Sex God

One of the things I have noticed about having completed my Oxford studies is at the end of countless essays and literally hundreds of books read I seem to have somehow learnt how to read very fast. I have always read alot, but now I can chew threw in half the time I used to- so thank you Oxford.

I have just completed Rob Bell's second book and he is someone I have admired for some time. I love his Nooma films and also greatly enjoyed Velvet Elvis. If you wonder what the expression 'emerging church' or what the term 'post-modernism' is then just look at and listen to Bell. Here he turns his attention to Sex or, to use his owm bye-line 'Exploring the endless connections between sexuality and spirituality'. Do read this and buy one for a friend.

He again a makes lots of references to Jewish culture, tells great stories and approaches traditionally tricky passages os scripture with freshness and clarity. For Bell, sexuality and knowing who you are are connected. He observes:

'You can't be connected with God until you're at peace with who you are. If you're still upset that God gave you this body or this life or this family or these circumstances, you will never be able to connect with God in a healthy, thriving, sustainable sort of way. You'll be at odds with your maker. And if you can't come to terms with who you are and the life you have been given, you'll never be able to accept others and how they were made and the lives they've been given. And until you're at peace with God and those around you, you will continue to struggle with your role on the planet, your part to play in the ongoing creation of the universe. you will continue to stuggle and resist and fail to connect'

Bell, being an incredibly hip,in-touch and intelligent man is always good for a recommendation. Here of some I liked that you might like too.

1. Great chapter on Hell in N T Wright 'Following Jesus'
2. Jean Vanier Becoming Human
3. A great book on modern life and how we spend our time Praise of Slow by Carl Honore
4.He says he can't recommend Ronald Rolheiser's The Holy Longing highly enough.
5. Best book on forgiving is Lewis Smedes Art of Forgiving
6. Erwin McManus Uprising
7. He says every woman should read Return to modesty by Wendy Shalit
8. Every couple thinking of getting married he says should read A severe mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. My friend Kate just got engaged so I recommended it to her and she has bought it so she said she'll let me know if it's any good.

Anyway, happy reading. Bell is a blessing.