As well as
being a writer and social activist, Johann Christoph Arnold is a pastor with Church
Communities International, formerly known as Bruderhof. This book was
originally published as "A Plea for Purity" back in 1996 (which
explains how it is possible for Mother Teresa to write a foreword for a book
published in 2008!)
Fifty or
sixty years ago, this book would not have been so counter-cultural because
so-called "sexual liberation" was only just beginning to break out in
Western society. The message about marriage and sexuality would not have been
any different back then because true biblical principles don't change. But,
because Western society has changed so dramatically, this book is now a call to
stand up for purity and fight against the destructive moral laxity of our times.
The
generally Catholic tone of the book is reinforced at the end by "A Call to
Purity", jointly signed on behalf of both CCI and the Catholic Archdiocese
of New York. But this is not a book on doctrine so Protestant readers would
gladly concur with most of what is written here. Exceptions might include the
portrayal of divorce, masturbation and contraception as always sinful in the sight
of God. (Some Protestants may also take exception to the author's strict views
on homosexuality, sex outside of marriage and abortion, but I think he is spot on in
his assessment of these things.)
This is
actually a very spiritual and very compassionate book. It emphasizes our need,
in all the temptations of life, to rely on God and pray for His strength to
always do His will. Some might see this as a bit "pie-in-the-sky" but
I don't believe the author has in any way minimized the reality of temptations
that people face these days.
In his
closing argument, the author writes the following: "We must demonstrate
that a new way exists and show the world a new reality, the reality of God's
righteousness and holiness, which is opposed to the spirit of this world... In
order to demonstrate God's will, the church must first take concrete steps
toward forming a genuine sexual counter-culture." (p158) Personally,
whilst I totally agree with the sentiment, I would rather think in terms of a
Christian sub-culture existing in full view of the wider society than a
counter-cultural community that may, to some extent, hide itself away. In other
words, Christian community can exist even where people don't literally share a
living space.
Overall,
though, in these sex-crazed, maniacal times of anything goes, this book is a
sane, well-balanced call for God's people to rise up in His strength to a life
of profound purity.
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