Read more
About the author
Gene L. Green (PhD, Kings College, Aberdeen University) is dean of Trinity International University’s Florida campus. Previously, he served as emeritus professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. His special research interest is the intersection of the Christian faith and cultures, both ancient and contemporary. Gene has pastored and taught in churches in the United States and Latin America since 1972.
Summary
Many believers accept traditional Christian sexual morality but have very little idea why it matters for the Christian life. In Faithful, author Beth Felker Jones sketches a theology of sexuality that demonstrates sex is not about legalistic morals with no basis in reality but rather about the God who is faithful to us.
In Hosea 2:19-20 God says to Israel, “I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will take you for my wife in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord.” This short book explores the goodness of sexuality as created and redeemed, and it suggests ways to navigate the difficulties of living in a world in which sexuality, like everything else, suffers the effects of the fall.
As part of Zondervan’s Ordinary Theology series, Faithful takes a deeper look at a subject Christians talk about often but not always thoughtfully. This short, insightful reflection explores the deeper significance of the body and sexuality.
Additional text
“. . . But these three friends are women of faith, so their experiences bring not only relational but spiritual tension. The author skillfully ties the concept of sexual purity, whether married or single, to the idea of faithfulness on a spiritual level. How one chooses to behave sexually, Kim Cash Tate seems to be saying, directly relates to one's trust in God. And the strength of one's relationship with God directly relates to how one handles temptation and betrayal.
Tate communicates the subtleties of married sexuality with taste and insight. Kudos to Thomas Nelson Publishers for allowing her to paint realistic, yet not graphic, personal situations between couples. Those scenes added credibility to the characters and strengthened the story. The humor and diversity of the characters did likewise. Whether in life-stage, race, gender, or occupation, there was a rich variety among the main characters and their guys.
“Though one of the plots seemed to wrap up somewhat simplistically, Tate avoids the unrealistic ‘happily ever after’ ending while still offering a message of faith, hope, and love. Readers will not be disappointed at this latest addition to the Women of Faith Fiction line.”
