it is to be a man, and yet he never had a partner. In a culture that promises sex to be the apex of life, Jesus diminishes that idea. Even in my own thinking I tend to think marriage will make everything ideal. But Jesus didn’t need anything but a perfect relationship with God to be truly satisfied.
Of course, sex is still a gift from God and the chapter on marriage is great. The concept of becoming “one flesh” was thorough and explained the totality of what marriage entails. The explanation of a biblical definition of marriage makes hookup culture and porn and divorce and adultery and homosexuality and lust so much more nasty in my eyes (rightly).
November 29, 2022
4.5 stars. An excellent book on the historically consistent and deeply important view of Christian “mere sexuality”. With grace and kindness as well as truth and boldness, Wilson admirably lays out a vision of sex, sexuality, and marriage which is clear and faithful to Scripture, giving hope to the hurting but also help to those wrestling with issues within (and without) the Church. In so doing, he gives firm foundations for dealing with the myriad sexual topics of the day, both in the broad culture and the Church. My only caveat and hesitation is some of his alignment with Wesley Hill’s views (particularly Hill’s so-called “B-side” view on same-sex attraction as well as a too-magnified view of “spiritual friendship”). Despite these whispers of Hill’s agenda, Wilson avoids most of the pitfalls and instead deals even-handedly with issues. A very good book and helpful that deserves broad reading, not just by those struggling with issues or pain. (Additionally, Appendix 2 by Joel Willitts is an absolute must-read. His dealing with sexual abuse and it’s impacts is superb.)
May 1, 2023
Some interesting points are made in this book and they are provided in a diplomatic way. I found it wanting.
I wished he would’ve made an attempt to provide an argument for gender as integral to our ontology.
Reformed authors I’ve read (J. I. Packer, Doug Wilson, and Peter Jones to name a few) do a much greater job at tackling the teleology (the purpose) of gender and have provided far more robust arguments for why androgyny is antithetical to the Christian understanding of sexuality.
I appreciated his input on the sexuality of Jesus and his call for Christians to empathize with victims of sexual abuse and to recognize that for such individuals, sexuality may be a complicated issue. However, in light of the aforementioned, better resources covering the topic, this book wouldn’t be my first recommendation.
I wished he would’ve made an attempt to provide an argument for gender as integral to our ontology.
Reformed authors I’ve read (J. I. Packer, Doug Wilson, and Peter Jones to name a few) do a much greater job at tackling the teleology (the purpose) of gender and have provided far more robust arguments for why androgyny is antithetical to the Christian understanding of sexuality.
I appreciated his input on the sexuality of Jesus and his call for Christians to empathize with victims of sexual abuse and to recognize that for such individuals, sexuality may be a complicated issue. However, in light of the aforementioned, better resources covering the topic, this book wouldn’t be my first recommendation.
October 18, 2017
Here is an excellent book on the Christian vision of sexuality.
“Did you know, despite a genuine diversity of views expressed along the way, the church has held to a coherent view of human sexuality for centuries?”
Todd Wilson argues for “mere sexuality”—“what most Christians at most times in most places have believed about human sexuality.”
This mere sexuality “has been around for centuries, from roughly the fourth to the middle of the twentieth century. And it has only seriously been called into question within the last forty to fifty years with the liberalization of Christian sexual ethics in the foment of the 1960s sexual revolution.”
Well written, ably argued, and winsomely presented.
“Did you know, despite a genuine diversity of views expressed along the way, the church has held to a coherent view of human sexuality for centuries?”
Todd Wilson argues for “mere sexuality”—“what most Christians at most times in most places have believed about human sexuality.”
This mere sexuality “has been around for centuries, from roughly the fourth to the middle of the twentieth century. And it has only seriously been called into question within the last forty to fifty years with the liberalization of Christian sexual ethics in the foment of the 1960s sexual revolution.”
Well written, ably argued, and winsomely presented.
February 13, 2019
Poignant, authentic, and relevant. I was deeply touched by the level of vulnerability shown by both the author and co author of this book. In a refreshing new language we learn about the profundity of sex, and the way-overarching truth that God is so much bigger...and He knows, He knows how as humans and sinners, we mess it up. He’s there to pick up all of our brokenness, and to show us how to maneuver in a world under the spell of the physical. This book made me long for heaven. I cannot recommend it enough.
October 11, 2021
Absolutely amazing book! In a world today drowning in sexual sins and confusion, especially for this younger generation who has grown up in all the confusion, it was so encouraging to have a book such as this. The author talks on what the Bible says about homosexuality, and not just that, but sexual sins in general. He spoke on the brokenness you can feel, bringing up stories of men and women he knows personally who have had to learn to fight these fights daily. This book wholly encouraged me to be strong in my own fight, as well as learn to encourage and speak to others about these sins.
December 27, 2017
This book by Dr. Todd Wilson is a thoughtful and biblical view of sexuality for the Christian. It clearly identifies a heterosexual union within the context of marriage as God's design for sexual expression, but expresses the heart of Jesus toward those who have experienced or are experiencing other expressions. It's a valuable contribution to the literature of Christian ethics. Highly recommended.
April 6, 2025
3.5/5
Read this one for class. It is pretty good, nothing ground breaking. It's basically an overview/introduction to what orthodox christians have always believed about human sexuality. It is geared toward a church that is confused and capitulating to the culture, and it does a good job clearly laying out a wholistic argument for the biblical traditional view of sexuality. I don't know if I agree with everything he said but I do appreciate the nuance he brought to the discussion.
Read this one for class. It is pretty good, nothing ground breaking. It's basically an overview/introduction to what orthodox christians have always believed about human sexuality. It is geared toward a church that is confused and capitulating to the culture, and it does a good job clearly laying out a wholistic argument for the biblical traditional view of sexuality. I don't know if I agree with everything he said but I do appreciate the nuance he brought to the discussion.
October 25, 2017
A solid theological portrait of God's design for sexuality. I'm also quite fond of Joel Willits' appendix on sexuality in light of abuse, which is thoughtful and difficult and absolutely necessary. While Wilson points us toward God's ideals, Willits helps us to see what a pursuit of these ideals looks like in a fallen world.
November 16, 2018
WOW. This needs to be the book that starts most conversation in the church today regarding: sex, marriage, gender, etc. Wilson provides a well thought out explanation for how Christians should understand sexuality, by starting with the person of Christ. The book could have been longer and more in-depth, but most will find this sufficient to start.
February 13, 2018
Sexually vs. Sexuality
The difference between these 2-words are “it” and this book does everything necessary to faithfully speak to “it” from a mature, godly and biblically-based perspective but most of all - with (agape) LOVE for all❣️
The difference between these 2-words are “it” and this book does everything necessary to faithfully speak to “it” from a mature, godly and biblically-based perspective but most of all - with (agape) LOVE for all❣️
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