This outstanding book is currently 50% off at WTS Books ($6.50/copy). I read the whole thing this past weekend and thought it was excellent. It puts sexuality in a proper, gospel-rich context, and has some very powerful insights on the modern dating process and the dilemmas that many singles face. A few excerpts:
“Scripture expresses states that God created sex to serve as a living portrait of the life-changing spiritual union that believers have with God through Christ.”
“God did not pattern the divine marriage after human marriage, but rather human marriage is a forshadowing of the divine marriage.”
The authors do a great job treating the age-old “How far is too far?” question and propose a concept of “friendship dating” which is sure to generate discussion. The basic shift is that Hiestand and Thomas enjoin singles to think of dating as an activity, but not a category of relationships (e.g., “she’s my girlfriend”). You’ll have to read the book to hear more…. 🙂
A few endorsements:
“This is a straightforward, yet provocative little book. You’ll find a lot of practical, sane, biblical wisdom that will explode a number of our cultural assumptions about dating. If you are single or care about someone who is, you really should read this book. The result may just be a simpler, more God-honoring approach to dating than you thought possible.”
– Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan.
“What a gift this book is to single men and women. Here, in brief space, is clear and closely reasoned advice that is über-biblical and Christ-centered. It flows with life-giving grace. Sex, Dating, and Relationships will be a landmark read for many in this generation.”
– R. Kent Hughes, Author, Disciplines of a Godly Young Man; Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois
“Simplicity is the strength of this fresh approach to sex, dating, and relationships. If at first you chafe at the idea of ‘dating friendships,’ consider whether any alternative can bring greater glory to God, account for the biblical evidence, and guard against unnecessary heartache.”
– Collin Hansen, Editorial Director, The Gospel Coalition; author, Young, Restless, and Reformed