Human Sexuality and the Nuptial Mystery

Description: This collection of essays was originally presented at the St. Margaret's Consultation on Doctrine, Liturgy, and Preaching held at St. Margaret's Anglican Church in Winnipeg, Canada in 2008. They consider human sexuality and marriage from a distinctly theological rather than polemical standpoint, aiming to avoid frequently polarized debates. The interesting commonality indicated in the articles is that sex and marriage are not about self-fulfillment, but are outwardly directed, aimed toward the other person, toward growth, maturity, and deepened spirituality, for the benefit of the church, for productive good, and for children. The first section explores theological and ethical issues surrounding human sexuality and aims toward understanding the nature of relationships in these contexts. The second section explores the spiritual nature of marriage and the history of thinking on marriage and family within Christian theology. For those interested in pursuing truly theological engagement with marriage and sexuality, this collection is required reading. Endorsements: "The authors in this admirable collection assume the traditional teaching of the Church on marriage, but this is not the end of the matter but rather the beginning: they take advocates of revision seriously, and contribute to a more serious theological conversation than we have often heard . . . It is not insignificant that this contribution emerged from a collaboration of a lively parish and academy pro ecclesia." --George Sumner Principal and Helliwell Professor of World Mission Wycliffe College "In the weariness that surrounds the seemingly intractable debate on sexual ethics in the Church, it is expected that some might groan at the appearance of yet another book on the subject. Such a groan would be warranted if the essays contained in Human Sexuality and the Nuptial Mystery simply recapitulated the arguments that have brought us to an impasse. But here the thoughtful Christian will find new and evocative avenues of discussion . . . [T]he reader of these essays will be drawn into a deeper understanding of the mystery of human sexuality--and perhaps a new perspective on what divides the Church." --Rev. Stephen Andrews Bishop of Algoma About the Contributor(s): Roy R. Jeal is Professor of Religion at Booth College and Scholar in Residence at St. Margaret's Anglican Church, Winnipeg.