Overview

"What do Bible stories like the Garden of Eden, Ruth, King David, or the Song of Songs tell us about sex? How do we learn from them while our modern contexts and questions change around us? In Preaching Sex, Gary Harder reflects on what has been taught by church and society about sexuality. He shares 17 of his sermons, reflections, and other resources from over fifty years of preaching, which include theological input from Lydia Harder, to address how we can talk - and even preach - about sex. Gary Harder explains: We live in an ""overly sexualized world."" And yet, it seems difficult to talk freely about sex in the church. What makes for healthy sexuality and deeply intimate relationships? How do we open conversations about sex in our homes and in the church? I never knew how to start these kinds of conversations in my own home with my own children. I found it easier to do this in the churches where I was pastor. Or with couples wanting to get married. Why wasn't I comfortable having these discussions with my own children? I didn't see myself as a radical - definitely not militantly progressive in my views. More like 'boldly biblical.' I was fairly modest or moderate but not meek."

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9781990827075

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"Carol Penner (from Foreword): ""...fascinating, instructive and still resonates with issues we face today... Some of the sermons made me gasp at their straightforward denunciation of patriarchy... For a book that talks about brokenness, there was a lot of joy bubbling up as well."" ... a compelling exploration of the complexities surrounding human sexuality, power dynamics, and spiritual intimacy. Through a tapestry of sermons and reflections, this book courageously addresses the often taboo subjects of love, sex, abuse, and power within a religious and societal context. Its insightful, prophetic, and pastoral approach provides a meaningful contribution to the conversation on sexuality, offering hope and healing to those navigating these intricate aspects of human life. Hyung Jin (Pablo) Kim Sun, Mennonite Pastor and Senior Leader for Anti-Racism and Intercultural Conciliation, Christian Reformed Church He is such a gifted Bible storyteller/interpreter. The creation stories and other OT stories came alive for me like never before. Hosea and Gomas, I think, likening us to Gomas, brought me to tears. I learned so much through his understanding of sexuality - the humanness, the honesty of telling their own story/relationship, through struggles and crisis was heartening. It was a gift to read it. Jeanette Seiling, artist and author, Bethel Mennonite Church ... an invaluable addition to any Christian ""people helper's"" library, and certainly for pastors too. The collection of sermons and resources is a refreshingly personal, candid, transparent, authentic and humble venture into a biblical exploration of what it means to be God-created sexual beings in a changing world. Gary Harder courageously ventures forward, trusting that the understanding of our sexuality is still in the developing hands of the Holy Spirit. I hope that in reading this book, the reader finds courage to initiate honest and open discussion, especially with those entering into, or struggling within, a marriage covenant. Ed Heide, MSW, Retired Marriage and Family Therapist"

Author Information

Gary Harder grew up on an irrigation farm in Rosemary, Alberta, a unique town featuring a Buddhist temple, Mormon Temple, and Mennonite Church. Each of these communities had a history of persecution, which created occasions for cooperation and appreciation of each other's heritages.Gary holds degrees from Canadian Mennonite Bible College (CMBC), Goshen College, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, and St. Stephen College in Edmonton (DMin). He has served as pastor at Waters Mennonite Church in Lively, Ontario; Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Indiana; First Mennonite Church, Edmonton, Alberta; and Toronto United Mennonite Church. Gary has served on numerous boards including CMBC, the Leadership Commission of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada, and local ecumenical ministerials.Gary and Lydia's partnership has been important to them from the time they studied Greek together in College and discovered that they had many common interests and commitments to church and ministry. They were married in 1964. Besides co-parenting their three children, they have had opportunities to teach together in Asuncion, Paraguay, and also at CMBC, AMBS, and CGUC. They also spent six months in Cairo with MCC. A particular highlight in their retirement was serving as intentional interim co-pastors in three congregations.Gary and Lydia live in Luther Village in Waterloo, Ontario. They delight in their three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Lydia Neufeld Harder grew up on a fruit farm in Niagara. After a stint of elementary school teaching, she attended CMBC and then went on to several years of homemaking and volunteer work in church and community before entering the academic world, graduating from Newman College (MTh) and Toronto School of Theology (TST) (ThD). She directed the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre and taught as an adjunct faculty member at TST and Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC).Lydia has published two books, Obedience, Suspicion and the Gospel of Mark (Wilfred Laurier Press, 1998) and The Challenge is in the Naming (CMU Press, 2018).

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