All living creatures are sexed. Human beings belong to societies where traditions about who can have sex with whom, and how, and when, are centuries old. Making sense of sex assumes that there is a rational way of understanding our basic drives. But our inevitable failure to get sex right is the beginning of a proper and theological understanding of sex.

The Christian tradition, especially in its conservative forms, is often thought to be unhelpful in making sense of sex. Christian sexual ethics may seem overly demanding: holistic in theory, yet sexist and pessimistic in practice. Adrian Thatcher argues, however, that instead of being pessimistic about sex, Christians can be grateful realists instead.

Making Sense of Sex draws on the resources of Liberal Theology to promote a mature union of spirituality and sexuality. Exploring topics such as desire, bodies and the Body of Christ, sexual difference, homosexuality, marriage, and Paul’s reflection on ‘flesh’ and ‘spirit’, it will help to guide readers towards a spiritual understanding of shared sexual love.