Unprotected Texts: The Bible's Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire

A comprehensive overview of what the Bible really says—and doesn't say—about sex.

"An explosive, fascinating book that reveals how the Bible cannot be used as a rulebook when it comes to sex. A terrific read by a top scholar." —Bart Ehrman, author of Misquoting Jesus

Is premarital sex a sin? When, and in what contexts, is sexual desire appropriate? With whom can I legitimately have sex? Are same-sex relations permissible? With fresh scholarship and unflagging compassion, Jennifer Wright Knust addresses the questions that dominate today's debates over sex and the Bible. At a time when the words "the Bible says" are too often wielded for social and political gain, it's time to consider what scripture actually does—or does not—say about monogamy, homosexuality, gender roles, and sex.

"[Knust mines] the Bible for its earthiest and most inexplicable tales about sex . . . to show that the Bible's teachings on sex are not as coherent as the religious right would have people believe." —Newsweek

"As a scholar, Knust is at ease talking about the Bible in both church and academic circles. And as an author, she writes with authority yet keeps the general reader in mind." —USA Today

"[An] impressive and highly readable analysis. . . . For those wanting to understand the Bible as a chronicle of human conduct for achieving the goals of survival, peace, and fulfillment, this is a treasure." —Booklist (starred review)

1102115008
Unprotected Texts: The Bible's Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire

A comprehensive overview of what the Bible really says—and doesn't say—about sex.

"An explosive, fascinating book that reveals how the Bible cannot be used as a rulebook when it comes to sex. A terrific read by a top scholar." —Bart Ehrman, author of Misquoting Jesus

Is premarital sex a sin? When, and in what contexts, is sexual desire appropriate? With whom can I legitimately have sex? Are same-sex relations permissible? With fresh scholarship and unflagging compassion, Jennifer Wright Knust addresses the questions that dominate today's debates over sex and the Bible. At a time when the words "the Bible says" are too often wielded for social and political gain, it's time to consider what scripture actually does—or does not—say about monogamy, homosexuality, gender roles, and sex.

"[Knust mines] the Bible for its earthiest and most inexplicable tales about sex . . . to show that the Bible's teachings on sex are not as coherent as the religious right would have people believe." —Newsweek

"As a scholar, Knust is at ease talking about the Bible in both church and academic circles. And as an author, she writes with authority yet keeps the general reader in mind." —USA Today

"[An] impressive and highly readable analysis. . . . For those wanting to understand the Bible as a chronicle of human conduct for achieving the goals of survival, peace, and fulfillment, this is a treasure." —Booklist (starred review)

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Unprotected Texts: The Bible's Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire

Unprotected Texts: The Bible's Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire

by Jennifer Wright Knust
Unprotected Texts: The Bible's Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire

Unprotected Texts: The Bible's Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire

by Jennifer Wright Knust

eBook

$19.99 

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Overview

A comprehensive overview of what the Bible really says—and doesn't say—about sex.

"An explosive, fascinating book that reveals how the Bible cannot be used as a rulebook when it comes to sex. A terrific read by a top scholar." —Bart Ehrman, author of Misquoting Jesus

Is premarital sex a sin? When, and in what contexts, is sexual desire appropriate? With whom can I legitimately have sex? Are same-sex relations permissible? With fresh scholarship and unflagging compassion, Jennifer Wright Knust addresses the questions that dominate today's debates over sex and the Bible. At a time when the words "the Bible says" are too often wielded for social and political gain, it's time to consider what scripture actually does—or does not—say about monogamy, homosexuality, gender roles, and sex.

"[Knust mines] the Bible for its earthiest and most inexplicable tales about sex . . . to show that the Bible's teachings on sex are not as coherent as the religious right would have people believe." —Newsweek

"As a scholar, Knust is at ease talking about the Bible in both church and academic circles. And as an author, she writes with authority yet keeps the general reader in mind." —USA Today

"[An] impressive and highly readable analysis. . . . For those wanting to understand the Bible as a chronicle of human conduct for achieving the goals of survival, peace, and fulfillment, this is a treasure." —Booklist (starred review)


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780062010827
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 02/27/2024
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 863
File size: 3 MB

About the Author

Jennifer Wright Knust is assistant professor of religion at Boston University. She is an ordained American Baptist pastor, and holds a doctorate in religion from Columbia University and a master of divinity from Union Theological Seminary.

Table of Contents

Introduction Why the Bible Is Not a Sexual Guidebook 1

Chapter 1 The Bible and the Joy of Sex

Desire In and Out of Control 23

Chapter 2 Biblical Marriage

There Is No Single View on Marriage Presented in the Bible 47

Chapter 3 The Evil Impulse

Disordered and Ordered Desire 79

Chapter 4 Sexual Politics

God's Wife, Cursing the Canaanites, and Biblical Sex Crimes 113

Chapter 5 Strange Flesh

The Sons of God and the Daughters of Men 153

Chapter 6 Bodily Parts

Circumcision, Semen, and the Products of a Woman's Womb 187

Conclusion So I Hear You Have Five Husbands 237

Acknowledgments 249

Notes 253

Bibliography 303

Index 335

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