Pastoral Responses to Sexual Issues

by William V. Arnold

Book Overview

This excellent book offers help to pastors and other caring Christians who must act as "triage officers" on the front lines of congregational and community life and who believe in and want to explore the importance of sexual issues in ministry. William Arnold believes that our sexuality is a defining element for understanding who we are and who God is. For a pastor to work with people in a helpful and redemptive manner, this powerful force must...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0664254500
• ISBN13: 9780664254506
• Release Date: November 1993
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Guide for Pastoral Responses to Sexual Issues

I applaude Arnold for addressing a tough but relevant subject for the modern church and the world at large. I enjoyed the book so much that I reordered multiple copies to hand out to my ministerial collegues. So what is so special about this book as compared to other pastoral books dealing with sexual issues? What is unique is the scope of the book and the range of topics it addresses. First, Arnold prompts the reader to examine his or her own sexual attitudes, positions, questions, and fears. The reader goes through a process of "self assessment" which is needed in order to understand the context in which an individual ministers from, i.e., "what is my belief system and what baggage do I carry around regarding the issues of sexuality." Arnold stresses this "self assessment" as critical to the task of pastoral counseling because, "caring for others means owning up to who we are." The second portion of the book examines the process of sexual counseling and provides sufficient detail and excellent tips along the way. The third portion of the book provides case studies of actual sexual issues addressed by pastoral counselors. Insight and analysis into each case study from a theological, psychological, biological, and recommended pastoral strategy is included. Arnold's style of writing is non-intimidaing and non-condemning. He addresses the issues "up front" but with the integrity and compassion of a pastor's heart. I would recommend this book to an pastoral care giver including professional clergy, graduate students, or lay ministers.