Sexual Intimacy in Marriage

Rating:
Summary: Might be good for newly-weds, but otherwise...
Review: As a practicing Ob/Gyn for the last 20 years as well as a Christian, I am familiar with the sensitive issues surrounding a happy fulfilling sex life in marriage. Dr. Cutrer handles these issues with expertise which is founded both in his experience as a gynecologist and his obvious thorough knowledge of the scriptures. I have strongly recommended this book for many of my patients, as well as members of my family. God wants us to fully enjoy our partners in marriage and do so mutually. This book goes a long way toward dispelling many myths, taboos and misconceptions about what God whould have us get out of our physical relationships! I can't recommend this book highly enough. As the author of two books myself, I can tell you that this text's organization, content and readability are critically excellent as well. Any married couple, Christian or otherwise, should get a copy of this book! J.M. Thurston, MD, FACOG

Rating:
Summary: Accurate, easily understood, witty, fun to read....
Review: In pondering the rapid maturity of our children, I often find myself scanning the shelves of the bookstore seeking aid for reliable guidance into their future experiences of adulthood. "Sexual Intimacy in Marriage", co-authored by Dr. William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn, was an encouraging find toward this purpose. The book was originally purchased, read and appreciated as a personal resource in understanding gender differences and how they can affect the marital relationship. It also has provided insight into God's Word in the matters of sexual relationships and marital promises. After reading this book, I realized not only is it an invaluable tool in my life, but also, what a priceless source of teaching and information this would be to the young adult who is fast approaching the years in which relational commitments are often made. I have, with great confidence, recommended this reading selection to each of my college-bound teens. My personal gain from this book has been a renewed desire and confidence to instill in my children the hope intended for the plan of marriage that God so beautifully designed. This is a great help for those who will soon begin, or have just begun to build a marriage, or for those who are dedicated to fortifying their marriage with strength from God's hand. This book is written with wisdom and heart. A great contribution to the lives of those you love and care for the most.

Rating:
Summary: What a great book!
Review: It's good to Christians have a book on sex based with a biblical perspective. This one is well written and so easy to read. Loved it!

Rating:
Summary: It's very well done
Review: Our current age presents the act of sex as both natural and good - an expression of our personal desire for pleasure or the fulfillment of some primordial need. Bill Cutrer, M.D., in his refreshing and timely work "Sexual Intimacy in Marriage" poses, however, a more focused viewpoint of sex, one drawn from a book of timeless revelation -- the Holy Bible.

In vignettes that draw on both the Holy Scripture and modern medicine, Dr. Cutrer directs the reader on how people ought to treat each other, in general, interwoven with a manual on how they should respond to sexual desire. He encourages efforts to enhance the enjoyment of sex with one's spouse -- but above all, he demonstrates how the sex act must always be part of the biblical instruction to love.

"Sexual Intimacy in Marriage" is an outstanding work that is an excellant companion piece to Dr. Larry Crabb's "The Marriage Builder". I recommend it highly!

Rating:
Summary: It's very well done
Review: The authors approach a delicate subject with ease through humour and tact. I appreciated the medical information and the encouragement to think outside the box on this subject. The biblical foundation provided a framework for the book to deal with a large array of questions. It's very good!

Rating:
Summary: A Book All Married Couples Should Read
Review: The authors wanted to take the subject of sex "out of the closet while keeping it out of the gutter" (13). In the past, many publications on the topic of sex have been "overly spiritual" (ignoring "human realities") or were too medical (bypassing the "mental and emotional" aspects of sex). The answer to the dilemma was this "easy-to-read" book that blends the "glory of sex" with the "realities of life"(13). This book explains all aspects of sex, including male and female anatomy, sexual myths, and answering specific questions regarding sexual practice from a Christian point of view.

This book was very frank in explaining sexual issues. The authors said that the "number one" problem couples experienced was talking about sex, even though communication was the key to discovering the sexual desires of one's spouse (82). The book, containing sketches of male and female anatomy as well as the proper form for the "squeeze technique," could be used as an "ice breaker" for couples who find it difficult to openly communicate about sexual matters.

In the section entitled, "The Sexual Response Cycle," Dr. Cutrer shared, "God designed our genitals to become aroused" he continued by saying, "the enjoyment of beauty does not need to be wicked...we can appreciate the lovely form of biceps or breast without falling headlong into uncontrolled passion" (50). It seemed almost contradictory for him to write in the next paragraph, "arousal whets the sexual appetite...it gently or not-so-gently turns the mind toward sexual fulfillment...sometimes sight is enough" (50). Perhaps the wording was not clear, but it appeared that being sexually stimulated by others was acceptable. This seemed contrary to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:28- "I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Overall, the book had several positive aspects. For instance, many people get married without ever realizing the magnitude of the commitment. The most helpful section of the book was entitled, "What is Marriage?" It described the "two things" involved with marriage-leaving one's parents and cleaving to the spouse (116). Instead of giving newlyweds an opportunity to come back when they are unhappy about their marriage, the authors insisted that parents ought to tell their child, "When you say `I do,' keep your commitment in sickness and health. We're renting out your room tomorrow. Drop by sometime for a visit" (117). This statement puts an emphasis on the importance of marital commitment and through "tough love" the parents demonstrate support for their child's marriage. The authors valiantly described the biblical roles of both husband and wife. This book fulfilled its goal of providing a "practical approach to many sexual problems and challenges that confront married couples" (14).