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Unprotected Texts: The Bible's Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire Hardcover – January 25, 2011

by Jennifer Wright Knust (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 169 ratings
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“An explosive, fascinating book that reveals how the Bible cannot be used as a rulebook when it comes to sex. A terrific read by a top scholar.” —Bart Ehrman, author of Misquoting Jesus

Boston University’s cutting-edge religion scholar Jennifer Wright Knust reveals the Bible’s contradictory messages about sex in this thoughtful, riveting, and timely reexploration of the letter of the gospels. In the tradition of Bart Erhman’s Jesus Interrupted and John Shelby Spong’s Sins of Scripture, Knust’s Unprotected Texts liberates us from the pervasive moralizing—the fickle dos and don’ts—so often dictated by religious demagogues. Knust’s powerful reading offers a return to the scripture, away from the mere slogans to which it is so often reduced.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    HarperOne
  4. Publication date
    January 25, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.13 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0061725587
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0061725586
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. In a refreshingly sensible tone, Knust, assistant professor of religion at Boston University, tackles today™s most contentious biblical texts and brings to light some intriguing others in this effort to detail and explain what the Bible says about sex. Although it is academic in its embrace of biblical scholarship and treatment of texts, this is also a personal book. Knust, a lifelong Baptist (and ordained as an American Baptist pastor), begins with an anecdote from her childhood that defends the value of studying and questioning the Bible. Matters of how biblical interpretations bear on real issues for people today are never far from the discussion. As Knust is clear-eyed in showing the Bible™s acceptance of polygamy, slavery, prostitution, and premarital sex, she calls into question facile judgments and absolutist claims about œwhat the Bible says. In her able hands, readers will learn and appreciate the variety of ways that the Bible treats and judges sex. She also demands of readers that they then think for themselves about how biblical texts should be interpreted and applied. (Feb.)
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From Booklist

*Starred Review* Knust’s impressive and highly readable analysis of Old and New Testament Bible stories explores mores of ancient cultures, which supported prostitution and polygamy along with slavery and patriarchy. In doing so, she makes a convincing case for religious leaders and others to take greater care and responsibility in extracting wisdom needed for healing contemporary society. Knust cites several examples of prominent figures who have misused the Bible to support wars, slavery, and the oppression of women and children. Her analysis of the story of Ruth and Naomi reveals that sex outside of marriage does not always lead to ruin. Likewise, she asserts that the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah came not because of rampant homosexuality but as a result of society’s excesses and its leaders ceasing to seek justice, rescue the oppressed, and protect widows and orphans. The book also explores a plethora of taboo subjects: female sexual desire, divorce, infidelity, homosexuality, celibacy, menstruation, cross-dressing, and circumcision as well as the perennial need for intimacy and human contact. For those wanting to understand the Bible as a chronicle of human conduct for achieving the goals of survival, peace, and fulfillment, this is a treasure. --Susan DeGrane

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne; First Edition (January 25, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0061725587
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061725586
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.09 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.13 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 169 ratings

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Jennifer Wright Knust

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
169 global ratings
...so much more to Gods depth than the conclusions drawn therein..
1 Star
...so much more to Gods depth than the conclusions drawn therein..
The writer seems to feel the audience is mostly uninformed in greater biblical study. This seemingly is sadly taken advantage of. Many excellent scriptural texts have been excluded and much of the Hebrew scriptures are taken out of context. Gods Word is a work of artistic perfection, and like any other art work, one has a greater appreciation for the end product if the entire work and process is examined. Some of scripture is poetry, some prophecy, some proverbs, some parable, some simply historical narrative, some law that has now been fulfilled in Christ, some epistle. Any given 'scriptural sentence' is bound to be misunderstood if the entire work is not taken as a whole. Imagine seeing a few random lines in a play and extrapolating from there. There is so much more to Gods depth than the conclusions drawn therein. Blessings [...]
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Top reviews from the United States

Dr. Lance D. Chambers
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book on how the Bible see's sex in relationships.
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2012
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Was exactly what I was looking for - a book on how the Bible actually discusses sex.

It is NOT written for anyone who has already made up their mind about what the Bible SHOULD say as it is NOT a politically correct work that tells us everything we already believe we know about what the Bible has to say about sex.

This is a very good coverage of the subject with references to each and every issue that it discusses.

You'll be very surprised if you're one of the people who thinks they DO KNOW THEIR BIBLE and what it says in the matter of sex but don't really.

And even if you have no idea what the Bible has to say on the subject be prepared for a lot of surprises - it's not a puritan work that's for sure.

Conservative Christians watch out!
10 people found this helpful
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American Writer & Director
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read for the open minded.
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2023
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A good exploration into the complexities of scripture, exposing the dangers of simple narratives imposed by mostly well meaning Christians to make the bible into something it's not - a simple, singular, consistent voice on sexual themes & behaviors we should adhere to as moral principals. I expected it to be racier, & will admit a slight disappointment that it's not. :)
One person found this helpful
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Older_but_Wiser
5.0 out of 5 stars Worthy of my time. Recommended!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2023
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I started reading this book a few years ago on my Kindle while at the gym. When Covid came to town, our gym closed for a half year. Attention turned elsewhere as I always have plenty to read. I didn't realize how close to the end of the book I was until just now when i tapped my Kindle expecting the next chapter and was taken to the bibliography instead. Highly recommended.
One person found this helpful
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CMI
5.0 out of 5 stars All People Who Say, "The Bible Says..." Should Read this Book
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2014
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As certain "Christian" groups continue to push away those who don't fit into the "Christian tradition", I would suggest that everyone including those who call themselves "conservatives" read this book. After reading this this book, open the Bible and "really" start reading it. Don't just listen to the screaming pastor in the pulpit, but actually study and listen to what the scripture is telling us. We need to realize that the Word of God is for everyone and that we need to welcome all people into Christ's Church. Let us bless all types of marriage, love those whose marriages have not turned out and celebrate our sexual nature. Let's talk openly about our love for each other whether it is a gay or straight relationship, mixed race, age difference. Remember that true love heals and will grow Christ's Church here on earth.
10 people found this helpful
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oldjim
3.0 out of 5 stars Unprotected Text
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2011
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This is a fascinating and and informative book, but it could have been edited to half its length and been better.
3 people found this helpful
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michael g
5.0 out of 5 stars great job on an avoided topic
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2017
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jennifer w k does an outstanding job covering a variety of texts and passages related to sex and relations in the bible. also relates passages in the context of the time and what it may mean to relations today. a very good read.
4 people found this helpful
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kassmus
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book! Thorough and long but great insight.
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2019
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Very thoughtful survey of the Bible and the information that it contains regarding marriage, sex, sexuality. This was not a quick read, some of the middle chapters were a bit tedious but I appreciated the thorough review. I also really appreciated the insight in the last chapter (offers a good summary in a much more concise manner).
4 people found this helpful
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praxtiprat
5.0 out of 5 stars awesome book
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2013
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so very glad i got this. it's been extremely educational and i LOVE it. i would recommend this to anyone that wants to know more -real information- about biblical texts or questions the 'one size fits all or you're damned' perspective most 'Christians' put out there.
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read
Reviewed in Canada on August 23, 2021
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This book opens doors into conversations we as a society dearly need and require of we are to lead with love.
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Mrs E Wetherall
5.0 out of 5 stars Don't put your "feet" on Jennifer's big flowery couch!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2021
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I came across the author giving biblical opinion on tv and decided to watch her Ted Talk and email her at work. Despite my obvious weird stalker-like approach She obviously had a good sense of humour and was kind enough to reply. I'm not sure if this book is needed in most of England but addresses the hideous use of selected Bible extracts in the US to justify hate in regard to same-sex marriage. The bible was written by people, mostly Jewish men and ranks men above women, women above slave and every new above Gentile. Of course it does. Jennifer rightly makes the point that we have wishes and by nature and design we seek confirmatory bias. The Bible is the perfect source with which to justify our desire and beliefs as being God's will. As a person of no belief I am greatly pleased to see this view expressed by a person of obvious faith but it did leave me wondering if the Bible is not just a collective expression of different views and not the product of any actual Devine revelation. I guess that's my faithless Englishness again!
2 people found this helpful
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VenusReyJr
5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary book written by a woman theologian.
Reviewed in Mexico on January 1, 2016
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This book is extraordinary. It made me see things that otherwise would have remained obscured. The book proves that a given sexual behavior could be praised in one text and abhorred in another.
What is it that the Bible really says about sex? The Bible says so many contrary things, so no one should really purport to have the whole and only truth. Christians of all ages have professed that they are the sole bearers of the Word, and that is why we have a broken and divided Christendom.
I recommend to anyone, believer or not, to read this magnificent book written by a lady theologian.
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lola
4.0 out of 5 stars A very detailed study of the bible's commentary about sex
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2019
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This book does a deep dive into the bible's various teachings about sex and sexual desire without trying to convince you of any one truth. However, it explores so much more than sex. Jennifer Wright Knust does a really good job of explaining complicated narratives in an easy to understand way and is honest about the various interpretations. The point of this book, in my opinion, is to show the reader that this holy scripture can be open to many interpretations, that serve different purposes.

It's a must read for anyone interested in understanding the bible on another level.
One person found this helpful
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Sandra Street
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and a great resource for those with a more modern perception of ...
Reviewed in Canada on December 29, 2015
Verified Purchase
Well written and a great resource for those with a more modern perception of sexuality. Denounces the familiar interpretation of scripture that are used to condem
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