Holy Sex!

Dr. Greg has done a remarkable job distilling the Catholic Church's teaching on human sexuality in a way that will delight the senses. Not only has he done this, but he has also provided couples with faithful answers to common (yet embarrassing) problems that are too often not talked about. You will find yourself rolling on the floor with laughter one minute, crying from relief (after finding out the truth you have been searching for) the next and still the next minute asking yourself, "Did he really say THAT!!! Yes, he did." When I read this book, incidently before Dr. Greg ever received his own "author's copy", I couldn't put it down. It has been about 9 months since I read this book and I am still unpacking the delightful, shocking truths that Dr. Greg has so humorously communicated in here. I have one suggestion for all those who want to reading: Do not read it while you are trying to abstain!! You may find it very difficult to continue to stay the course!! In all honesty, Dr. Greg has done a phenominal job trying to convey in human terms the beautiful reality that human sexuality is. I highly recommend this (as well as all his other books on marriage and family).

Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (8/08) "Holy Sex!" What were you taught about sex as a Catholic? I know that I was taught that you must be married before you can have sex, and that the said sex brings about a baby, if the time is right. Certain family members told me that sex was dirty, which was really confusing. Times have changed since I was a kid. Times have changed big-time. I think, though, that many Catholics still have their own beliefs about when sex is right and when its not. For anyone who has any questions at all in his mind about any part of this topic, "Holy Sex" is a wonderful book to read. Gregory Popcak seems to have done his research very thoroughly. Everything that he tells us in this book is what other Catholics and I have read about in past Catholic readings. Popcak brings a lot of humor and liveliness to his writings. This is very appreciated because everyone is always so serious about the subject of church and sexual relations. He tells us that even though we are Catholics and have certain beliefs, we can still have a lot of fun and pleasure in the bedroom with our partners, without feeling guilty as sin because of what we were told. When you're a kid and are told one certain thing about the subject of sex, usually that is what you believe until you either run across different theory, or just learn for yourself. This book can help with that. It can help straighten out all the confusions of sexual passion, as a religious person or any other person. It can help you realize that, even though you are a very religious person, you can still enjoy sex just as anyone else in the world. I thought this was a really good book. I would only recommend this book for adults. I surely recommend it to adult married couples. I think they will get a kick out of this book. I don't believe that young kids should be reading on this subject as of yet. Some of the words used in this book by Popcak were very simple words and sometimes he repeated things a few times, but otherwise, I give it thumbs up!

Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (6/08) Gregory K. Popcak's "Holy Sex!" is the ultimate guide to a fulfilling, happy, yet virtuous sexual life. While written with the Catholic couples in mind, the author's insight should prove helpful to just about anybody desiring a stronger, more fulfilling sexual experience within their marriage. Debunking the myths and exposing the lies about the role of sex in Christianity, this book shows you the path to Infallible Loving, a very freeing experience that will bring the partners closer together as well as closer to their God. The author explains how eroticism differs from Holy Sex and why the latter is so much more fulfilling. Through a series of questionnaires the reader is guided to better understanding of what the Infallible Lovers are made of and with the help of well-thought-out exercises given a powerful tool to become one of them. The second part of the book deals with the five great powers of Holy Sex, namely: 1. Holy Sex has the power to make the common holy. 2. Holy Sex has sacramental and redemptive power. 3. Holy Sex has the power to be a physical sign of God's passion for us. 4. Holy Sex has the power to unite. 5. Holy Sex has the power to create. Supported by a number of personal stories as well as quotes from a vast array of notable writers, this is an intensely thought-provoking section. I challenge any reader to read it and not feel changed in some way. The third and fourth parts mostly deal with practical matters, from Natural Family Planning to technicalities of intercourse and solving of common sexual problems, infidelity and more. Always down-to-earth and written in an easy-to-follow and easy-to-understand style, these two parts should probably be the ones most people will refer to more than once. While this book should be particularly helpful to engaged couples and newlyweds, I do believe that the lessons taught inside could provide positive changes for couples regardless of how long they've been married. With advice that is both practical and well researched, witty and wise, Gregory K. Popcak's "Holy Sex!" should find a permanent place on the bookshelves of people wishing for stronger foundations of their marriage, showing everybody why good sex is not only compatible with the Catholic teachings, but highly desirable as well.

There are many areas of discepency regarding what we think, or what we are told the Catholic church teaches and what the Catholic church actually teaches. One of the most well hidden and least talked about areas has to be the place and role of sexuality and sexual relations in the Catholic faith. This book couragously and unashamedly explores the true source, meaning, and purpose of our sexuality. It explodes the myth that the Church and sex are nearly mutually exclusive, and reveals the dignity and reverence that the Church places upon sex and sexuality not only for procreation but just as importantly for its absolute integral importance for creating and nurturing a deep, true, spiritual marital relationship. This book shows us that physical pleasure is indeed very good and highly encouraged by the Church in the marital relationship. Not in the same way that physical pleasure is presented to us in the thin veneer of eroticism that society inundates us with, but as a beautiful part of something much deeper and more meaningful. Holy Sex!, despite the profound and wieghty subject matter, is a very readable and accessible book presented with ample doses of wit and humor. This book is well researched and built on solid religious, and psychological foundations. To classify Holy Sex! as just a great marital/relationship self help guide, which it is, would however, in my opinion, miss the core of the message. The information in this book is meant not only to be helpful, but to be transformational. The heart of this book is a challenge to all of us. A challenge to understand that real love is not about us, it's about others. The real love from which everything else, including amazing sex, flows. If individuals are transformed by this real love, then couples are transformed. When couples are transformed, families are transformed. When families are transformed, communities are transformed. This is big stuff people !!

Whether or not you are Catholic, this book is the best I've ever seen on how to have a TRULY satisfying sexual relationship. It is completely faithful to the Catholic Church's teachings on sexuality and even if you think you know what that is, I think you'll be surprised to find out how much more there is to know! This book is really engaging and treats its subject with both the respect it deserves and the humor which will encourage you to keep reading. It is practical as well. I think it would be a fabulous engagement or wedding gift. Everyone who is married or wants to be could benefit from this book. Read it and find out what you've been missing all these years!!!