“Dirt, Greed, and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and their Implications for Today”
L. William Countryman
Fortress Press, 2007, 350 Pages

At A Glance: “Dirt, Greed, and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and their Implications for Today” delves into the complex sexual ethics presented in the New Testament, exploring their historical context and relevance to contemporary issues, including an examination of the emerging “ethic of creation” and a rearticulated positive New Testament sexual ethic.

Overview: “Dirt, Greed, and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and their Implications for Today” by L. William Countryman is a revised edition of his influential 1988 work, offering fresh insights and critiques on contemporary studies of sexual ethics. This updated version includes a new chapter addressing the growing “ethic of creation” theme prevalent among conservative biblical ethicists, and a completely rewritten concluding chapter that articulates a positive interpretation of New Testament sexual ethics.

The book continues to be a landmark text, providing a nuanced exploration of sexual ethics that integrates historical context with modern scholarly debates and interpretations.

Thoughts from Readers: