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For the Body: Recovering a Theology of Gender, Sexuality, and the Human Body
An in-depth look at what it means to be created in the image of God and how our bodies serve as icons that illuminate God's purposes instead of ours. The human body is an amazing gift, yet today, many people downplay its importance and fail to understand what Christianity teaches about our bodies and their God-given purposes. Many people misunderstand how the body was designed, its role in relating to others; and we lack awareness of the dangers of objectifying the body, divorcing it from its intended purpose. Timothy Tennent covers topics like marriage, family, singleness, and friendship, and he looks at how the human body has been objectified in art and media today. For the Body offers a biblical framework for discipling people today in a Christian theology of the body. Tennent—theologian and president of Asbury Theological Seminary—explores the contours of a robust Christian vision of the body, human sexuality, and the variety of different ways we are called into relationships with others. This book will reveal a theological vision For the Body is a call to a deeper understanding of our bodies and an invitation to recapture the wonder of this amazing gift.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 17, 2020
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286 people want to read
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October 22, 2020
The famous author, GK Chesterton was once asked by a newspaper publisher to write about: "What's wrong with the world?" Chesterton wrote back with a witty reply: "I am." In one short crisp message, he has managed to show us the real problem with the world: Sin. Fast forward to our modern age, if we were to answer the same question, what would that be? If posed to author and professor Timothy Tennent, it might be due to our failure to understand or to articulate a holistic view of the human body. In a sexualized culture, we need to recover the original purpose of what it means to be human. We cannot simply put out fires of cultural aberrations without dealing with the cause of the fires. We cannot simply try to bridge the divide between the conservatives and the progressives just by dealing with the morality and social justice matters respectively. From abortion rights to same-sex marriage; gender identities to political disputes; our world will continue to be torn apart as long as people fail to have a positive vision of the purpose of the human body. We need a proper theology of the body to help the Church lead the way in addressing a wide range of issues in our culture. Tennent shows us how to do just that in three ways. First, he describes the seven key building blocks of the theology of the body. Second, he exposes the cultural messages and environment we are in that continues to tarnish God's purpose. Finally, he offers a redemptive way forward to bring about a "discipled body."
Part One of the book is how Tennent lays the seven building blocks of the theology of the body. They are:
1) God's creation is good and the physical bodies God had made us is good.
2) God created us in His Image for a redemptive purpose.
3) Marriage as defined as between a man and a woman shines a theological light on the Christ and the Church.
4) Procreation and how we are co-creators with God to reflect the mystery of the Trinity and how we can flourish in community living
5) Apart from the choices of marriage or celibacy, friendship is an equally valid option.
6) Our bodies are to embody God's saving purposes and His love.
7) Mission for God includes the faithful working out of ordinary activities.
Part Two of the book warns us about how we have been influenced by culture around us. Beware of digitally altered images that warp our sense of reality. Instead of letting sin, pornography or cultural preferences shape our understanding of what it means to be human, we need to bring about positive perspectives of the wholesome beauty of the body. Of particular interest is the rise of the digital selves which is a rising trend (and threat) to our theology of the body. It challenges our perception of reality. It also shapes our views of other people. We can use media to communicate and to connect, but media is but a temporal replacement before the real thing face to face. Tennent also tries to nuance the different perceptions of sexuality and gender, reminding us that the slogans used are often a small part of the whole. We cannot let these small representations shape our total understanding. Neither should we allow them to pull us by our noses. The deeper issues behind such highly charged debates and controversies is the ethical framework we adopt consciously or unconsciously. For example, those who demonstrate on the basis of individual human rights to do anything they want, have been consumed by an "individualistic, utilitarian view of the human body." For such groups, personal rights trump moral boundaries. With such boldness, they too are willing to bend the Bible to their views. Tennent argues that we all need to go back to the consistent vision of Scripture pertaining to the moral order established in the creation narrative.
Part Three is much about how God redeems the world through the gospel. Preachers should not use the Bible as material for thumping others down. Neither should dissenters use the same Bible to bash views they are adamantly against. Instead learn from Emmy Kregler's journey on understanding biblical authority; the accusation that the Bible supports hate speech; and the challenge of applying moral arguments in a pluralistic and relativistic society. We need consistency in applying biblical authority to all aspects of sin, and not just choice portions. Discipleship programs ought to emphasize the seven building blocks of the body in order to prevent further malaise. We need to re-educate the Church and the people of God on these building blocks on a regular basis.
My Thoughts
==============
The Church has often been seen for what they are against rather than what they are for. This book solidifies seven theological building blocks and five fundamental discipleship catechesis plan. These forward thrusts are what we need the Church to stand up for. That is not just an important reminder for Church people but also for Christians at large to go back to the fundamentals instead of dwelling on the peripherals. As long as we try to beat one another up on the differences we have, we will miss the opportunities to build on the similarities we share. These similarities include the Sovereignty of our Creator; the goodness of creation; the effects of the Fall; our biblical image bearers of being male and female; the sacramental nature of the body; the dignity of not just being married or staying single but the beauty of friendship; the redemptive means of God's grace; on community living; and the glorious biblical vision of the world that is to come.
Whether we call ourselves conservatives or progressives; liberal or fundamental; pro-life or pro-choice; we should not begin with our differences but start with our similarities. Slogans from either side are not helpful. Neither is it the loose labeling of hate-speech on any group. One important part of the book is the "Guidance for Christian Leaders" chapter which lists down several important tips for leaders to take note. Tennent calls them "pastoral challenges" in how we respond to the five challenges of today. This chapter itself is worth the price of the book.
Timothy C. Tennent (PhD, University of Edinburgh, Scotland) is President, Professor of World Christianity at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of Building Christianity on Indian Foundations and Christianity at the Religious Roundtable. Dr. Tennent and wife, Julie, reside in Wilmore, Kentucky, with their two children, Jonathan and Bethany.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Zondervan Reflective and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Part One of the book is how Tennent lays the seven building blocks of the theology of the body. They are:
1) God's creation is good and the physical bodies God had made us is good.
2) God created us in His Image for a redemptive purpose.
3) Marriage as defined as between a man and a woman shines a theological light on the Christ and the Church.
4) Procreation and how we are co-creators with God to reflect the mystery of the Trinity and how we can flourish in community living
5) Apart from the choices of marriage or celibacy, friendship is an equally valid option.
6) Our bodies are to embody God's saving purposes and His love.
7) Mission for God includes the faithful working out of ordinary activities.
Part Two of the book warns us about how we have been influenced by culture around us. Beware of digitally altered images that warp our sense of reality. Instead of letting sin, pornography or cultural preferences shape our understanding of what it means to be human, we need to bring about positive perspectives of the wholesome beauty of the body. Of particular interest is the rise of the digital selves which is a rising trend (and threat) to our theology of the body. It challenges our perception of reality. It also shapes our views of other people. We can use media to communicate and to connect, but media is but a temporal replacement before the real thing face to face. Tennent also tries to nuance the different perceptions of sexuality and gender, reminding us that the slogans used are often a small part of the whole. We cannot let these small representations shape our total understanding. Neither should we allow them to pull us by our noses. The deeper issues behind such highly charged debates and controversies is the ethical framework we adopt consciously or unconsciously. For example, those who demonstrate on the basis of individual human rights to do anything they want, have been consumed by an "individualistic, utilitarian view of the human body." For such groups, personal rights trump moral boundaries. With such boldness, they too are willing to bend the Bible to their views. Tennent argues that we all need to go back to the consistent vision of Scripture pertaining to the moral order established in the creation narrative.
Part Three is much about how God redeems the world through the gospel. Preachers should not use the Bible as material for thumping others down. Neither should dissenters use the same Bible to bash views they are adamantly against. Instead learn from Emmy Kregler's journey on understanding biblical authority; the accusation that the Bible supports hate speech; and the challenge of applying moral arguments in a pluralistic and relativistic society. We need consistency in applying biblical authority to all aspects of sin, and not just choice portions. Discipleship programs ought to emphasize the seven building blocks of the body in order to prevent further malaise. We need to re-educate the Church and the people of God on these building blocks on a regular basis.
My Thoughts
==============
The Church has often been seen for what they are against rather than what they are for. This book solidifies seven theological building blocks and five fundamental discipleship catechesis plan. These forward thrusts are what we need the Church to stand up for. That is not just an important reminder for Church people but also for Christians at large to go back to the fundamentals instead of dwelling on the peripherals. As long as we try to beat one another up on the differences we have, we will miss the opportunities to build on the similarities we share. These similarities include the Sovereignty of our Creator; the goodness of creation; the effects of the Fall; our biblical image bearers of being male and female; the sacramental nature of the body; the dignity of not just being married or staying single but the beauty of friendship; the redemptive means of God's grace; on community living; and the glorious biblical vision of the world that is to come.
Whether we call ourselves conservatives or progressives; liberal or fundamental; pro-life or pro-choice; we should not begin with our differences but start with our similarities. Slogans from either side are not helpful. Neither is it the loose labeling of hate-speech on any group. One important part of the book is the "Guidance for Christian Leaders" chapter which lists down several important tips for leaders to take note. Tennent calls them "pastoral challenges" in how we respond to the five challenges of today. This chapter itself is worth the price of the book.
Timothy C. Tennent (PhD, University of Edinburgh, Scotland) is President, Professor of World Christianity at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of Building Christianity on Indian Foundations and Christianity at the Religious Roundtable. Dr. Tennent and wife, Julie, reside in Wilmore, Kentucky, with their two children, Jonathan and Bethany.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Zondervan Reflective and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
May 8, 2025
For anyone interested in a robust look at how God has created whole people- body, mind and soul- Dr. Tennent’s book will offer generous portions to chew and digest.
February 18, 2021
A "culture war" treatise regarding the body and human sexuality.
The author does well at affirming that the body was created by God, was originally good, points to Jesus, and has been corrupted as part of the decay of the creation.
When he turns to start speaking about the "mystery" of marriage, the family, the beauty of singleness, etc., he has many good points, but it seems that he is more invested in an Augustinian anthropology than a strictly Biblical one. I would imagine the author would not see any daylight between the two, but Augustine, like the rest of us, has his priors, and when it comes to the body that must be frankly admitted.
His discussion of the "sacramental" nature of the body, that it should be dedicated to God and all that demands, is effective. His survey of society is a predictable jeremiad about the current norms regarding human sexuality.
The author tries diligently to be the most gentle and hospitable he can be in fighting the culture war, but make no mistake: this is a treatise shaped by the culture war and looking to advance an argument in the culture war. If that's what you're looking for, that's what this is. If you're looking for a comprehensive Christian anthropology, this isn't it. If you're looking for a Christian sexual anthropology, this still really isn't it.
**--galley received as part of early review program
The author does well at affirming that the body was created by God, was originally good, points to Jesus, and has been corrupted as part of the decay of the creation.
When he turns to start speaking about the "mystery" of marriage, the family, the beauty of singleness, etc., he has many good points, but it seems that he is more invested in an Augustinian anthropology than a strictly Biblical one. I would imagine the author would not see any daylight between the two, but Augustine, like the rest of us, has his priors, and when it comes to the body that must be frankly admitted.
His discussion of the "sacramental" nature of the body, that it should be dedicated to God and all that demands, is effective. His survey of society is a predictable jeremiad about the current norms regarding human sexuality.
The author tries diligently to be the most gentle and hospitable he can be in fighting the culture war, but make no mistake: this is a treatise shaped by the culture war and looking to advance an argument in the culture war. If that's what you're looking for, that's what this is. If you're looking for a comprehensive Christian anthropology, this isn't it. If you're looking for a Christian sexual anthropology, this still really isn't it.
**--galley received as part of early review program
January 17, 2022
Tennent’s call to build a positive theology of the body - showing what a Christian view of the body is “for” rather than “against” - is a needed call and a timely word. His 7 building blocks for a theology of the body serve as a great foundation for doing that. I also really appreciated his call for a renewed focus on communal discipleship.
February 5, 2021
Tennent captures the essential problem with too many Christian discussions about sins of the body: you can only go so far by talking about what not to do. Eventually you have to give people a positive vision of what the body is for. Each chapter is carefully written and fits into a well-crafted argument about the need to develop a better sense of the body's spiritual dimension.
April 24, 2021
Incredibly accessible introduction to a theology of the body. Robust in its outlining, covering important categories, while focusing on the practicalities of the subject throughout. I would use this in a church small group setting, or as secondary literature in a class.
March 12, 2021
Simply excellent work that every christian and ESPECIALLY every pastor/eldest/churchleader should read! It has so many profound points about how christians need a right theology on the body to be able to serve and evangelize todays world that faces increasing confusion in these issues, to know how to deal with the question of homosexuality and also understand why bodily sin is so harmful to our lives.
Tennent establishes at the beginning of the book that our bodies were made to represent God in this world and therefore are good and important. From this very positive standpoint he sets out to show that christians aren't 'against' everything, but that God wants to offer an even better way, a glorious state that will bring true healing to the world.
I was especially impressed by his thoughts about how the bible "bruises" and "blesses" and how it is unpopular and 'offending' in todays' "tyranny of niceness" to hold others to a moral standard that they don't agree with. And yet as christians we are called to experience this 'bruising' all the time - it is part of the gospel (Jesus asks us to die to ourselves and he too has done it himself) and it is the only way to true blessing and freedom.
So many good takeaways from this one! Do yourself a favor and read it!
I thank Netgalley and Zondervan Reflective for ARC to read and review.
Tennent establishes at the beginning of the book that our bodies were made to represent God in this world and therefore are good and important. From this very positive standpoint he sets out to show that christians aren't 'against' everything, but that God wants to offer an even better way, a glorious state that will bring true healing to the world.
I was especially impressed by his thoughts about how the bible "bruises" and "blesses" and how it is unpopular and 'offending' in todays' "tyranny of niceness" to hold others to a moral standard that they don't agree with. And yet as christians we are called to experience this 'bruising' all the time - it is part of the gospel (Jesus asks us to die to ourselves and he too has done it himself) and it is the only way to true blessing and freedom.
So many good takeaways from this one! Do yourself a favor and read it!
I thank Netgalley and Zondervan Reflective for ARC to read and review.
March 8, 2022
This is a solid and extremely accessible Protestant presentation of a "theology of the body." I really appreciated it overall, even if I wish it had a bit more to it.
John Paul II's "theology of the body" is extremely interesting and important, but can be quite difficult to understand, and so this book is, in part, Tennent's attempt to package it in a readable, Protestant form. He does succeed in making it understandable, as "For the Body" is extremely readable, but it comes at the occasional cost of depth and nuance. I wish several chapters were longer, with a few more footnotes and allowance for complications.
Tennent's posture is generally positive and confident (much more so than the similar book "Love Thy Body" by Nancy Pearcey, which I found much more abrasive and polemic) but it still occasionally wanders into quasi-culture-war territory and language. This may be inevitable, given the charged nature of the topic and Tennent's explicit attempt to make the book practical and applicable for ministry leaders and pastors, rather than lingering in abstract philosophical territory (which is what reading JPII's work on the subject can feel like).
Overall, I think Tennent does a commendable job breaking down some complicated ideas, and I do agree with him that it's one of the most pressing areas of theological reflection that is dearly needed and lacking in the American church. There is indeed a strong pendulum-swing tendency towards either spiritualized-gnosticism or biological-reductionism in popular thought and teaching (secular AND Christian) today, and we need more work in the vein of JPII and Tennent here, even if this particular book was more popular-level than I wish.
John Paul II's "theology of the body" is extremely interesting and important, but can be quite difficult to understand, and so this book is, in part, Tennent's attempt to package it in a readable, Protestant form. He does succeed in making it understandable, as "For the Body" is extremely readable, but it comes at the occasional cost of depth and nuance. I wish several chapters were longer, with a few more footnotes and allowance for complications.
Tennent's posture is generally positive and confident (much more so than the similar book "Love Thy Body" by Nancy Pearcey, which I found much more abrasive and polemic) but it still occasionally wanders into quasi-culture-war territory and language. This may be inevitable, given the charged nature of the topic and Tennent's explicit attempt to make the book practical and applicable for ministry leaders and pastors, rather than lingering in abstract philosophical territory (which is what reading JPII's work on the subject can feel like).
Overall, I think Tennent does a commendable job breaking down some complicated ideas, and I do agree with him that it's one of the most pressing areas of theological reflection that is dearly needed and lacking in the American church. There is indeed a strong pendulum-swing tendency towards either spiritualized-gnosticism or biological-reductionism in popular thought and teaching (secular AND Christian) today, and we need more work in the vein of JPII and Tennent here, even if this particular book was more popular-level than I wish.
July 9, 2021
This is a really good book about the theology if the body, as in our physical flesh and blood body.
It it, the author lays out seven building blocks for understanding the beauty of God’s original design for humans to be embodied in male and female bodies.
Part 1: Our Bodies are Talking to Us
The Created Body
1. Creation is good!
2. Even our bodies point to Jesus
The Related Body
3. The Mystery if Marriage and the Church
4. The Family as a Reflection of the Trinity
5. The Beauty of Singleness and Friendship
The Sacramental Body
6. Our Bodies are Sacraments for the World
7. This is My Body Given for You…Today
Part 2: Our Culture is Talking to Us
The Objectified Body
8. Bodies on Billboards and Screens
9. Surveying the Landscape of Sexual Brokenness
Part 3: A Way Forward
The Discipled Body
10. Bruised and Blessed by the Gospel
11. Discipling a New Generation
12. Guidance for Christian Leaders
Overall, a strong contribution designed to help one with little or no biblical or theological training to understand, grasp, and communicate a theology of the body.
I read another review that said this book was too much “culture war.” I didn’t get that at all. In fact the author explicitly speaks against it. What he does do well is painting the context we find ourselves in (eg Chs. 8-9). But diagnosing and highlighting how culture is contrary to Scripture is not declaring a culture war.
At any rate, I would commend this book along with Christopher West’s excellent work, “Our Bodies Tell God’s Story” (5 stars).
It it, the author lays out seven building blocks for understanding the beauty of God’s original design for humans to be embodied in male and female bodies.
Part 1: Our Bodies are Talking to Us
The Created Body
1. Creation is good!
2. Even our bodies point to Jesus
The Related Body
3. The Mystery if Marriage and the Church
4. The Family as a Reflection of the Trinity
5. The Beauty of Singleness and Friendship
The Sacramental Body
6. Our Bodies are Sacraments for the World
7. This is My Body Given for You…Today
Part 2: Our Culture is Talking to Us
The Objectified Body
8. Bodies on Billboards and Screens
9. Surveying the Landscape of Sexual Brokenness
Part 3: A Way Forward
The Discipled Body
10. Bruised and Blessed by the Gospel
11. Discipling a New Generation
12. Guidance for Christian Leaders
Overall, a strong contribution designed to help one with little or no biblical or theological training to understand, grasp, and communicate a theology of the body.
I read another review that said this book was too much “culture war.” I didn’t get that at all. In fact the author explicitly speaks against it. What he does do well is painting the context we find ourselves in (eg Chs. 8-9). But diagnosing and highlighting how culture is contrary to Scripture is not declaring a culture war.
At any rate, I would commend this book along with Christopher West’s excellent work, “Our Bodies Tell God’s Story” (5 stars).
June 5, 2022
TL;DR VERSION: On the whole, despite some criticisms, I think this is a helpful book for anyone looking for an approachable work on Christian theology of the body.
LONG VERSION: While I agree with much of what Tennent has to say, I have a few complaints about this book. My first one is minor; I was surprised he didn't go into the history of the post-1950s definition of the word "gender" and its relationship to John Money's deeply unethical study on the Reimer brothers. While the study is horrific and unsettling to read about, and while a lot of people are unaware of it, I think it is important historical and linguistic background to have.
Another issue Tennent uses the word "intersex" a few times in the book, but does not go into much detail about what intersex medical conditions are. I feel like lots of people looking at LGBT issues within Christianity don't understand them and don't know how to approach them. It would have been beneficial to define what intersex medical conditions are and to discuss them, even if briefly, due to all of the miscommunication and misinformation about intersex people and intersex issues. I also noticed Tennent does not discuss surrogacy, and I feel like he should have discussed how Christians should respond to the issue.
This is also less a complaint, but also I disagree slightly Tennent on a few minor things, such as why marriage licenses exist (historically, at least in the U. S., it hasn't always been for benign reasons), and it bothered me that he downplayed the degree to which Christian women are capable of struggling with lust, and the degree to which Christian men struggle with body image.
With all of that said, there is still quite a lot that I liked about this book. I am incredibly grateful that Tennent made an effort to use neutral terminology over the more targeted language that a lot of Christians tend to use. It is unfortunate that we live in a spiritual and cultural climate where I was surprised to hear a Christian theologian use the words "gender dysphoria" on paper in a context where the author is compassionate toward people living with dysphoria, but I believe it is important that he was so careful and kind in his language.
I further appreciated how much Tennent's theology is comprehensive. A lot of books on this subject feel as though they separate humans out into "us" and "them", when every issue relating to sexuality that Christians face is intricately related. It's not so simple as a list of do's and don'ts, and I think a lot of married Christians and Christians who are attracted to the opposite sex tend to forget that. Tennent also ties these questions about gender and sexuality into broader questions about the role of sacraments in the life of the Christian Church, successfully arguing that theological questions are practical questions rather than just extraneous philosophical stuff.
Lastly, I appreciate that Tennent points to John Paul II's work on the same subject. As a teenager looking into these questions for the first time, I was always felt that Catholic theologians had a much more thorough perspective on conversations about gender and sexuality than most Protestants I spoke to, even when I found myself disagreeing with the Catholics. It's high time we Protestants stepped up our game and comprehensively tackled theology of the body for ourselves.
LONG VERSION: While I agree with much of what Tennent has to say, I have a few complaints about this book. My first one is minor; I was surprised he didn't go into the history of the post-1950s definition of the word "gender" and its relationship to John Money's deeply unethical study on the Reimer brothers. While the study is horrific and unsettling to read about, and while a lot of people are unaware of it, I think it is important historical and linguistic background to have.
Another issue Tennent uses the word "intersex" a few times in the book, but does not go into much detail about what intersex medical conditions are. I feel like lots of people looking at LGBT issues within Christianity don't understand them and don't know how to approach them. It would have been beneficial to define what intersex medical conditions are and to discuss them, even if briefly, due to all of the miscommunication and misinformation about intersex people and intersex issues. I also noticed Tennent does not discuss surrogacy, and I feel like he should have discussed how Christians should respond to the issue.
This is also less a complaint, but also I disagree slightly Tennent on a few minor things, such as why marriage licenses exist (historically, at least in the U. S., it hasn't always been for benign reasons), and it bothered me that he downplayed the degree to which Christian women are capable of struggling with lust, and the degree to which Christian men struggle with body image.
With all of that said, there is still quite a lot that I liked about this book. I am incredibly grateful that Tennent made an effort to use neutral terminology over the more targeted language that a lot of Christians tend to use. It is unfortunate that we live in a spiritual and cultural climate where I was surprised to hear a Christian theologian use the words "gender dysphoria" on paper in a context where the author is compassionate toward people living with dysphoria, but I believe it is important that he was so careful and kind in his language.
I further appreciated how much Tennent's theology is comprehensive. A lot of books on this subject feel as though they separate humans out into "us" and "them", when every issue relating to sexuality that Christians face is intricately related. It's not so simple as a list of do's and don'ts, and I think a lot of married Christians and Christians who are attracted to the opposite sex tend to forget that. Tennent also ties these questions about gender and sexuality into broader questions about the role of sacraments in the life of the Christian Church, successfully arguing that theological questions are practical questions rather than just extraneous philosophical stuff.
Lastly, I appreciate that Tennent points to John Paul II's work on the same subject. As a teenager looking into these questions for the first time, I was always felt that Catholic theologians had a much more thorough perspective on conversations about gender and sexuality than most Protestants I spoke to, even when I found myself disagreeing with the Catholics. It's high time we Protestants stepped up our game and comprehensively tackled theology of the body for ourselves.
August 15, 2025
|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||
This is really good! Tennant puts together a very broad and comprehensive vision of the body based on Scripture, drawing from church history as well. He reaches beyond the surface-level questions that we often attempt to answer today in regard to gender, sexuality, etc. Given that these questions and their usual answers don’t tell the whole story, he digs a lot deeper into exactly why God created us as physical and sexual beings to begin with; the inherent value of the human body made in God’s image to reflect His glory and the gospel, rooted in creation. There was a lot of really solid theology here which I found interesting and helpful.
I wasn’t sure about some of the things he was saying about sacraments—my gut reaction was to be a little skeptical. I will have to reflect on his arguments in that chapter a bit more.
How we perceive the nature of our bodies has a ton of implications that I hadn’t even realized before… definitely an area of theology that is often neglected and is worth getting more acquainted with!
This is really good! Tennant puts together a very broad and comprehensive vision of the body based on Scripture, drawing from church history as well. He reaches beyond the surface-level questions that we often attempt to answer today in regard to gender, sexuality, etc. Given that these questions and their usual answers don’t tell the whole story, he digs a lot deeper into exactly why God created us as physical and sexual beings to begin with; the inherent value of the human body made in God’s image to reflect His glory and the gospel, rooted in creation. There was a lot of really solid theology here which I found interesting and helpful.
I wasn’t sure about some of the things he was saying about sacraments—my gut reaction was to be a little skeptical. I will have to reflect on his arguments in that chapter a bit more.
How we perceive the nature of our bodies has a ton of implications that I hadn’t even realized before… definitely an area of theology that is often neglected and is worth getting more acquainted with!
June 20, 2022
Excellent, excellent book. I read this for the purpose of recovering a better relationship with my body and a healthy perspective of body image and it's design, and it didn't disappoint. The other subjects it covers are all excellently presented and tied together so beautifully. I feel like the author was able to avoid all of the major landmines that comes with these subjects while not compromising Biblical integrity. It never felt like a harsh 'truth bomb', but rather a gentle leading and unfolding. All is said in an extremely loving spirit, with truth, sound logic, and moral anchoring. This is a powerful message that addresses SO many issues we face as a individuals and as a society. It's all about getting back to the basics of a healthy view of our body. Would highly, highly recommend. This has some major takeaways that have shifted how I look at my own body and I feel I will always link back to this book.
September 4, 2020
Based on the description I knew that this was a book I wanted to read. I want to understand more in the area of gender and sexuality but within the context of the Bible.
The author begins with seven key building blocks for a theology of the body. The next section deals with culture and what that has to say about the body. The final section is about how we go forward and it might not be what you are thinking.
Yes, this is a theology book but I have to say that it does not read like one. It is easy to understand and interesting to read. It kept my attention and I wanted to keep reading.
"Culture has rewritten God's beautiful story of creation. In the original story, we read of a creator breathing his spirit into the bodies he created in his image. It's a tale of goodness and harmony, where body and spirit are united. But in culture's retelling, the body and the spirit are at war with one another, and neither has any moral moorings."
This is a topic that individuals and the church need to have grounded in the truth of God's Word. I recommend this book.
I read an e-copy of the book but liked it so much. I want a hard copy of my shelf to read again and reference.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book. The review is my own thoughts and opinions.
The author begins with seven key building blocks for a theology of the body. The next section deals with culture and what that has to say about the body. The final section is about how we go forward and it might not be what you are thinking.
Yes, this is a theology book but I have to say that it does not read like one. It is easy to understand and interesting to read. It kept my attention and I wanted to keep reading.
"Culture has rewritten God's beautiful story of creation. In the original story, we read of a creator breathing his spirit into the bodies he created in his image. It's a tale of goodness and harmony, where body and spirit are united. But in culture's retelling, the body and the spirit are at war with one another, and neither has any moral moorings."
This is a topic that individuals and the church need to have grounded in the truth of God's Word. I recommend this book.
I read an e-copy of the book but liked it so much. I want a hard copy of my shelf to read again and reference.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book. The review is my own thoughts and opinions.
January 20, 2022
Overall a really good book. The principles that he establishes in the first half of the book are fantastic, but the second half of the book does not quite fulfill the purpose stated at the beginning. The scope is narrower than Tennent seems to imply in the first chapter, missing opportunities to dig into abortion through the lens of the gospel and some other key areas of the importance of God's image. Also found that Tennent assumes in some sections that a certain issue only applies to one gender, and fails to unpack the implications of the opposite gender struggling with that issue (i.e. body image for women, porn for men).
Tennent is really strong in his connection of the gospel to issues of sexuality and embodiment, and gives strong wisdom for church leaders in the last few chapters.
Tennent is really strong in his connection of the gospel to issues of sexuality and embodiment, and gives strong wisdom for church leaders in the last few chapters.
March 9, 2025
Today, I finished this excellent little book. It is so well done that I believe it should be on every layperson’s shelf and in every pastor’s and deacon’s library. Readable and accessible, Mr. Tennent does an outstanding job of formulating and encouraging a clear, gentle, yet firm theology of the human body—one that has been missing from church culture and discipleship conversations for far too long in our generation. This book greatly helped me think more clearly about these beliefs and their impact on me, my family, my church, and the broader culture. It is easily among my top five books of the year and will remain one of my most important references for Christian formation and discipleship. I will recommend it to anyone and will likely buy it as a gift for others. This book is well worth the time invested in it.
June 24, 2023
This book was an excellent and concise but comprehensive overview of a theology of the body as can be distilled from a Wesleyan/Holiness informed framework of Scriptural understanding. I hear Tennent's heart to have conversations that are oriented from a positive starting place and delineate what "Christians might be for" rather than what "Christians might be against". I can see parts of Tennent's argument, particularly in the conversation about means of grace and physical presence that I can incorporate into future work on Wesleyan parenthood. I have recommended this book to other leaders who have also appreciated it's gracious clarity. It is challenging and substantive in it's engagement with theological issues, while remaining accessible to the lay reader.
October 11, 2024
I wish I could give it a 4.5. Like Tennent's other writing, this one struck me as sensible, helpful, important, and encouraging. But unlike his other writing, this one wasn't a page turner. I put it down several times and came back to it months later, which did not help my retention, so I'll need to look back through it again.
Ultimately, though, Tennent is reliable in searching out matters. He is also faithful to challenge the church. For me, the unexpected pearl within the multi-layered analysis is awe at the beauty of a local church that is functioning as it should--where people know, love, and disciple one another persomally, with courage and patience to wrestle through hard questions, dignify the askers, and reflect the love of God.
Ultimately, though, Tennent is reliable in searching out matters. He is also faithful to challenge the church. For me, the unexpected pearl within the multi-layered analysis is awe at the beauty of a local church that is functioning as it should--where people know, love, and disciple one another persomally, with courage and patience to wrestle through hard questions, dignify the askers, and reflect the love of God.
March 18, 2025
In preparing for a sermon series on being human that I preached at the church where I pastor, I read a number of books on biblical anthropology. This book was the best one! Tennent gives a very comprehensive and well-laid-out biblical anthropology, hitting on the necessary major themes and passages. He is clear, truthful, and compassionate in his writing and his conclusions. He doesn't shy away from any topic but avoids being unnecessarily contentious. As a seminary president, professor, and pastor, it's clear that Tennent's pastoral tone has been developed through decades of ministry and thoughtful engagement with younger generations.
I would highly commend this book to any Christian looking for a "one-stop-shop" on biblical anthropology.
I would highly commend this book to any Christian looking for a "one-stop-shop" on biblical anthropology.
June 23, 2022
You know your daughter is going to college to study ministry when she orders this book after a youth camp. I picked it and read the book jacket and decided to see what it was about. This is not a light read. I have an advanced degree and found myself looking up words for definitions and meaning. This book made me think. I would have liked more practical applications for the “regular folks” (non church leaders, but that may be for another book. If you want a lesson on theology and foundational tenants about the body, then this is for you.
August 19, 2022
An effective treatment of a Theology of the Body from a Protestant perspective. Being that the author clearly states that it’s meant to be for a more general audience, it lacks the philosophical rigor that John Paul II’s TotB had. The arguments make sense and draw largely from Scripture and from church history and takes the time to form a nuanced position on very sensitive cultural topics. If one is looking for an introduction to a theology of the body then it won’t hurt to start here then make your way to JPII’s massive tome on this subject.
December 1, 2020
This book is excellent. It covers a huge range of topics from transhumanism, the digital self to same-sex marriage and transgenderism. It is a great resource for re-learning what the Scriptures have to say about marriage, singleness and the purposes of God in the world. The book seeks to show how the Christian story of the body is a better story than the semi-gnostic story of postmodernity. Well worth a read.
February 12, 2021
An excellent framework for understanding a Christian view of the human body. Has implications for understanding marriage, sexuality, gender, homosexuality, race, care of the body, and many other topics. These all fit together in a comprehensive theological framework, rather than being isolated issues to address. The writing is clear and accessible to lay persons not trained in theology. I highly recommend it.
February 22, 2021
This is a must read for any Christian living in a post Christian culture as we are in America. A theology of the body is frightfully neglected among the majority of modern day Christians, yet it is among the most essential theological ideas to get right. Timmothy Tennant does a great job teach the Biblical truth of our bodies and how they ought to glorify God. The only reason I do not give this 5 stars is because it can be a bit difficult to follow his writing style at times.
October 9, 2021
For the Body is a gentle but thorough exploration of the theology of the human body. It is closely tied to creation theology and is easily accessible to readers. While Tennent doesn’t shy away from difficult philosophical, linguistic, theological, or ethical subjects, he presents them clearly and without unnecessary jargon. This would make a good study in any church that wants to explore the biblical and traditional basis for a theology of the body.
February 17, 2023
An excellent treatment of the current issues facing the church today related to gender identity, human sexuality, marriage, and singleness. This book offers seven pillars for a theology of the body that is true to the Christian Scriptures and the historic tradition of orthodoxy in the Christian faith. Best of all, this is not a book about what Christians stand against, but rather a powerful articulation of a stunning vision regarding what Christians are for.
September 25, 2023
I should have read this book 3 years ago, but I didn’t want to to spend my energy on the topic. What I should have realized is the way Dr. Tennent would zoom out on the topic at hand and offer a broader, refreshing view of the body. It’s a much needed book in our time; with little accessible theological work to guide us in our understanding of the body created good, and our purpose in the created order.
November 7, 2024
Helpful and thought provoking. Main point: a positive vision of a theology of the body is the best approach for cultural engagement on these issues. Discipleship like the early church with catechesis of doctrine and life are important yet lost in evangelicalism today. Minor issues with some unrelated theological issues. But overall very helpful.
May 4, 2021
Very sound. Engaging the current culture with Biblical standards.
"The Gospel both blesses and bruises us all."
"The Gospel both blesses and bruises us all."
August 4, 2022
Great, accessible, and helpful. I will definitely return to this one.
June 23, 2023
5/5 theology
3/5 language
3/5 language
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