Pastor Matthew Rueger takes a unique approach in examining contemporary sexual mores by beginning his analysis in ancient Rome (with it's Greek roots)Pastor Matthew Rueger takes a unique approach in examining contemporary sexual mores by beginning his analysis in ancient Rome (with it's Greek roots), demonstrating the LGBTQ+ worldview being promoted today is, in fact, a return to ancient culture.
Before I start a full review, I want to give a cautionary note for parents and teachers. This book arose after Pastor Rueger was ‘drafted’ to present a Christian perspective (as an opposing voice) on sexual ethics for a class at the University of Iowa, which became a regular occurrence each semester. Therefore, Rueger’s target audience is college students, those preparing to go to college, and adults interacting with them, although there is clear benefit to his work for all adults who are interested in engaging the topics. Parents and teachers will need to be cautious about when students have both the need and the maturity to engage these topics. Not only are sexual ethics personal and inclined to privacy, but the wickedness (sexual abuse of minors, rape, sexual slavery, etc.), though rationally and factually discussed, is painful to read and could be triggering to those who have experienced sexual trauma.
“My desire in writing this book is to help Christians engage the world in reasoned discussion.” (Sexual Immorality in a Christless World, Rueger, pg 7) In Chapter 1, Rueger dives right into the dark pool of Roman worldview as applied to sexual relations. For those unfamiliar with pederasty, prostitution (male & female, religious and secular), glorification of the young male form as the sexual ideal for powerful men, promiscuity, corruption of emperors and senators, and views on the general inferiority of women, the chapter on Rome discusses the exploitative and predatory sexual practices of the penultimate ancient empire, as well as its Greek roots.
Chapter 2 moves to the Jewish context from which Christianity was birthed. He articulates how the Old Testament Scriptures fed the famous rabbis, Hillel and Shammai, who debated how faithful Jews should live out its directives. Eventually, these oral traditions were recorded in the Midrash, which Rueger uses as his primary text for expositing the Jewish perspective on polygamous marriage, penalties for sexual abuse (including abuse of children ☹), and the role and value of women.
Only after laying this foundation does Rueger begin to exposit in Chapter 3 how New Testament sexual ethics were transformational in ancient cultures. Jesus and the apostle Paul, supported by other the New Testament authors, advocated a revolution in sexual ethics. The Christian teaching on sex was distinct from both Roman and Jewish worldviews in which it emerged. Four principles stand out from Rueger’s discussion. 1) Marriage is between one man and one woman for life. 2) The elevation of women as equals before God in marriage. 3) All sexual activity outside marriage as defined was immoral, a sin against God (who made humanity and sex) and a sin against fellow humans who engaged in it illicitly. 4) All people, even those who commit sexual sins, are being called by God to repentence and redemption through Jesus Christ. There is a way forward out of sexual sin to peace with God and others. Please note that what was revolutionary was not only Jesus, Paul and the New Testament authors taught about sex and sexual immorality, but also what it taught about God's radical redemption of sexual sinners.
“The [actual passages in the Bible about sex] present a message about true love tied to God’s saving love. They warn about the consequences of breaking God’s design not with the spirit of a militant protestor shouting through a bullhorn, but with the spirit of a concerned Father whose wisdom exceeds that of His children. The truth of the Father’s wisdom has proven itself through millenia as these apostolic and prophetic words have been repeated to countless generations. Christians need not fear quoting the Bible as they debate the sexual immorality of our age. Both the letter of God’s Word and the spirit of grace enfolded with His Word remain relevant and effective in standing against the dehumanizing effects of sexual hedonism.” (Sexual Immorality in a Christless World, Rueger, pg 95-96)
Chapter 4 addresses the challenges of those with same sex attraction both inside and outside the church, as well as the role of the church in reaching out with God’s message of love and protection. The examination of Jesus’ teaching on eunuchs from Matthew 19 is outstanding. Rueger also discusses the pressure on children to identify themselves in sexual terms both at young ages prior to puberty and especially throughout puberty. He explains how censuring Biblical sexual ethics, conferring advantages upon those who deviate from humanity’s sexual design, advocating legitimacy of deviant impulses over conforming impulses and promoting false immutability of sexual preferences are being used to mold the culture to not only a rejection of Biblical teaching, but also a return to Roman hedonism.
Chapter 5 brings forth common views opposing the Biblical position Rueger has developed in Chapters 3 and 4. Drawing from his experience engaging college students in discussion on these topics, Rueger faithfully and rationally recounts common objections to his position. Rueger expounds on Biblical passages, but also examines social science studies and provides helpful historical timelines.
“When I first began my doctoral studies, my advisor offered me the advice, “Beware the sound of one hand clapping.” What he meant was that both sides of an argument need to be considered. It is bad scholarship to try to make one’s point without giving serious consideration to the other side of the debate. I have listened to the proponents of homosexuality as they have made their case for acceptance, heard their objections to my position, and invited discussion and disagreement. I have read articles and books that are contrary to Christian sexual ethics all in an attempt to listen to both hands clapping… Approaching the other side with hostility creates an atmosphere where all one will hear is the sound of one hand clapping. If Christians are going to debate this issue effectively, they have to listen to the other side.” (Sexual Immorality in a Christless World, Rueger, pg 119-120) Rueger’s ability to take complex concepts (both for and against his position) and examine them simply, logically and concisely is impressive. This is a meaty work on highly charged issues in today’s culture, and yet it clocks in at 178 pages!
There are a couple weaknesses worth mentioning. I was distracted by the presentation of the book. The abstract cover is appropriate given the topic but out of harmony with the quality of work presented. Additionally, the choice of a squiggly, informal font for headings such as “Pederasty” and “Sex and Children” was disconcerting. Rueger’s work is a tremendous contribution to public discourse, but I hope future editions will revise the presentation away from the cute-sy informal.
Another weakness is that Rueger is focused on homosexuality. Based on his writing and male gender, most of Rueger’s personal engagement with these issues (outside of the university) seems to be with homosexual men. Some reference is made to lesbians, particularly in social science studies. Even though the book was published recently in 2016, transgender issues have seized the forefront of sexual ethics debate in the USA as I am reading in 2020, and Rueger alludes to but does not engage the extension at all. In the LGBTQ+ arena Rueger doesn’t seem to go much beyond the G, though many of his concepts and arguments would be applicable (such as “born this way”, “orientation as identity”, and “false immutability”, etc.). I would like to see future editions either address these classes with their own points directly or at least reference the application of articulated arguments to them.
This book is part of our home library and is highly recommended to adults. While our children may not be ready for it in its entirety until they prepare for university, I feel equipped to engage them in discussion on certain points as they arise. Rueger has given us robust grace and truth in an approachable, concise and well-organized package. I recommend purchasing the book to read, re-read and share.
Friends, we are loving and growing through this workbook Bible Study directed at ages 7-12.
Going through Proverbs concretely and practically, ProverbFriends, we are loving and growing through this workbook Bible Study directed at ages 7-12.
Going through Proverbs concretely and practically, Proverbs People Books 1 and 2, help kids to apply the wisdom of the Bible to real life. We've had so many fantastic discussions about how to live out a Biblical Worldview. I'm learning right alongside my kids...
How can I be a good friend? How can I be wise and avoid foolishnes and why is that important? What is the difference in outcomes between when I'm lazy/ slothful and when I'm diligent/ hard working? Why does God love truthful people and what does He think about liars and deceivers? How can we be prudent in a confusing world? etc.
Highest recommendation for Bible Students of ALL ages.
This will be a personal review because I’m going to tell you, right from the start, that Catherine McNiel is a treasured friend.
If you saw this book oThis will be a personal review because I’m going to tell you, right from the start, that Catherine McNiel is a treasured friend.
If you saw this book on the shelf with it’s bright photograph of a mother carrying a child who has muddied her back, and read the title, “Long Days of Small Things,” I love that you would know immediately what this book is about. The challenge to grow in love for Christ, husband and children through the long, hard, days is a relevant topic. Catherine’s rejection of the conventional, guilt producing, evangelical exhortation to sit in your beautiful, comfortable chair with ideal lighting and drink your coffee while reading your Bible every morning for an hour before your kids awake opens the door to good discussion about how to grow our souls through motherhood. Because it IS hard work, and we SHOULD be able to grow closer to the LORD through these long days without being saddled by the demands of the current cultural trend.
There are a lot of things I love about “Long Days of Small Things.” The concept that motherhood can be a unique pathway to knowing God better, and the challenge to seek closeness with God through our steepest paths and weakest moments is encouraging. I enjoyed the discussion of God’s revelation to Moses in Exodus and the working out of 1 Corinthians 13 as well as the often overlooked story of Hagar. The exhortation to intentionally harness music to soothe our troubled souls and walk us back the throne of God is welcome. Catherine’s style is reminiscent of Ann Voskamp (who wrote a recommendation for Long Days of Small Things) and her lyrical look at life is inspirational and cultivates a reverent orientation. This is not a book to be read cover to cover, but one to be savored one chapter at a time.
As I read, though, I became very aware that I am not the target market for this book. Mostly, because I’m weird. I have biologic, foster and adopted kids, all over the age of 8. We have connections to China, special needs, trauma, complex medical needs, home school and private school. I struggle daily with chronic pain, and I got a rather late start. I was only able to accomplish a single pregnancy and walked it as hallowed ground, knowing it might be my last. The long, sleepless, struggles of addled mind and crushed body have not subsided with the launch of one to college. Mine has been a non-normative path filled with different types of battles. While there is attempt to recognize the incredible breadth of mothering experience, I think a young mother with small children would be more nurtured by Catherine’s work than I. Additionally, mothers with biologic children will be able to appreciate Catherine’s thoughts more readily without the additional complications of pondering birth mothers and dark or unknown years of their children prior to adoption.
As with all precious friendships, there are also many things in which Catherine and I are not in complete agreement, which makes our discussions rich. While I’m sure you will find our disagreement over grapes intriguing (my love and her disdain), the most significant source of disconnect in regard to her book is the practice of mindfulness. There is no clear Biblical directive for or against this practice and Christians generally fall on a spectrum from complete rejection (it’s not our practice, but Buddhism) to mystical embrace (all religious experience brings us closer to whichever God you worship and the religious experience reigns supreme). What I am saying is that Catherine and I probably fall at different points in that spectrum. I will include links to articles so you can explore yourself.
I think my position most closely ties with Mohler. I am not against meditation on the Word, but I think we need to consciously seek out Biblical anchor in all we do, otherwise, we drift away, especially in the storms of life. Perhaps it is my own weakness that causes me to fear how easily I can get off track. I would have liked to see more emphasis on the Word of God as anchor of our soul during the wearying challenges of motherhood, and I found the emphasis on the Breath of God incomplete without an examination of the Image of God that separates us from the animals (and the teaching of other religious Scriptures).
And yet, Catherine and I agree on the need to seek God through every stage of life, love for husband and children, stretching ourselves in ministry and embodying the law in loving God and others. It’s a journey we are both stumbling our way through. I believe we also share the desire for “Long Days of Small Things” to help you grow closer to the LORD on your way.
For further reading on the pursuit of God, these books expand on Catherine’s work, but lack the focus of a mother with small children that makes her work unique.
A solid family devotional that features a Biblical passage, a situational story about children in which we see the principle applied or neglected and A solid family devotional that features a Biblical passage, a situational story about children in which we see the principle applied or neglected and discussion questions at the end. We made it about half way through the first time before we abandoned it for a reason lost to time.
The second time through, we started about where we left off and allowed kids to pick between this and another title, proceeding back and forth through both. This was more palatable to all.
Overall, a solid offering, but somehow not fantastic - though I cannot figure out why. Maybe it's just us. I'll check back when we go through it again....more
We were happy to make the acquaintance of this series and look forward to reading more for our family devotions.
While the chapters were mostly engaginWe were happy to make the acquaintance of this series and look forward to reading more for our family devotions.
While the chapters were mostly engaging for the children (there are always a couple that don't immediately 'click'), we did have to take a break from the study to have a discussion about the Trinity. Most of the chapters, maybe 3/4 of them are in reference to the revelation of God the Father in the Old Testament. Then, the book transitions to names of Jesus. Of course, Jesus is also God, but the relationship in the Trinity is not explained. Later chapters also reference the Holy Spirit, again while remaining silent about the Trinity.
I wish later editions would include a chapter on this important topic. Otherwise, it was a wonderful read and we are ordering another from the series....more
I was surprised to see this resource on Goodreads as it is not a book, but a rather a double sided laminated sheet. It is sold on Amazon, so I imagineI was surprised to see this resource on Goodreads as it is not a book, but a rather a double sided laminated sheet. It is sold on Amazon, so I imagine that is why it is coming through.
This single 8.5 by 11 inch sheet presents a multifaceted view of the Biblical teaching on diligence. The idea is to help believers to put off laziness and put on diligence. 11 sections are presented in a somewhat non-linear fashion.
SERVING GOD GRATEFULNESS HONESTY HUMILITY PERSEVERENCE OBEDIENCE THOROUGHNESS RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVE CONSIDERATION REDEEMING TIME
Each section features questions to ask oneself and a Bible verse to consult/ review/ study/ memorize. For example, the SERVING GOD section reads:
- Are you not helping someone that you know needs help? "...in as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt 25:40 - Are you working only when someone is watching you? "...not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ..." Eph 6:6 -Are you doing less than your best? "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might..." Eccles 9:10
The pitfall here is thinking that simple education combined with behavior modification will unlock spiritual growth. We all know that is not true. Study of this chart needs to be combined with prayer and fellowship with the LORD from Whom the power to change flows.
Some of the verses feel rather proof-texty, which is disappointing. And, the Bible translation is King James, which is severely dated. However, I have not found another resource that so clearly elucidates the contrast between laziness and diligence.
Simple enough for children, profound enough for adults.
Bright illustrations draw in readers of all ages to Delval's three-sentence summaries of the Psalms. The youngest will be satisfied with the concrete,Bright illustrations draw in readers of all ages to Delval's three-sentence summaries of the Psalms. The youngest will be satisfied with the concrete, simple, summaries. Older students can read this book, follow it up with the Biblical text, and read this again to summarize main points for application. And the wisest among the group can discuss the Biblical passage and Delval's message for young children.
If the text of this book is all you use, it is inadequate, but as a starting point for discussion of these Psalms, it is a wonderful devotional that our entire family recommends!...more
This is a difficult topic that is handled with forthright integrity. The Holcomb's neither back away from the topic, nor over-dramatize it. In clear lThis is a difficult topic that is handled with forthright integrity. The Holcomb's neither back away from the topic, nor over-dramatize it. In clear language, they lay out boundaries for children and their bodies. Unique illustrations with pops of color complement a good, but not outstanding, story line. Bible references and principles provide a foundation for the value of individuals and their God created bodies. Recommended....more
The strength of this book is two fold. One, every story ends with a reference to Jesus, showing how He illustrates a truth, fulfills a prophecy, exempThe strength of this book is two fold. One, every story ends with a reference to Jesus, showing how He illustrates a truth, fulfills a prophecy, exemplifies a character trait, etc. Secondly, the illustrations are truly unique and not "westernized." Jesus really has an olive complexion as his Jewish roots would indicate. People and angels come in various colors.
This book is part of our regular Bible rotation, and we have given it as gifts for Christmas, Birthday and baby showers. Advertisements list the age as 4-8, but we started at 2. In moments of impatience associated with this young age, we would skip some, just reading the highlights. Now that he is school age, he is almost ready for another trip through where he will do the reading! The pictures are engaging and this book is often chosen to sit with, even before he could read. Highly recommended! Enjoy!
This book was a good pick me up in the midst of the everyday. I can confess, I actually picked it out from among the reading selections offered in my This book was a good pick me up in the midst of the everyday. I can confess, I actually picked it out from among the reading selections offered in my friend's bathroom! She was gracious enough to let me borrow it after I got hooked. It was clarifying of those things that hoover on the edge of your mind that you haven't had time to assimiliate in the midst of life. It was also encouraging. Not a fantabulous read, but a good solid one....more
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