For the Body

'Against the backdrop of a toxic, sex-saturated culture and an increasingly secularized church, this book argues forcefully for a recovery of a biblically grounded understanding of humanity. The argument is constructive, provocative, and astute as it clears away the contemporary clutter to show us what is enduringly true about ourselves. This is a brave and much-needed book.' * DAVID F. WELLS, distinguished senior research professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary *
'In this accessible book, Tennent helps the church think about a desperately needed Protestant theology of the body. Tennent's theology for the body shows us practical guidance without legalism, seriousness about sex without making an idol of marriage, complementarity without complementarianism, sacramentality without works righteousness, and public theology without power mongering. The book will be a help to pastors and all Christians seeking God's good will for our bodies.' * BETH FELKER JONES, professor of theology, Wheaton College, author, Faithful: A Theology of Sex *
'The Holy Spirit works to manifest the divine bodily; the unholy spirits move to deny that Christ has come in the flesh (see 1 John 4:1-3). Tennent helps us apply this critical biblical principle in our contemporary world. The seven building blocks he sets forth unscramble so much of the culture's confusion on sexuality and gender, and in its place, he skillfully reveals a positive, compelling vision rooted in the 'profound mystery' (Eph. 5:31-32) of God's creative design for making us male and female.' * CHRISTOPHER WEST, ThD, president, Theology of the Body Institute, author, Our Bodies Tell God’s Story *
'Timothy Tennent has given us what we have long needed: a profound account of our bodies and our identity that is more than a match for the alternatives screaming at us from within our culture. Writing in an economical and accessible style, he provides a vision of sexuality and marriage that constitutes an invaluable resource for the contemporary church. Like his hero, John Wesley, who readily drew on the best materials he could find to nourish his people, Tennent draws on the splendid work of Pope John Paul II to give coherence and balance to his proposals. Yet this is no mere repetition; Tennent speaks in his own voice and with assured authority, providing inimitable insights, examples, and updating. The result is essential reading for those in search of a fresh and persuasive treatment of one of the greatest challenges of our day.' * WILLIAM J. ABRAHAM, Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas *