The value of this book belies its size. It is almost like a mini-encyclopaedia. It is the product of considerable research by Guy Brandon of the Jubilee Centre in Cambridge. The title demonstrates that one of the aims of the book is to show that sex is so much more than what consenting adults do in private.

The book reaches into our sexualised western culture and explores the relational, societal and economic cost of the sexual revolution with all its disappointments and disillusionments. The book advocates a Christian perspective that is biblical and intelligent. It strikes at the very heart of individualism by considering the subject of sex in the context of community.

Although this book is likely to appeal most to pastors and those involved in preaching, teaching and pastoral support, the case studies give the subject an earthy relevance. The copious endnotes show the depth of research that has gone into this book and provide a wealth of information to follow up. The appendix of twenty questions answered on sex in the Bible is a really useful summary of biblical teaching.

Difficult issues are sensitively handled and I learned much from the compassionate tone of the author, who refuses to be black and white about grey areas, or areas of this subject that are still to be researched and thought about in a deeper way.

Sheila Stephen