Product Description

Sex and sexuality are hot topics these days. But many single adults are tired of the "how far is too far?" approach because it doesn't go far enough. Why does the discussion stop at the physical? What about the deeper spiritual and relational aspects of sexuality? Pioneering Christian sex therapists Doug Rosenau and Michael Todd Wilson team up in this helpful and hopeful book about understanding sexuality and intimacy beyond what our "do it if it feels good" culture says it is. Providing a much-needed spiritual perspective to the sexuality debate, the authors tackle difficult topics from a biblical foundation to help single adults establish practical models for maintaining purity and creating a healthy sexuality. With real-life personal stories, Soul Virgins helps singles accept their sexuality as a godly discipline. Rosenau and Wilson provide a 3-D discussion of body, soul, and spirit that proves sexuality is ultimately more about relational intimacy than just the physical act of sex.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46290 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-01
• Released on: 2006-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Sex therapists Rosenau (A Celebration of Sex) and Wilson attempt to give Christian singles a new framework for understanding and expressing their sexuality. They encourage readers to step back and consider God's design for sex—intimacy as opposed to just physicality—and provide suggestions for meeting their intimacy needs in nonsexual ways. While the authors cover that age-old question, "How far can I go?" (the answer varies for different couples, but they advise avoiding anything that would be covered by a bikini), their real aim is to get singles to ask the question, "How do I grow, stay pure, and help my partner become more sexually whole?" The authors advise restraint, but stress that this should be viewed as disciplining "sexual surges" out of a desire to follow God rather than merely repressing desires to fit in with the church's standards. Some of the advice is not fresh or terribly helpful (i.e., singles groups can feel better by giving each other back rubs), and while the authors share examples from their own lives, the writing at times feels overly clinical. But this book may appeal to Christian singles trying to understand and live out God's purposes for their sexuality. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Back Cover
When "How far is too far?" doesn't go far enough Most books on single adult sexuality limit the discussion to the physical. But there's more to your sexuality than your body. It's time to look at the big picture and talk about sex in terms of body, soul, and spirit--that's soul virginity. Soul virgins are single people who seek to celebrate God's design for sexuality in themselves and others. With solid biblical principles, practical tips, and candid discussions, Soul Virgins can help you create a foundation for sexual wholeness you'll be happy to embrace at any stage of life! "With great wisdom and remarkable insight, Rosenau and Wilson escort singles into a much fuller understanding of the beautiful gift that God has woven into the fibers of their being--their sexuality. This is a must-read for Christian singles!"--Shannon Ethridge, coauthor, Every Young Woman's Battle "It's rare to find a book with content that is new and original, but this long-overdue book is just that. This book will make you laugh, make you think, make you squirm, challenge some of your assumptions. I guarantee that this is a book you will want to read more than once."--Gary J. Oliver, executive director, Center for Relationship Development at John Brown University "A freeing book on single sexuality, Soul Virgins combines biblical wisdom with grace and humor. Single adults will appreciate the frankness and personal relevance the authors bring to this crucial topic."--Greg Smalley, coauthor, The DNA of Relationships; professor, Center for Relationship Development at John Brown University Doug Rosenau is a licensed psychologist and Christian sex therapist with the Intimacy Counseling Center in Duluth, Georgia (www.IntimacyCounselingCenter.com). A pioneer in Christian sex therapy, he is the author of the best-selling book A Celebration of Sex. Michael Todd Wilson, a never-married single adult, is a licensed professional counselor and life coach with the Intimacy Counseling Center in Duluth, Georgia.

About the Author
Michael Todd Wilson, MS, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and life coach with the Intimacy Counseling Center, where he works alongside Doug. He is a graduate of Georgia State University and Psychological Studies Institute. Doug Rosenau, EdD, is a licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist with the Intimacy Counseling Center (www.IntimacyCounselingCenter.com) in Duluth, Georgia. A pioneer in Christian sex therapy, he is the author of the best-selling book A Celebration of Sex.

Customer Reviews

Not just for singles - an excellent alternative framework for relationship building
While the title of this book suggests that it is designed primarily for singles, I know that after talking with my mother about it she wanted to read it right away. Within our contemporary climate of interpersonal boundary confusion we lack a significant structure that we can thrive in. For many singles, this has resulted in friendships that are not as fulfilling, causing them to catapult themselves toward marriage as a means of escaping the drudges of living alone.

This book lays a whole new framework across the board, refining a continuum of relationships and showing the benefits that each have to offer. The book doesn't just tell you what is inappropriate in intimate relationships - instead, it challenges the reader to look at all of the relationships in their lives, to challenge their own expectations and to affirm the widespread array of affection that used to exist before we decided the big 'O' is the end-all to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The book includes a great section on making personal reparations for past history and encourages a new outlook that is not out of reach.

It includes a chapter on male-female physiological cues that is invaluable for both singles who have difficulty functioning socially, but also for married people who want to avoid unintentionally giving off (or giving in to) inappropriate vibes or cues.

Finally, it has a great section that goes through the many benefits of each kind of realtionship and provides a very level-headed outlook on the benefits of being single and also of being married.

One of the other sides of this book is the scriptural and theological methodology that they follow - not only do they show it in action throughout the book, but they also outline a very responsible methodology for searching the scriptures for answers that may not be explicitly stated in the text.

The text does touch on homoeroticism briefly, asking difficult questions of those who are involved in a homoerotic relationship and assuming free will applies to the lifestyle - that it is not in-born and not a healthy option created by God.

Awesome Book!!!!!
I loved this book. Growing up in church you just learn true love waits but you never learn why. Why indeed? This book not only answers the why but gives you tools to be able to futher your relationship with your mate and God at the same time. I loved the bridge concept and discussing what elements ( eroitc and not) truly belonged in each stage of the realtionship continuim. It was amazing! As an ex sunday school teacher still in touch with a lot of her youth this book has been instimnetual and talking with girls about what a true relationship with their boyfriends should look like. I will definitely teach these principles to my son. Thank you!!!!

Soul Sexy, the way God intended
Doug Rosenau and Michael Todd Wilson have put together a great, balanced, resource for the Christian body. No other book out there so clearly takes on the challenges of Single Sexuality like Soul Virgins. The concepts discussed in this book will prove to be a resource both for individuals figuring out their sexuality for themselves and for pastors who are looking to communicate God's vision for our sexuality. Highly recommended. You can also find resources at Tri-Lakes Relational Center, GetRelationshipHelp.com