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Overview
Human spirituality is best defined as our irrepressible hunger and quest for meaning in all aspects of life. Human sexuality is best defined as our irrepressible hunger and quest for union with other persons and the meaning of life found in the wholeness that such union brings. Sexuality and spirituality are not two different things. They are two names for the same thing: the irrepressible human quest for meaning, fulfillment, union, and wholeness. They are not two different forces, nor are they in any way at odds with one another, as they have been made to seem in the polarizing attitudes about sexuality and spirituality popular in human society, thanks to the excessive and negative moralization of sex. Here, Ellens sheds new light on the interplay of sexuality and spirituality through the use of anecdotes, observation, and thoughtful analysis.
Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9780313362613 |
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Publisher: | Bloomsbury Academic |
Publication date: | 03/20/2009 |
Series: | Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality |
Pages: | 168 |
Product dimensions: | 6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d) |
Age Range: | 12 - 18 Years |
About the Author
Table of Contents
PrefaceForeword
Chapter One: Spirituality as Quest for Meaningful Fulfillment.
Chapter Two: Daily Life as Sexual Spirituality.
Chapter Three: The Spirituality of Wooing and Courting.
Chapter Four: The Reach for Meaningful Connection, Human Lover and Loving God.
Chapter Five: The Psychospirituality of Communion, Union, Ecstasy, and Eternity.
Chapter Six: Spirituality as Being Really Intimately Present to Another Person.
Chapter Seven: Orgasm as Spiritual Experience.
Chapter Eight: Tenderness: The Continued Cherishing.
Chapter Nine: The Healing Power of Sensuality and Sexual Play.
Chapter Ten: Summing Up: Sexuality as a Spiritual Way of Life.
Notes
Bibliography
Series Editor's Afterword
What People are Saying About This
"J. Harold Ellens has written a book for the 21st century. His theme that with both spirituality and sexuality, we seek closeness, unity, and attachment will resonate. His anecdotes and stories flesh out his theme and give it spirit. You cannot read this book without chuckling, feeling nostalgic, pondering thoughtfully, and feeling elevated. It will help you feel closer to God and to those whom you love."
"Never one to shy away from controversy, Ellens stomps where others tread lightly. Thoughtful and provocative, Ellens uncovers the deep structure of our sexual nature, showing its broad significant impact on our entire being yet without discounting its afternoon delights. You may not always agree with him, but I'll guarantee that this book will make you think even more about sex perhaps in ways you've never thought possible."
"Never one to shy away from controversy, Ellens stomps where others tread lightly. Thoughtful and provocative, Ellens uncovers the deep structure of our sexual nature, showing its broad significant impact on our entire being yet without discounting its afternoon delights. You may not always agree with him, but I'll guarantee that this book will make you think even more about sex -- perhaps in ways you've never thought possible."
"The author explores together the two most intractable and impenetrable problems in the modern experience, sexuality and spirituality, and the connections between them. The author elevates sex out of the arena of mud and shame and pulls spirituality down from the mist and clouds. This work will set the terms of the debate on these subjects for the decades ahead."
"The author explores together the two most intractable and impenetrable problems in the modern experience, sexuality and spirituality, and the connections between them. The author elevates sex out of the arena of mud and shame and pulls spirituality down from the mist and clouds. This work will set the terms of the debate on these subjects for the decades ahead."
"Drawing on his long experience as a psychotherapist, theologian, and pastor, J. Harold Ellens makes a compelling and persuasive case that sex and spirituality belong together-in fact, that sex is good and life-giving only when it is deepened by spirituality."
"Drawing on his long experience as a psychotherapist, theologian, and pastor, J. Harold Ellens makes a compelling and persuasive case that sex and spirituality belong together-in fact, that sex is good and life-giving only when it is deepened by spirituality."