SEX AND SENSIBILTY

Steve Ayers (1997 IVP)
This is an older book, I think the book that preceded ‘relationship revolution’. Steve Ayers is the author who wrote the “What would Jesus say to…” book. Again not a book on singleness per say but it has a good section looking at culture and how that influences our views on friendships and relationships: “we live in a generation desperate for intimacy… but we have been hurt therefore we shy away from commitment”. The author is obviously clued in on the undercurrents of our generation, he writes in a way that is easy to read and relates well to his audience.

The format of the book is well done:
Chapter 1: Generation X, looking at cultural influences on our approach to sex and relationships

Chapter 2: Loneliness, a problem facing young people (singles or not) in society
Chapter 3: Friendship, how should we approach and conduct friendships, pursing intimate real friendships.
Chapter 4: Guidance about starting relationships

Chapter 5: The bible and sex: what the bible says
Chapter 6: Dealing with the past, in relation to previous sexual experience
Chapter 7: Marriage, looking beyond rocks and bells

Chapter 9: The Gospel, God and us in relationship.

The layout makes the book flow naturally. As I said it is not a book on singleness but I think that chapters 1-4 are very useful for singles to read. Looking at building up friendships in a society where we are not good at being intimate is valuable reading, the chapter on Generation X is also good, it shows just how much you sub-consciously take in. I guess my only criticism as a book is the Gospel is at the end, if our lives are now the gospel then I would personally put the gospel at the start of any book. The book gives straight, simple and loving teaching on living to the bible’s teaching in relationships (friendship and other sorts) in a self obsessed and closed generation.