Making Chastity Sexy
Author | Christine Gardner |
---|---|
Language | English |
Subject | Evangelical sexual abstinence teachings |
Publisher | University of California Press |
Publication place | United States |
Awards | Stephen E. Lucas Debut Publication Award |
ISBN | 978-0-520-26727-5 |
Making Chastity Sexy: The Rhetoric of Evangelical Abstinence Campaigns is a 2011 book by Christine Gardner,[1] a professor at Wheaton College.[2] In it, Gardner states that sexual abstinence teachings by evangelicals are currently "using sex to sell abstinence" by promising more satisfying sexual activity within marriage for those who abstain from premarital sex; she argues that this rhetoric reinforces selfish desires for gratification, sets people up for divorce and dissatisfaction with marriage, and simply adapts "secular forms for religious ends".[3]
The book investigates three evangelical organizations that advocate sexual abstinence:[4] Silver Ring Thing, True Love Waits, and Pure Freedom.[5] In addition to these United States–based sexual abstinence organizations, the book studies one Africa-based sexual abstinence organization.[6] The image on the book cover depicts a female human abdomen exposed by a crop top and low-rise jeans; a navel piercing is encircled by a tattoo of the words "True Love Waits" in cursive.[7] In preparation for writing the book, Gardner spent five years doing research at chastity events in various locations in both the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.[8]
Frank Schaeffer called the book "important and perceptive in a profound way".[9] In 2012, Making Chastity Sexy won the Stephen E. Lucas Debut Publication Award for a scholarly monograph or book in the field of communication studies.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Christine J. Gardner (2011). Making Chastity Sexy: The Rhetoric of Evangelical Abstinence Campaigns. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0520267275.
- ^ Amy Frykholm (May 21, 2012). "Can Sex Sell Abstinence?". Religion & Politics. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
- ^ Sarah Pulliam Bailey (November 18, 2011). "The Rhetoric of Chastity: Making Abstinence Sexy". Christianity Today. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
- ^ Tanda Gmiter (November 12, 2011). "Christianity Today interview: Evangelicals play up 'sexy abstinence' in purity campaigns". The Grand Rapids Press. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
- ^ Hennie Weiss (March 27, 2012). "Review - Making Chastity Sexy". Metapsychology Online Reviews. 16 (13). Retrieved March 21, 2013.
- ^ Burke, K. C. (Spring 2012). "Making Chastity Sexy: The Rhetoric of Evangelical Abstinence Campaigns". Sociology of Religion. 73 (1): 100. doi:10.1093/socrel/srs020.
- ^ Melissa L. Carrion (Fall 2012). "Making Chastity Sexy: The Rhetoric of Evangelical Abstinence Campaigns (review)". Rhetoric & Public Affairs. 15 (3): 558.
- ^ Amy DeRogatis (December 2012). "Making Chastity Sexy: The Rhetoric of Evangelical Abstinence Campaigns". Church History. 81 (4): 1044. doi:10.1017/S0009640712002454. S2CID 162372201.
- ^ Frank Schaeffer (August 3, 2012). ""Abstinence Only" Exposed as Subversive of Actual Evangelical Values". The Huffington Post. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
- ^ "Stephen E. Lucas Debut Publication Award". National Communication Association. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
- 2011 non-fiction books
- American non-fiction books
- Non-fiction books about sexuality
- English-language books
- University of California Press books
- Books about spirituality
- Evangelical Christian literature
- Sexual abstinence and religion
- Sexuality in Evangelicalism
- 2011 in the United States
- 2011 in Christianity
- Marriage in Christianity
- Communication studies
- Sexuality in the United States
- Sexuality in Africa
- Books about Christianity
- Sex book stubs