Making Sense of Sex

"When it comes to sex, Michael F. Duffy is a pastor, not a preacher. In Making Sense of Sex, he offers not a sermon on ethical behavior, but a comprehensive guide for young adults looking to make their own responsible decisions about sex."
—MinistryMatters.com, by Eric Van Meter

"Michael Duffy has written a wonderful practical guide to making decisions about sexual relationships and activities. It offers a framework of questions and a rich variety of scenarios that can help individuals make their own decisions. Although Making Sense of Sex emphasizes themes in Christian ethics, it is accessible to and valuable for individuals from different religious and secular traditions. This clearly written book will be great for college classes. I recommend it most enthusiastically."
—James F. Childress, Director, Institute for Practical Ethics and Public Life, University of Virginia

"I’ve heard it all from students: from tales of random hook-ups and long-term relationships to sagas of the perpetual virgin and the biggest player on campus; from stories of those trying to stay 'pure' and those just wanting to have sex to fairy tales of first times and nightmares of violent sexual encounters. Many times I have wished for a book like this one to which I could point my students and from which I could draw in counseling them. Michael Duffy’s non-judgmental, approachable style takes his readers step by step through a practical, ethical framework for decision-making about sex. This is an invaluable text."
—Leah Robberts-Mosser, Pastor, Community United Church of Christ, on the campus of the University of Illinois

"This is really a sexually provocative book—it provokes good, honest wrestling with the moral complexity of sexual intercourse in a way few books do. And it is inclusive. It is spiritually comprehensive, yet distinctly Christian. Though most illustrations suggest younger adults, it will be useful to singles of all ages. It pairs direct, uncomplicated communication with sophisticated, nuanced ethical thinking. It is deeply serious without losing sexuality’s joy and playfulness. Michael Duffy never makes the decisions for the reader, but proves himself an unusually challenging and wise companion to everyone moving through the puzzle of expressing their sexuality with faithfulness and integrity."
—James B. Nelson, Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

"Sex, like love, is a many splendored thing. But let's get real; sex can also be complicated, cruel and devastating. How then can we navigate these ethical waters so as to maximize enjoyment while making safe, healthy choices? Michael Duffy's Making Sense of Sex is a step in the right direction. It is a well-written and thoughtful treatise on the difficult decisions that accompany sex, offering advice that is largely consistent with an enlightened Christian tradition."
—Paul R. Abramson, Professor of Psychology at UCLA, and author of Sex Appeal: Six Ethical Principles for the 21st Century

"In my years of working with college students, I find that honest conversations about sex are rare and awkward at best. Michael Duffy's book is a way forward that gives young adults, pastors, teachers/mentors, and campus ministers a framework for personal reflection and even dialogue with others. His crisp, clean, non-judgmental style assists without coercing. The real stories and hypothetical scenarios offer the reader a way to step back and think more clearly about other questions raised when asking oneself, 'Should I have sex? Should I have sex again? With this particular person?' This book is helpful for Christians, agnostics, and atheists—anyone who is seeking more clarity about this vital aspect of our lives."
—Laura S. Sugg, Associate Pastor and Campus Minister, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville

"This book is honest, penetrating, perceptive and real. Michael Duffy addresses the complex subject of sex and his discerning audience with rare integrity."
—John Shelby Spong, author, Living in Sin? A Bishop Addresses Human Sexuality