This book focuses on the history of views on bodily pleasure from a Judeo-Christian perspective. The history of Jews and Christians is chronicled and the author goes from BC to AD and back again. The garden of Eden had "be fruitful and multiply". The pagan societies had sex slaves, prostitution, and degradation of women / men / children. Modern day Catholic priests and nuns must take a vow of abstinence while Protestant preachers and rabbis of all denominations are encouraged to marry. Where did all of these differing perspectives come from? Cherry traces the history of sexuality in time and space and religion. Intimacy in marriage between a man and woman was God's design from the start, but what then do we make of the celibate Jesus and the fact that our bodies are the temple of God? Can one hear from God at all times or only when abstaining from bodily pleasures? The questions go on and on. I personally think both extremes are harmful--that of never marrying and that of promiscuity. This book was very interesting. My only complaint is the images in the book are x-rated. I wish these were not included. I found the book interesting from a historical perspective, but I can not in good conscious recommend it to others with the images inside.
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