Review by Booklist Review
In this much-needed antidote to the body-negative memes of traditional Christianity, Paulsell discusses the evolution of Christianity's conflicted attitudes toward the body and identifies the relevant scriptures that support them. Far from being academic or dry, however, the book is a sensual, poetic journey into our experience of our physical selves, ranging from the sharing of meals to the sharing of our persons with our partners. Paulsell shows how a body-negative interpretation of Christian philosophy leads to a wide range of problems, from eating disorders to illness, from poor self-esteem to difficulty connecting emotionally with others. With compassion and understanding, she encourages us to honor our physical beings and recognize the ways in which our physical lives support and nourish our spiritual lives. Although Paulsell's arguments are drawn primarily from the Bible, the early history of Christianity, and personal experience, her ideas transcend a particular religious tradition and may help anyone raised in a culture with a body-negative heritage. --Bonnie Johnston
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This latest installment in Jossey-Bass's Practices of Faith series is at once a highly organized survey of human embodiment and a free-flowing meditation on the same. Paulsell, who teaches at Harvard Divinity School, works her way through topics such as bathing, clothing, eating and having sex, and sheds thoughtful light on each not-so-mundane practice. As she discusses each activity, she ponders its spiritual significance and explores Scriptural references to it. She asks, for example, what it means to clothe ourselves in Christ, thereby eschewing but at the same time maintaining our sexual and ethnic identity. These metaphysical questions give way to lovely stories from the lives of Paulsell and her loved ones, and from the autobiographical work of such writers as Anne Lamott and Elizabeth Ehrlich, the latter an agnostic Jew who chronicles her difficult but rewarding journey toward keeping kosher. Paulsell's approach is to ask rather than to answer questions, and to analyze rather than to judge. The only absolute moral stand she takes is one in favor of church recognition of homosexual unions. In fact, Paulsell takes care throughout the book to include references to queer experience, the most touching of which is the story of Mark Doty's care for his dying lover, as told through Doty's poems. While there is little in the book that feels particularly dramatic or original, it will undoubtedly lead its readers to a new and deeper understanding of their embodiment. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
In Christianity, the Eucharist emphasizes the relationship between Jesus' body and humanity, so it would seem logical that Christians would honor their own flesh and blood. Not so, says Paulsell, an ordained pastor currently serving as visiting lecturer on ministry at Harvard Divinity School. Her compelling book argues that while it is quite possible to regard highly the human physique, various societal and cultural conceptions go against the belief that human beings are "fearfully and wonderfully made" in the image of God. Paulsell writes about bathing and clothing the body, the necessity of exercise and rest, sexuality, and physical debilitations with their all-too-often negative connotations. The section on food is particularly fitting, since modern society places so much emphasis on physical perfection often with devastating consequences. Through this extremely well-written book, both lay readers and clergy will develop an appreciation of the body. Including a companion study guide (not seen), it is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries serving theological programs. Mary Prokop, Savannah Country Day Preparatory Sch., GA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by Library Journal Review
