Moving beyond the deep-seated cultural feelings of shame that have long fueled the conflict between Christianity and sex--and the belief that there is only one right and valid way to practice one's sexuality--this renowned University of Chicago pastor uses enlightening personal stories and examples from theology to show how sex is powerful and holy.

For years, Christians have been told to adhere to one singular path when it comes to sex: abstinence and purity. Yet this limited focus ignores the reality that people's sexual and romantic lives differ widely, even among those who...