Boarding the Ark in Couples: A Biblical Theology of Sex
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The true goal is psychical as well as physical unity. The former is enduring; the latter is episodic. Together they contribute to lifetime s work of love. The image of the invisible God is designed to be made incarnate in human couples. To the degree that they give themselves totally to each other, grow in love, and share their blessedness in goodness toward all, they know God; they know his love; they are his image. Jesus strongly affirmed that marital union produces a spiritual bond which endures for the couple s life. It is forged by God himself. The intended consequence of marital sex is vastly more significant and enduring than is commonly believed or imagined. This potential for spiritual realization is God s design. Sexual intercourse is of short duration and accounts for a small percentage of married life. Much more significant and requiring much more time is total engagement and interpenetration of personalities. Male and female interaction quickly reveal that sexual differences extend into the mental realm. They are so great that it is very difficult, and often frustrating, for the sexes to communicate effectively. They do not, almost cannot, understand each other because they do not perceive that their minds have different sexual structures, too. Usually it is not apparent to them that these differences are as complementarily beneficial as physical ones. Couples, who manage to have long, successful marriages, may slowly, intuitively, and painfully discover that truth.
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About the Book
For too long Christians have believed that sensuality belongs to their baser nature and is the enemy of spirituality. This error is detrimental to the growth of both the individual and the spread of the Gospel. In truth, sexuality is not trash but treasure. By its means, the image of God is more fully attained. Lack of this proclamation makes the gospel seem detached from "real" life. Meanwhile the secular world exploits and corrupts the profound significance of sexuality. Boarding the Ark in Couples: A Biblical Theology of Sex assures Christians that their sexual nature is divinely intended to equip them for their walk with God. Within its pages, this book examines the Bible carefully for its real message about the intrinsic value of sexuality for Christian life, mortal and immortal. From this fresh perspective, it unearths some startling disclosures and a new understanding of the "old, old story" of salvation. Consideration is given to the sexuality of the second Adam as well as of the first; of God as Husband and of his Son as Bridegroom. The sacramental rites of the Passover and of the Lord s Supper shed new light on remembrance, celebration and anticipation of intimate knowledge of the love of God. Marital fidelity, masturbation, homosexuality, bestiality, celibacy, divorce and abortion are among the many sexual issues addressed. The book s concepts have been pretested with critical reviews by several friends, male and female, clergy and laity, Catholic and Protestant. Important segments have been presented in seminar and sermon. Now it is ready to present the truth to you. You can rejoice before God in the fullness of your being .
About the Author
Robert Harding Morris taught adult Bible studies for thirty-five years and was a United Methodist minister for twenty-five years, retiring from both in 1987. To a large extent, these overlapped a many-faceted thirty-five year career at IBM from which he retired as a systems analyst in 1976. A widower since 1992, he was a loving husband for nearly fifty years and has two children and five grandchildren. This book was begun at the urging of his dying wife and has taken ten years to complete. The subject arose from personal struggles and pastoral experiences that disclosed sexuality to be a positive, basic force in coming to a fuller knowledge of God. His formal education includes Bachelor of Arts, SUNY Binghamton; Master of Science, SUNY Binghamton; Master of Divinity, Princeton Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry, Drew University. He also completed a semester at the University of Neuchatel, Switzerland. In addition, he completed many correspondence courses (ICS Industrial Engineering, ICS Business Administration, Methodist course of studies for the ministry, and Knights of Columbus introduction to Roman Catholicism) as well as numerous industrial and societal courses. Volunteer experiences include BSA Scoutmaster and committeeman, IBM Endicott Quarter Century Club President, Vestal NY PTA President, Vestal NY Board of Education President, Society for Advancement of Management Vice President (Binghamton chapter), Systems Analyst for Tioga County PA Human Services Agency, and Hospital Chaplain, Wellsboro PA. Boarding the Ark in Couples culminates his unique call in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. May his life s work yield blessed fruit for your feast.