Christianity and sexuality in the early modern world
Book Description
This comprehensive exploration examines how Christian teachings and institutions influenced intimate relationships and sexual practices across four centuries of global history. From the Protestant Reformation through the American colonial period, Merry E. Wiesner traces the profound ways religious beliefs shaped personal conduct and social expectations around sexuality.
The study spans continents and denominations, investigating Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox communities across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and North America. Readers will discover how Christian standards regarding marriage, divorce, and celibacy evolved differently across cultures and regions. The book delves into complex topics including clerical celibacy, accusations of witchcraft, and various forms of moral regulation that emerged within Christian societies.
Wiesner reveals how local traditions, economic conditions, social class, and racial dynamics intersected with religious doctrine to create diverse expressions of sexual morality. The work examines both scholarly theological perspectives and popular folk beliefs, showing how ordinary people understood and practiced sexuality within their Christian contexts.
For those interested in understanding how spiritual traditions have historically shaped intimate human relationships, this scholarly yet accessible volume offers valuable insights into the intersection of faith, culture, and personal conduct. The global scope provides a nuanced view of how Christian sexual ethics developed across different societies and time periods.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 277 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Sex customs
- ✓ Explore Sexualité
- ✓ Explore Christianisme
- ✓ Explore Sex, religious aspects, christianity
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects of Sex
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Aspect religieux
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
