Love and Sex: A Christian Guide to Healthy Intimacy

“So many couples struggle in their sexual lives because they divide sex and love … Nancy Houston has written an excellent, practical, and very hopeful book on how to reintegrate the division.”—Dr. John Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries

“Without question, one of the greatest communicators of our generation on Christian sex and intimacy is Nancy Houston.”—Amy Ford, president of Embrace Grace and author of A Bump in Life

Sex is powerful!

Just saying the word “sex” can stir up all kinds of emotions. Maybe it’s a positive emotion for you—or possibly a hurtful, shameful, confusing one. It’s no wonder we struggle to understand its meaning and purpose. It can be difficult to talk about, and if we have experienced unwanted shame or grew up in a home where sex was taboo, addressing the topic can be even more difficult.

In a world of sexual chaos and confusion, we all need a healthy dialogue on the topic—not a black-or-white, right-or-wrong lecture, but a safe forum for discovering, learning, processing, and growing into passionate intimacy within the freedom God provides.

In Love & Sex, Nancy Houston provides a compassionate view of human sexuality. Through the lens of Scripture, she unpacks the good God intended when He created humans as sexual creatures, while recognizing that many people haven’t experienced sex in a positive way.

You won’t find a critical examination of dos and don’ts, but stories of redemption, grace, and hope.

You will understand how you were shaped and that you are more than your sexual behaviors.

For some people, sex is a regular part of life. For others, it’s a huge deal. Maybe even too big of a deal. This book will be your roadmap to finding sexual health, happiness, and balance. And if you are one of the few unscathed by sexual shame or confusion, this book will help you develop a more compassionate lens for those who do struggle.

Nancy Houston is a sex therapist, leadership coach, and licensed professional counselor. She is a director for the John Townsend Leadership Program in New York City and the Dallas/Fort Worth area and an adjunct professor and fellow at the Townsend Institute at Concordia University. Before returning to private practice, Nancy was on staff at Gateway Church as an associate pastor in the Marriage and Family Department and founded the Intimate Life Department. She is an author, speaker, and teacher. She has been married to the love of her life since 1974. They have four married sons and eight grandchildren who delight them to no end.