CONTENTS

• JUST VISITING
• FEATURE ARTICLE:
  Book Review: The Purity Code
  

  Just Visiting

  From time to time we offer reviews of recent books dealing with a variety of family issues. We haven't had children in our home for nearly twenty years, so we're probably a little out of touch with the needs of contemporary parents. We've asked some others to provide us with reviews of books that might be helpful to those readers who are facing the challenge of parenting in the twenty-first century. We turned to our son, Jim who is an AAF staff member and children's minister in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jim contacted some good people in his congregation, who are favoring us with reviews. The first of these reviewers is Norm Wilson. Norm took on the tough task of reviewing a book on sexuality. We know you'll appreciate his efforts.

  Norman and Ann Bales

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  Book Review: The Purity Code

  Title of book: The Purity Code: God's Plan for Sex and Your Body
  Subject/Topic: Advice for older children addressing their changing sexuality
  Author/ Publisher/ Date of Publication: Jim Burns/Bethany House/ 2008
  Recommendation: Recommend

  Review: "My kids are too young to even be thinking about sexuality".. uh-huh (add sarcasm). I was unsettled by statistics regarding the age at which some children are becoming aware of, and exploring, their sexuality. If you've been planning to discuss "the birds and the bees" with your children, this book will reinforce the need. It will also give you pause to step back and reassess your approach.

  Burns suggests early that this Code is really about honoring God (Jenga!).

  Another strong point the author makes stays in line with Paul's advice, reinforcing the concept that, because our sexuality is God-given, we cannot expect good to come from ignoring it.

  In several cases, Burns is quite direct, using anatomically correct language to describe the physical and emotional changes that we all go through (aka: puberty). In certain narratives, Burns even gets a bit scholastic. Don't look for subtleties.

  As a parent myself, physiologically, there were no surprises. As a male of the species, again, no surprises. As a Christian, however, I was not completely sold on 'the Code' because Burns seemed to be missing a higher mark. I just kept thinking that, despite the soundness of Burns' argument, he didn't stick strongly enough to his initial focus on God.

  As the book progressed, Burns position seemed to drift toward recovery steps and away from seeking and knowing that God "so loved" that "He gave", that if we "trust", we can "have" eternal life with Him.

  My sincerest hope is that Burns has intentionally structured this material in such a way as to effectively introduce the concept of truly seeking God's opinion (on your looks, your clothes, your speech, your friends, etc) in all things.

  There is evidence all around us of just how powerful advertising and peer pressures can be, and our children are not exempt. They will learn about sexuality. It's up to us to decide if we want the world to teach that lesson or if we want to share God's view. Read the book with your children, be there to answer their questions, show them your focus on God.

  "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." ~Deuteronomy 6:7

  Norm Wilson

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  If you have questions about marriage and family relationships, you can " ASK THE COUNSELOR" Address your questions to Mikal Frazier. Her address is mikal@allaboutfamilies.org

  Norman's e-mail address: nlbales@allaboutfamilies.org
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  Southern Hills Church of Christ
  9080 Southwood Drive
  Shreveport, Louisiana 71118
  (318) 686-2190
  

  E-mail:
  Norman Bales: Norman's e-mail address: nlbales@allaboutfamilies.org
  Ann Bales: ann@allaboutfamilies.org
  Mikal Frazier: mikal@allaboutfamilies.org
  "Jim Bales"jbales@prcoc.org
  Web:allaboutfamilies.org
  allaboutfamilies.org/sh
  

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