Gerald Larue, an eminent biblical scholar, examines the many dimensions of marriage and sexual activity recorded in the Bible and other ancient religious texts and the effect of these documents on our present culture. Professor Larue brilliantly analyses Bible passages, utilising the methods and insights from literary, historical, and cultural studies. At times, these biblical passages are set in the larger framework of the ancient Near East and references are made to the belief systems of surrounding nations. At other times, the focus is on Hebrew, Jewish and Christian communities only. The primary emphasis is on the time period extending from about 1100 Before the Common Era (B.C.E.) to about 150 of the Common Era (C.E.), the years in which the biblical materials were recorded. There is also a lengthy discussion of the connection between biblical writings and our present understanding of human sexuality.
