Judith K. Balswick - Authentic Human Sexuality: An Integrated Christian Approach

W e are grateful for the positive response to the previous editions of Authentic Human Sexuality, especially as a source for courses taught at Christian seminaries and colleges. In this new edition weve made some changes in the organization of the material, but the major changes have to do with updating the social science research on issues of human sexuality. Building on trinitarian theology, we bring a biblical model of covenant, grace, empowerment, and intimacy in defining authentic sexual relationships. Our foundational belief that we are created in the image of God requires a careful understanding of the Scriptures for wisdom and direction in how to live our lives as sexual beings.

Our Christian theology addresses what it means to be created as sexual beings and how our sexuality leads to meaningful and authentic sexuality. Significant relational aspects of human sexuality are discovered throughout the Bible. In Old Testament books like Genesis, the Song of Songs, and Hosea, the relationship between the children of Israel and Yahweh illustrates how movement toward or rejection of Gods way leads to fulfillment or distortion in human relationships. Jesus revolutionized relationship power by coming to serve and empower others. He was inclusive in his approach to others (there is neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek, rich nor poor). He broke cultural relationship rules when responding with compassion and empowerment to all he encountered. We are challenged to be Christlike in our relationships with others. The New Testament provides instruction to single and married persons in regard to sexual attitudes and behavior.

The book is divided into four parts. In we bring a dialogue on Christian responses to the LGBTQ community, focusing on biblical passages and different interpretations regarding marriage equality.

In concludes with a perspective on maximizing marital sexual fulfillment.

In investigate two particularly self-defeating and devastating forms of inauthentic sexuality: pornography and sexual addiction.

Part four concludes with a , The Sexually Authentic Society, in which we discuss the importance of developing societal structures capable of promoting and sustaining authentic sexuality. It challenges the Christian community to be intentional and proactive in bringing salt and light to a world in desperate need of theology that gives meaning and right understanding to human sexuality.

W e are appreciative of the many who have contributed to this revised version of Authentic Human Sexuality. The reviewers offered excellent suggestions that led to significant changes, greatly improving our first attempt at revision. We are especially grateful for the work of former academic editor Dan Reid, and current editor Jon Boyd, who brought balance and perspective to the project. Their personal encouragement along the way kept us hopeful and inspired. Rebecca Carhart, assistant project editor, and Ryan Davis, copyeditor, worked diligently to bring the final revision to completion. Two friends, Donna Sider and Emiko Hall, provided input, resources, and thoughtful suggestions on several chapters.

We give special recognition to the many students we have been privileged to teach over thirty years at Fuller Theological Seminary. They taught us so much through their enthusiastic questions and honest dialogue regarding gender, culture, theology, and sexuality. The most rewarding time of our career has been engaging with emotionally and intellectually astute students. Their imprint on our lives has been life changing. Rich memories of our time with the Marriage and Family cohort and colleagues have brought great delight in our retirement years. Last, but not least, we thank our beautiful family for the love, grace, empowerment, and intimacy that has been such a gift and blessing to us throughout the years.