this book changed my view of myself as an individual and God as the creator and giver of love.

Should have looked more closely at the author before purchasing. Although it's a refreshing view of the beauty of sex and the spiritual connection it creates between you and God, it also has a very conservative sexual undercurrent. My sense was that the author would not consider a queer relationship as applicable to his theory and he also strongly advocates for abstinence before marriage, which is something that I think is antiquated.

it was exactly as the seller said it would be, book was in great condition, received in an excellent timely manner

I am a divorced single dad, who has really spent the last few years just wondering how to put things back together. I am a strong Christian who is very active in a supportive church. This book has clarified some confusing questions I have have about starting another relationship after vowing to be with my now ex-wife untill the end of time. Rob Bell's writing has also shown me other quetions I need to ask myself, and has also shown me how great a sexual relationship can be. This book would be a great resource for any couple.

I love Rob Bell and was really looking forward to reading this book. I found the chapter titles interesting, but was somewhat disappointed with the content. There were plenty of thought provoking ideas and perspectives, but overall I felt it to be dreary. I would recommend reading it, I may even give it another shot and try it again in a year. Maybe I missed something or need to be at another place in my life. Either way, I think Bell is bright, interesting and has a wonderful perspective on Christianity and our role in this life.

Don't get freaked out by the title, this is the best book ever! The way Rob Bell relates sexuality to God is a new concept, and really made me think. I've recommended this book to several people, and will continue to. :)

At first, it was hard to get used to the format of the book. It's a little unconventional - more discussional than a chronological format. But once I got used to the format, this book was excellent! Definitely a wonderful viewpoint on different topics that connect sexuality with spirituality. I would recommend to anyone!

Yes, this book is about that.


Rob Bell delves into the link between our sexuality and our spirituality, and the result is a work that will open your eyes to the relationship that God seeks with humanity.

The basic premise is that we are all broken, always seeking a connection with others since our connection with God has been severed. We all want to be known and accepted as we are. Only God can provide us with this, but sex is the next best thing. So we all walk around with distorted concepts of who we are, searching for that connection through physical relation rather than spiritual.

The book is engaging, and Bell has a talent for teaching by using stories(sound familiar?). He is able to weave Bible history, Jewish customs, and contemporary culture together to form a picture of the relationship God desires with mankind. I especially enjoyed a passage on page 70 that describes that Garden of Eden as good, and for it to be truly good, it couldn't be forced on people. Hence, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

A few criticisms, however:

On page 63 Bell describes the universe as unfinished. He claims that "God's intent in creating these people was for them to continue the work of creating the world, moving it away from chaos and wild and waste and formlessness toward order and harmony and good."

I just can't agree with that statement. When God created the universe, it was good. He rested on the seventh day, content with His creation. There was "order and harmony and good." Then we, humanity, screwed it up. I get the gist of what he's saying, but the statement just doesn't make sense.

The other problem is on pages 20 and 22. Bell discusses a passage in which Jesus says "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away." Bell later states "And that's Jesus' point with the "gouge out your eye" teaching. His point isn't that you should mutilate your body if you find yourself lusting after someone. His point is that something serious--sometimes hellish--happens when people are treated as objects, and we should resist it at all costs."(p.22)

I agree with him on his thoughts on people(specifically women) being treated as objects, but I don't think Jesus is just saying that bad things will happen when we sin. To me, Jesus is calling us to a higher level of spirituality. He goes on to say it is better to lose parts of your body than to lose your soul(paraphrased). This means that a life dedicated to God means a neglect of yourself.(Read more about this at The Humble Way blog) I think Bell slightly twists a verse to suit his topic.

Bell is also reluctant to name the author of epistles such as 1st Corinthians, etc. I don't know why, and it's not a big deal. I just wonder why. And, on a more petty note, this guy drops geographic names like Carmen San Diego:

"...I was in Canada..", "...stayed at a wildlife lodge in Africa.", "I was in London..". These are just some of the examples. I'm just saying, dude travels a lot. Maybe I'm just jealous.

But seriously, this is a book I would actually recommend spending money on, and it's also worth your time. Some people criticize Rob Bell for being weak theologically, and I can see their point. I wouldn't go to him for Bible commentary. But he definitely has insight into relationships, especially those concerning people and God. Read this expecting the relational side of God's love to be revealed.

i liked Velvet Elvis....a lot. Thats why I bought this book. Found it to be a stretch for Rob.

He shares ideas with clarity and an enlightened perspective. His view about the nature of human sexuality and how it is a gift from God was refreshing to hear. He explains in various ways how our sexuality is such an important part of who we are in many realms beyond the physical. The book I highly recommend is Sex and the Perfect Lover: Tao, Tantra, and the Kama Sutra

Everyone who is getting married should read this book. Everyone who is dating should read this book. Everyone who is single should read this book. Everyone who is married, divorce, widow or whatever should read this book. Specially, everyone who would like to learn more about God's love an his connection with us should read this. I love this book. My friends and I had a discussion (book club) about the book and we all came to the same conclusion: we want and need to read it over and over again. Love it!

It isn't fair to critique a book I haven't read. That being said, the title and the contents offend me right from the start. "SexGod": It doesn't take a genius to observe our current culture and the trashiness that exists--and this "author" will join together in a title what humans have abused with the One who created it (to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage)?

Have some RESPECT for the holy God!! The Jews, out of reverence for God won't even type or write out his name as we do. They will use G-d!

And the name of the chapters: "God Wears Lipstick", "Leather, Whips and Fruit", "Whoopee Forever". No further comment.

Just read the Bible! See our sin, and how a Holy God cannot have fellowship (connection) with sin, and how he provided redemption Rev. 5:9 "with your blood you purchased men for God". Read Revelation and how God has a future in Heaven, perfect, free from sin. Rev 4:8: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty...".

Whoopee forever? Not. Worship God forever, oh yes!

I would recommend "Sex God" to anyone really -- whether you're in a casual relationship or completely celibate. In the book, Rob Bell approaches the often-avoided topic of sex with practicality and an open mind.

I didn't feel this book pushed a particular agenda or preached. It simply explored. Bell offers a range of ideas formed around the framework of a strong faith in God. What is sex? How is God expressed in sex? Is it OK for us to have sex? What does sex mean? All these urgent questions are approached tactfully and frankly at the same time.

I enjoyed this read.