Loader (New Testament studies, Murdoch U., Australia) presents a comprehensive survey of the treatment of sexuality in the New Testament and its contexts. It is the last of a five-part series examining sexuality in the Judeo-Christian tradition. He starts off with two chapters intended to provide context but not comprehensive background on sexuality in both the Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds early Christians lived in. It is a survey of both what the Bible itself says and enduring interpretations. Each chapter is structured numerically with sub-headings on specific people (e.g. St. Paul or Plato), practices, rules and the meaning of their transgression, sexual power, rights and responsibilities. After the first two, further chapters explore sexuality in the gospel tradition, sexuality in St. Paul's writing and beyond, divorce, homosexuality, men and women's roles in the Christian community, and celibacy. Annotation 2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
