Inasmuch as "sex" and "sexuality" are not words often spoken from pulpits and in academic theological circles, a vast number of utterances have been made in the name of so-called "Christian values" and "biblical views" on sex and sexuality. These are often given from moral-ethical perspectives, and seemingly very prescriptive: who should have sex with whom, when sex should take place, which purposes sex should serve--and especially, when sex is wrong. Moreover, often there is little or no recognition of the complexities surrounding human sexuality, resulting in what appears to be a blueprint for sexuality, applicable to all persons. This volume contains fourteen theological and ethical reflections by South African scholars on human sexuality, with the aim of exploring what a sexual reformation within Christian dialogue might entail. Presented in three sections--namely, systematic theological reflections, biblical reflections, and ethical reflections--the essays represent a range of topics from a variety of perspectives: Luther and marriage; sexual abuse in the Catholic Church; body theology and the sexual revolution; reproductive technologies, sexuality and reproduction; reproductive loss; hermeneutical choices and gender reformation in (South) Africa; queer engagements with "bra" Joseph; explorations on Paul and sex; rape culture and violent deities; the church's moral authority and sexual ethics; practical-theological considerations regarding infertility; empirical research on masculinities in Zambia; and the lived experience of transgender people in African Independent Churches.
Show moreInasmuch as "sex" and "sexuality" are not words often spoken from pulpits and in academic theological circles, a vast number of utterances have been made in the name of so-called "Christian values" and "biblical views" on sex and sexuality. These are often given from moral-ethical perspectives, and seemingly very prescriptive: who should have sex with whom, when sex should take place, which purposes sex should serve--and especially, when sex is wrong. Moreover, often there is little or no recognition of the complexities surrounding human sexuality, resulting in what appears to be a blueprint for sexuality, applicable to all persons. This volume contains fourteen theological and ethical reflections by South African scholars on human sexuality, with the aim of exploring what a sexual reformation within Christian dialogue might entail. Presented in three sections--namely, systematic theological reflections, biblical reflections, and ethical reflections--the essays represent a range of topics from a variety of perspectives: Luther and marriage; sexual abuse in the Catholic Church; body theology and the sexual revolution; reproductive technologies, sexuality and reproduction; reproductive loss; hermeneutical choices and gender reformation in (South) Africa; queer engagements with "bra" Joseph; explorations on Paul and sex; rape culture and violent deities; the church's moral authority and sexual ethics; practical-theological considerations regarding infertility; empirical research on masculinities in Zambia; and the lived experience of transgender people in African Independent Churches.
Show moreManitza Kotzé is Associate Professor in Dogmatology, Unit for
Reformed Theology and the Development of the South African Society
at the Faculty of Theology, North-West University.
Nadia Marais is Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology, Department
of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology at the Faculty of Theology,
Stellenbosch University.
Nina Müller van Velden is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Her
research focus area is Ancient Texts at the Faculty of Theology,
North-West University.
"The question mark already suggests the approach--this collection
is offered not as answers but as calls to conversation, not as an
argument from only one perspective but as different voices from
diverse backgrounds and experiences. Together they ask whether
these themes, often silent and invisible, are not perhaps more
urgent, and these questions, sometimes unmasking, sometimes
painful, not more challenging than many may seem to think."
--Dirk J. Smit, Princeton Theological Seminary
"This volume of essays by a younger generation of South African
theologians grapples with issues such as gender violence,
reproductive issues, rape culture, queer identities, marriage,
social media, the role of faith in public life, and social
transformation. The book reflects the complex, multicultural
context of the modern South African nation in fascinating ways but
contains insights that transcend national and cultural borders. A
must-have for the shelf of any ethicist!"
--Rachel S. Baard, Union Presbyterian Seminary
"This important and timely collection of essays offers a superb
engagement with questions related to sex, sexuality, and the
Christian faith. The editors have masterfully gathered and
presented a series of theological and ethical contributions from a
range of theological and ethical perspectives. This book is sure to
shape our thinking for years to come. I highly recommend it."
--Dion A. Forster, Stellenbosch University
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