Explores what sex means as part of a loving relationship, and how partners can experience it to its full potential.

There is no papal document that has generated as much interest, controversy, and debate in recent times as Pope Francis’s Amoris Laetitia. This document, which came out of two very divisive synods of Catholic bishops and leaders in Rome in 2014 and 2015, will probably be the most discussed document ever produced by a pope in modern Catholicism on marriage and family life. This volume has gathered seminal commentaries on Amoris Laetitia by African Catholic theologians, social scientists, and pastoral workers. They offer African theological and pastoral responses to the principles and practices proposed by Pope Francis and the Synod on the family on such contested issues as same-sex relations, divorce and remarriage, and reception and denial of Holy Communion in the church, among other divisive issues. These important essays and commentaries show the strengths and weaknesses of this papal commentary and point out the missing link in the global conversation on marriage, family, and same-sex relations. Their argument for the inclusion of African perspectives and moral traditions in the search for a third way in finding an inclusive and integrated pastoral art of accompaniment is very compelling. The authors here also call for the inclusion of Africa’s own unique challenges—like polygamy, childless marriages, and the impact of migration, civil conflict, diseases, ecological and population crises, and the rights of African women—in the global discussion on marriage and family life. They also challenge uncritical clichés in world Christianity that Africa’s opposition to same-sex marriages (or Western propaganda about population or birth control and contraception) are conservative, while showing diverse African conversations on these topics in the search for abundant life on this beautiful continent.

HeartSong: Conversations About Love, Joy and Sex - Discover the Secret to a Fulfilling Love Relationship is a powerful and poignant foray into why most relationships fail and what to do about it. Colin Hillstrom and Ariole K. Alei are a husband and wife team who have worked with thousands of people worldwide as professional relationship coaches. They offer staight-forward, practical advice and inspiring solutions for anyone interested in achieving more fulfillment and satisfaction in their relationships and their life as a whole. HeartSong is written in a conversational style which engages the reader from the first page to the last. Supported with beautiful graphics, it is filled with rich wisdom, insight, and real life stories including chapters such as The Soul and The Ego, Love and Respect, Enlightened Communication, Life Balance, Becoming Allies, and New Paradigm Relationships.

Reveals tales of sex and love from ancient Greece, Rome, and other Mediterranean cultures, offering insight into these civilizations' beliefs about contraception, bisexuality, cross-dressing, nymphomania, and erotic practices.

“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.

“All of us are called to keep striving towards something greater than ourselves and our families, and every family must feel this constant impulse. Let us make this journey as families, let us keep walking together.” Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia In his groundbreaking work on modern family life, Amoris Laetitia: On Love in the Family, Pope Francis continues to guide and lead the Church, calling us to be a sign of mercy and encouragement for families of all shapes and sizes. The Our Sunday Visitor edition includes exclusive reflection and discussion questions, to help Catholics grow in our understanding of this call, and act upon it. In Amoris Laetitia: On Love in the Family the Holy Father expands on the topics and considerations of the two Synods on the family, and adds his own considerations to help us provide pastoral guidance to support and strengthen today’s families. On Love in the Family guides us through: Scripture – what we can learn from Biblical families and relationships with God and each other Reality – the experiences and challenges we face in today’s world Tradition – essential aspects of Church teaching on marriage and families Love – what it means for all our relationships Ministry – Pope Francis offers pastoral perspectives for helping build strong families Spirituality – the expression of the Gospel message in our relationships

After 30 years--with more than eight million copies sold--"The Joy of Sex" is still considered the quintessential sex manual by millions of readers. Featuring an exuberant combination of newly updated text and illustrations, this classic sex manual tells readers everything they want--and need--to know about sex in the 21st century. 20 full-color photos. 80 line illustrations.