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A biblical guide to love, sex and marriage

You and me, babe…?

A BIBLICAL GUIDE TO LOVE, SEX AND MARRIAGE
By Derek and Rosemary Thomas
Evangelical Press. 128 pages. £7.95
ISBN 978-0-85234-661-7

The Song of Solomon is surely one of the most perplexing and therefore least read books in the whole bible. In this short book Derek and Rosemary seek to explain and apply the meaning of the Song of Solomon.

There is a theological debate as to whether this Bible book is about the love of Christ for his bride, the church, or a model for love between men and women as expressed in marriage. They helpfully recognise and explore this issue and, while acknowledging that many view it as an account of Jesus and his bride, they explain why they take a different view. As the title indicates Derek and Rosemary apply the teaching to human relationships.

Practical feel

This brings a very practical feel to the book and each chapter is written in a practical way taking you through the different seasons of a relationship. From choosing a partner, to marriage and beyond, we are taught in challenging and wise ways. They deal with issues that are often overlooked in other books. They tackle who you should marry, how quickly you might marry and all parts of sexual expression.

It is written in a warm and biblical way and with the sections of Scripture at the start of each chapter it is easy to see how the teaching fits the passage. It is easy to read and will provoke thoughtful discussion between a couple who might read this together.

Neither one nor the other

A couple of reservations come to mind. First, it’s not clear whether this is a devotional commentary on Song of Solomon or a book on love and sexuality. The front cover has no reference to the Song of Solomon, which is rather misleading; and, unfortunately, it seems to fall between the two.

Secondly, it is written in the context of Christians who have a lifetime of church experience and most probably have been brought up in a Christian family. This is evident in the assumptions that are made. Anyone without this background — and particularly those who have had previous sexual encounters — will feel a sense of failure.

As a preacher I will put this on my shelf to help when I finally preach on Song of Solomon. As a couple we will add it to the collection of books to help with preparing couples for marriage.

Daryl and Julia Jones,
serving together at Bethel Church, Liverpool