The Sexual Revolution: History, Ideology, Power

by Peter J. Elliott

The sexual revolution is part of wider and deeper developments happening in our world. It asserts the total freedom of the individual to behave as if the traditions of religion, the wisdom of philosophy, and the realities of biology have no claim on how we live, especially in the area of sexuality. The author traces the history of the sexual revolution, from the early days of the Enlightenment through Marxist movements to our own times, and the failure of governments and even churches to defend sound principles for sexual behavior. He records the constant teaching of popes and Church councils and highlights their focus on the integration of sexual morality and personality within the contexts of human nature, marriage, and the welfare of children. Bishop Elliott acknowledges that Catholic parents, teachers, and pastors need guidance about sexual ethics. And so do high school and college students. To help them understand the teaching of the Church and affirm it, he offers not only the clarity that comes from a thorough understanding of the subject, but also the pastoral sensitivity that has resulted from decades of service to the Church.

Genres: Catholic, History

185 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2023

About the author

Peter John Elliott was an Australian bishop of the Catholic Church who served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Melbourne from 2007 to 2018. He was also an author, writing a number of published works that predominantly concern the celebration of Catholic liturgy.

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Sexual Revolution: History, Ideology, Power" had me wanting to take my time and soak up the thicket of information on each page, while simultaneously wanting to rip right through to the end. Bishop Peter J Elliott seems to really have the pulse on this issue, often times bringing up subtle aspects that someone with mere surface knowledge would not have understood. I have heard about many of the pivotal people mentioned in this book, but hadn't understood how each figure fit together in the unfolding story of the sexual revolution. This book has helped me better understand the world I grew up in and the fruits of the revolution that we see today.