Pure
Does God still have a say in our sexuality? In Pure, Dean Inserra explains why the Bible’s plan for sexuality isn’t outdated, irrelevant, or oppressive.
Careful Confrontation and Correction
Section 1, Setting the Stage, explains our current context having come out of the “Purity Culture” movement of the 90s. True Love Waits, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, and the mantra of “it’s just sex” are examined. I appreciate Inserra’s understanding of Evangelical culture and how it has impacted those who grew up in it.
The bulk of the book takes place in Section 2: Passing Through: Living as Exiles in a Sex-Crazed World. Inserra analyzes 7 lies that have seeped into our culture, including “sex is expected,” “porn is the norm,” and “cohabitation just makes sense.” While I have heard these lies with increasing frequency from the world, Inserra has heard them consistently from collegians and young adults at his church. He carefully confronts and corrects these lies with truth from God’s Word.
Singleness, Sexual Sin, and Surprising Hope
I was most moved in Section 3: Where Do We Go from Here? A chapter on singleness reminds the reader that singleness is not a second-class status. And a chapter on overcoming sexual sin gives these four steps: (1) Feed, (2) Fellowship, (3) Flee, and (4) Flight. These practical steps remind us that “sexual sin is not inevitable for those who are in Christ.”
The book ends with a word to those who are broken from their sexual sin with encouragement to pursue Christian community, Biblical counseling, and embracing new life in Christ. In this way, the book ultimately ends on a surprisingly positive note.
Purity is Not Found in Pledge Cards
This book is a time capsule that looks back into purity culture with honesty and wisdom. But it also looks forward to new life in Christ. Purity is not found in pledge cards. We must cling to the cross, replacing purity culture with gospel culture. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).
I received a media copy of Pure and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.