What does it mean to be a woman or a man created in the image of God?

Many Christians don't have a good grasp of what their sexuality means. Many women in the church don't feel like their contributions matter.

Why is this?

The church is sadly still confused about what it means to be a man or a woman. While secular society talks about sexuality in terms of liberation, many in the church define manhood and womanhood in terms of reductive roles that rob us of the dignity of personhood, created in the image of God.

In her poetic, theologically contemplative style, Aimee Byrd invites you to enter the rich treasure trove of the Song of Songs as its lyrics reveal how our very bodies are visible signs that tell us something about our God. This often-ignored biblical book has much to teach us about Christ, his church, man, and woman. And what it teaches us is not a list of roles and hierarchy. It is a love song.

As it unfolds throughout the canon of Scripture, the meaning of our sexuality extends beyond biology, nature, and culture to give us a glimpse of what is to come. This meaningfulness reinforces our discipleship as we participate in the eschatological song.

In The Sexual Reformation, you will discover the beautiful message that our bodies-and our whole selves-are part of the greater story in which Christ received the gift of his bride, the church. Within the context of that story, you'll rediscover your sexuality as a gift.

About the Author
Aimee Byrd?is author, speaker, blogger, podcaster, and former coffee shop owner. Aimee is author of several books, including Why Can't We Be Friends?, and Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and Sexual Reformation. Her articles have appeared in?First Things,?Table Talk,?Modern Reformation,?By Faith,?New Horizons,?Ordained Servant,?Harvest USA, and Credo Magazine and she has been interviewed and quoted in Christianity Today and?The Atlantic.

Reviews
'Aimee Byrd, in The Sexual Reformation, beautifully shows us the need for nothing less than a reformation in how the church understands and discusses sexuality that more fully resonates with the biblical vision. Byrd powerfully calls us to discover a deeper song whereby our embodiment as male and female resonates with the great marriage of heaven and earth made possible through the incarnation and the marriage supper of the lamb.' * Timothy C. Tennent, president, Asbury Theological Seminary *
'Beyond revolution, we need a reformation, and Byrd perfectly explains why as she implores readers to question hierarchal roles baked into evangelicalism. Through the oft-overlooked book of Song of Songs, she beckons the church to consider a richer, more robust understanding of the sexes and honor the inherent dignity and embodied personhood of men and women. Her insights will untangle your beliefs about sexuality and reform them for the flourishing of all.' * Tiffany Bluhm, author of Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up *
'Byrd contends that we are in need of a more robust theology of sexuality--what does it mean to be man? Woman? Humans in relationship with one another? So much that is written in this category is combative, overly simplistic, or individualistic. Byrd turns to Scripture, specifically the Song of Songs, to ponder these matters anew. She finds there a love canticle that showcases the beauty of unity, individual uniqueness and gifting, and desire at its best. Throughout, Byrd points to the example of the love of God made flesh in Jesus Christ. This book is a great starting place to move beyond old battles stuck in stalemate or tired of fighting.' * Nijay K. Gupta, professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary *
'This is a book that will grow your soul. In the midst of albeit important debates about the meaning of masculinity, femininity, authority, and submission, Aimee invites us to rise above and listen--listen to Jesus singing over us, pointing us to redemptive sexuality centered on himself. Instead of viewing each other as rivals for power, let's join in the song--the Song of Songs--and embrace each other as gifts. May that song of the sexual reformation lead to our dance of celebration.' * Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue *
'This isn't your grandfather's talk on sex and gender in the Bible! Aimee Byrd delivers what every Christian needs to consider: the rich tapestry of sexuality interlaced throughout Scripture via the Song of Songs! Byrd's commitment to Scripture as the primary voice on sex liberates her to make unique insights not merely reactive to gender discussions that we've become so used to. Sex (in every sense of the word) matters, but in ways we've often failed to consider. Byrd offers us an easy-to-read and biblically honed theological foray through which we can check ourselves lest we continue to wreck ourselves. Consequently, Scripture's world of thinking springs to life, and our currently muddled conversations about sex clarify.' * Dru Johnson, associate professor of biblical studies, director of the Center for Hebraic Thought *
'Viva la reformacion! Aimee Byrd calls us back to Scripture, and to the Song of Songs specifically, as a way of reorienting our fallen views of personhood, sexuality, and Christ's love for his bride. The book is a rich exercise in the Christian imagination, birthed by Scripture, rooted in tradition, and enkindled by the Holy Spirit. Take up and sing!' * Joshua M. McNall, associate professor of pastoral theology, Oklahoma Wesleyan University *
'Where liberal scholarship diminishes Christ in the Song of Songs, Aimee Byrd exalts him according to classical exegesis. In conversation with great expositors from Nyssa and Augustine to Spurgeon and Jenson, Byrd challenges captive cultural interpretations, perverse gender discussions, and fallen power dynamics between men and women. Such profound biblical insights demonstrate why the Bride must again honor the lay prophets God empowers with his Spirit to turn our desire toward the Bridegroom's glory.' * Malcolm B. Yarnell, author of Royal Priesthood in the English Reformation, God the Trinity: Biblical Portraits, and Who Is the Holy Spirit? *



Book Information
ISBN 9780310125648
Author Aimee Byrd
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Zondervan
Publisher Zondervan
Weight(grams) 213g
Dimensions(mm) 213mm * 139mm * 24mm