Pree
Vc
er
Le)
re
CCOU
305
BOOK
CRITIQUE:
FINAL
ASSIGNMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
In
this
course,
you
will
read
The
Gift
of
Sex
and
then
write
and
submit
a
review
and
critique
of
the
major
themes
of
the
book.
You
will
submit
a 6
to
8
page
summary
and
critique
of
the
key
ideas
and
themes
in
the
Penner
&
Penner
text.
This
paper
will
allow
you
to
think
critically
through
the
course
materials
and
demonstrate
mastery
of
key
concepts
in
the
book.
INSTRUCTIONS
The
final
submission
must
be
6
-
8
pages
of
content
with
a
section-by-section
summary
of
the
key
ideas
and
themes
in
the
book
followed
by
a
critique
of
each
section.
The
length
of
the
paper
does
not
include
the
Title
Page and
the
Reference
Page.
Points
will
be
deducted
for
papers
shorter
than
6
pages
and
longer
than
10
pages.
There
must
be
a
minimum
of
5
external
scholarly
references
for
the
paper
in
addition
to
the
textbook
and
the
Bible.
The
Penner
&
Penner
book
must
be
listed on
the
Reference
page.
Acceptable
references
for
the
paper
are
published
books,
scholarly
journal
articles,
and
the Bible.
Wikipedia
and
arbitrary
internet
websites
are
not
acceptable
references.
The
critique
sections
are
a
good
place
to
integrate
your
external
references.
Your
external
sources
may
agree
or
disagree
with
the
book.
Make
sure
statements
you
make
in
your
critique
section
are
well-articulated
and
well-supported
by
your
external
research.
Your
summary
and
critique
sections
of
the
book must
be
objective,
not
personal,
and
written
in
third
person
format
using
a
formal
and
academic
tone.
Each
part
of
the
critique
must
be
in
current
APA
format
including
a
proper
APA
Title
page,
headings,
margins,
in-text
citations
and
Reference
Page.
Note:
Your
assignment
will
be
checked
for
originality
via the
Tuntitin
plagiarism
tool.
C R P
Content 100 to >89.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
content requirements:
Text is written in a
coherent, succinct
manner. Content is
relevant in regards to
(and sufficiently fulfills)
assignment
requirements. A brief
summary of each of the
five sections of the
Penner book is given.
Scholarly critique of
each of the five
sections of the book is
given. External
sources are used in
each critique section.
Assignment is written in
third person format.
Assignment is of proper
length (6–8 pages of
content and
double-spaced).
89 to >69.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
content requirements:
Text is written in a
coherent, succinct
manner. Content is
relevant in regards to
(and sufficiently fulfills)
assignment
requirements. A brief
summary of each of the
five sections of the
Penner book is given.
Scholarly critique of
each of the five
sections of the book is
given. External sources
are used in each
critique section.
Assignment is written in
third person format.
Assignment is of proper
length (6–8 pages of
content and
double-spaced).
69 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets some
of the content
requirements: Text is
written in a coherent,
succinct manner.
Content is relevant in
regards to (and
sufficiently fulfills)
assignment
requirements. A brief
summary of each of the
five sections of the
Penner book is given.
Scholarly critique of
each of the five sections
of the book is given.
External sources are
used in each critique
section. Assignment is
written in third person
format. Assignment is of
proper length (6–8
pages of content and
double-spaced).
0 pts
Not
Present
100
pts
References/External
Research 40 to >35.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
research requirements:
Assignment boasts
required minimum
number of references
(6). Citations on the
Reference page match
citations in the text.
References are from
professional, primary,
sources including
books and scholarly
journal articles.
References are current
(within 15 years).
Quotations are
introduced (do not start
sentences), long
quotes are
appropriately correctly
(not used excessively).
35 to >27.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
research requirements:
Assignment boasts
required minimum
number of references
(6). Citations on the
Reference page match
citations in the text.
References are from
professional, primary,
sources including books
and scholarly journal
articles. References are
current (within 15
years). Quotations are
introduced (do not start
sentences), long quotes
are appropriately
correctly (not used
excessively).
27 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets most
of the research
requirements:
Assignment boasts
required minimum
number of references
(6). Citations on the
Reference page match
citations in the text.
References are from
professional, primary,
sources including books
and scholarly journal
articles. References are
current (within 15
years). Quotations are
introduced (do not start
sentences), long quotes
are appropriately
correctly (not used
excessively).
0 pts
Not
Present
40 pts
Book Critique: Final Grading Rubric | CCOU305_D01_202230
C R P
Grammar and
Spelling 20 to >17.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
requirements: The
assignment is
grammatically correct
(including sentence
structure). Proper use
of quotations, commas,
italics, and other
punctuation. Proper
presentation of
numerals (usually
written out up to nine,
numerals 10 and up).
Proper introduction,
use, and presentation
of abbreviations.
17 to >13.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
requirements: The
assignment is
grammatically correct
(including sentence
structure). Proper use
of quotations, commas,
italics, and other
punctuation. Proper
presentation of
numerals (usually
written out up to nine,
numerals 10 and up).
Proper introduction,
use, and presentation of
abbreviations.
13 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets some
of the requirements: The
assignment is
grammatically correct
(including sentence
structure). Proper use of
quotations, commas,
italics, and other
punctuation. Proper
presentation of
numerals (usually
written out up to nine,
numerals 10 and up).
Proper introduction, use,
and presentation of
abbreviations.
0 pts
Not
Present
20 pts
APA Formatting 40 to >35.0 pts
Advanced
The paper meets
requirements: The Title
page is in current APA
format. Proper in text
citations (properly
formatted presentation)
(i.e. Smith, 2004, p.
123). Headings are
correctly used
throughout the paper.
No additional spaces
between paragraphs.
Proper indentation and
paragraph length. The
Reference page is in
current APA format
(heading, hanging
indent, references
listed alphabetically,
proper author format,
year, publishing info,
etc.).
35 to >27.0 pts
Proficient
The paper meets most
requirements: The Title
page is in current APA
format Proper in text
citations (properly
formatted presentation)
(i.e. Smith, 2004, p.
123). Headings are
correctly used
throughout the paper.
No additional spaces
between paragraphs.
Proper indentation and
paragraph length. The
Reference page is in
current APA format
(heading, hanging
indent, references listed
alphabetically, proper
author format, year,
publishing info, etc.).
27 to >0.0 pts
Developing
The paper meets some
of the requirements: The
Title page is in current
APA format Proper in
text citations (properly
formatted presentation)
(i.e. Smith, 2004, p.
123). Headings are
correctly used
throughout the paper.
No additional spaces
between paragraphs.
Proper indentation and
paragraph length. The
Reference page is in
current APA format
(heading, hanging
indent, references listed
alphabetically, proper
author format, year,
publishing info, etc.).
0 pts
Not
Present
40 pts
Total Points: 200
Book Critique: Final Grading Rubric | CCOU305_D01_202230
BOOK CRITIQUE 1
A Critique and Review of “The Gift of Sex”
Name
Subject Name
Class Name
Professor Name
Date
BOOK CRITIQUE 2
A Critique and Review of “The Gift of Sex”
“SECTION ONE SUMMARY: A Biblical Perspective”
Understanding one’s sexuality is a modern challenge. Sexuality is God’s only curse-and-
weapon gift. Our sexuality affects how we feel in a relationship. Sexuality may induce worry and
agony. Cliff and Joyce Penner’s 2003 book “The Gift of Sex” examines human desire, God’s
love, and how to have pleasurable sexual encounters. The book also explains how to have great
sexual interactions. The Penners say we must see our sexuality and sex life as heavenly blessings
to prevent being exploited (Penner & Penner, 2003, p. 20). The Penners believe God created
sexuality as part of our identities, not as a wicked body part (Penner & Penner, 2003). God
created man in his own image, blessed him, and instructed him to reproduce and fill the planet.
The Bible provides all of these data (Genesis 1:26-28). Sexuality encompasses mind, heart, body,
soul, and will. Within marriage’s limits, you may give your whole self (Penner & Penner, 2003).
The sexual bond between husband and wife is like God’s relationship with humanity. God
originally made an unobstructed link with a man (Penner & Penner, 2003). We can be honest and
open when we have healthy sex in a healthy marriage, and everything works as God intended.
This is how God wants us to treat Him with total surrender (Penner & Penner, 2003). The Song
of Solomon (NIV) shows how God intended for love, desire, and passion for operating in a
marriage. Their love story ends with their marriage.
“SECTION ONE CRITIQUE: A Biblical Perspective”
The authors find scriptural evidence that sex is a heavenly gift. Song of Solomon
describes how God wants before and after marriage to be. Marriage was less important
historically. Before this period, and even during Jesus’ time, young couples often married
BOOK CRITIQUE 3
(Thatcher, 2003). Many pregnant ladies went to the aisle because they assumed they were
married. Early Christianity didn’t require a church ritual (Thatcher, 2003). The Bible says a
woman must submit to her husband. This led to unequal marriages, where the husband
mistreated the wife (Thatcher, 2003). Equal rights in marriage and as Christ’s partners made this
possible (Thatcher, 2003). The institution of marriage is being questioned as more unmarried
couples live together or have sexual encounters. These behaviors challenge the standard for
married couples (Thatcher, 2003). The Penners’ views on sexuality in marriage are a relatively
new problem but critical for the church today. When a marriage operates as God intended, each
partner may offer sacramentally by embracing without possessiveness, says Thatcher (2003).
This is marriage’s ideal state. Spiritual and sexual identities must be balanced for good
partnerships. Healthy relationships and spirituality require excellent sexuality. This improves
communication (Bruns & Richards, 2012). Intimacy allows both individuals to be themselves
and not pretend to want what the other desires. This will improve our sexual relationship.
Intimacy is a partnership where each person can be themselves without compromise (Bruns &
Richards, 2012).
“SECTION TWO SUMMARY: The Physical Dimension”
The “Gift of Sex” discusses sexuality’s physical components. They explain how our
thoughts of beauty and lack of body knowledge might impair sexual relationships. How we feel
about our bodies affects our sexuality (Penner & Penner, 2003). T.V. and social media have
idealized what’s sexually acceptable and how people should look. Men feel they must be
physically and sexually mature to please a woman. Both are false (Penner & Penner, 2003).
Happy and healthy people enjoy more pleasurable sexual relationships with their partners.
Exercise enhances mental and spiritual wellness, benefiting a marriage (Penner & Penner, 2003).
BOOK CRITIQUE 4
The Penners (2003) believe a person’s shifting perspective of their body as they age affects their
sexuality as an adult. Parents must teach their children about a child’s sexual experiences and
growth so they may have meaningful relationships as adults (Penner & Penner, 2003). Penner
and Penner (2003) found that self-perception has three parts. First, a child’s early touch may be
studied (Penner & Penner, 2003). When a baby or toddler feels loved via soft, compassionate
touch, they feel comfortable because they can physically express themselves (Penner & Penner,
2003). Positive or negative verbal feedback can also alter body image. If a child is praised for
their attractiveness and achievements, they will have a positive self-image and be comfortable
with their sexuality. This boosts the child’s self-esteem (Penner & Penner, 2003). Comparing
oneself to others is the third most powerful influence on self-perception (Penner & Penner,
2003). Orgasm allows each partner to completely let go during a sexual encounter, which is
important for a healthy marriage (Penner & Penner, 2003). We can break bad habits if we
understand what happens during stimulation and orgasm. This helps couples enjoy making love
(Penner & Penner, 2003). If we know our body and what makes us happy, we can touch our
partner more intimately. This allows us to become closer and accept invitations to fun activities
inside our marriage.
“SECTION TWO CRITIQUE: The Physical Dimension”
Accepting yourself and your looks will boost your spirituality and relationships. God
wants us to see ourselves as whole and complete in Him. He ignores common topics. A man
examines the outside, but the Lord examines the heart (1 Samuel 16:7b). Adrian Thatcher wrote
in 2003 that marriage is a God-approved promise. Margaret Thatcher’s 2003 book compares
marriage to Christ’s love for the church. Penners write in “The Gift of Sex,” The new evangelical
sexual discourse is creating a new Christian narrative that says joy and pleasure can only be
BOOK CRITIQUE 5
found in married sex and that sex outside of marriage can have serious repercussions (Jones,
2013).
“SECTION THREE SUMMARY: The Total Experience”
The Gift of Sex’s third portion comprises 11 chapters about sexuality. To have a more
enjoyable sexual session, discover what excites you and how to channel it. Penner (2003)
between sexual desire and arousal. Sexual arousal is the body’s reaction to sights and sounds;
sexual desire is the drive to connect with a mate or libido (Penner & Penner, 2013). Couples
must schedule regular time together. Focusing on non-sexual activities like a job or mental stress
might reduce sexual desire (Penner & Penner, 2003). Because sexual drive or energy level
affects sexual desire, eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and balancing hormones are
important. These conditions may diminish sexual desire (Penner & Penner, 2003). By resolving
these challenges, couples can improve their sexual relationship. God established marriage as a
partnership that needs constant care to work well. Honesty and trust are essential for a
meaningful, intimate marital partnership. Sexual honesty exposes what stimulates, satisfies,
distracts, and unnerves us (Penner & Penner, 2003). Accepting personal responsibility is key to
improving sexual performance and addressing challenges, according to the Penners (2003, p. 98).
When anything upsets or depresses us, we must tell our partners. We must also enjoy sexual
activities (Penner & Penner, 2013, p. 100). A woman is more likely to want a sexual connection
if she feels connected to her partner and he spends non-sexual time with her (Penner & Penner,
2003). Women want emotionally compatible partners, against popular belief. Many men are
taught that showing emotion is weak. This goal-oriented idea may materialize in the bedroom
(Penner & Penner, 2003). A boy reaches a turning point when he realizes that “cuddling,
BOOK CRITIQUE 6
caressing, and stroking are vital parts of a full sexual connection” (Penner & Penner, 2013, p.
103). Maximizing sexual options will satisfy both spouses (Penner & Penner, 2013).
“SECTION THREE CRITIQUE: The Total Experience”
God meant for married couples who love one other to have sexual intercourse (Jones,
2013). Jones says God made men and women with different sexual orientations and emotional
capacities to worship God together in marriage (2013). Jones’s study addressed the idea that men
are built to be stimulated by what they see and women by what they touch. Jones (2003) found
that unique lingerie, blankets, oils, and other visual and sensory stimuli can help couples break
sexual ruts. The Penners believe sensory stimulation might help couples break sexual ruts. Many
of The Gift of Sex’s principles may be new to Christians reared in a strict moral environment.
One idea was to use an STD. Understanding each other’s sexual organs may be unpleasant, but
it’s a great way to bond.
“SECTION FOUR SUMMARY: When Sex Isn’t Working”
Erectile dysfunction (E.D.) can make it difficult for a guy to get or keep an erection, as
can a woman who doesn’t understand sexuality. Engaged couples may confront problems owing
to religious views on sexuality and how Christians should act when sexually aroused (Penner &
Penner, 2003). Lack of trust or wrath can cause bedroom separations in a marriage (Penner &
Penner, 2003). After a stressful occurrence, a partner may lose sexual closeness. Some people
can only heal from traumas like being raped or abused by seeing a therapist and/or sex therapist.
Some people can only recuperate from a negative experience this way (Penner & Penner, 2003).
Sexual behavior before marriage might cause remorse and an increased willingness to accept
sexual risks (Penner & Penner, 2003). Most female sexual interactions incorporate the body,
BOOK CRITIQUE 7
mind, and soul, whereas males focus on physical sensations and body components (Penner &
Penner, 2003). Due to different emotional needs, two people who love each other might face a
cycle of rejection and refusal. Women want to be liked, respected, and emotionally linked. This
is emotional for many couples (Penner & Penner, 2003). Men need attention and desire (Penner
& Penner, 2003). According to Penner’s 2003 research, couples find it harder to spend time
together; they should schedule intimacy. Couples need a range of ways to spend time alone.
Couples must learn new ways to stimulate each other to get more aroused (Penner & Penner,
2003). Props or oral stimulation may be used if they don’t breach the partner’s moral or
emotional boundaries (Penner & Penner, 2003, p. 214).
Self-stimulation may be key to a relationship’s success. If a young adult masturbates
often, guilt may inhibit an orgasmic experience. This might cause early ejaculating (Penner &
Penner, 2003). Masturbation might help a couple retain their bond when apart (Penner & Penner,
2003). The Penners encourage troubled couples to remember what pulled them together and to
seek outside help. According to “The Gift of Sex,” a man or woman should see a doctor if a
health condition impairs sexual performance. This applies to straight and gay relationships.
Neurological and physical disorders might hinder erections (Penner & Penner, 2003). Vaginitis
can be caused by various health issues requiring medical attention (Penner & Penner, 2003).
After a medical examination, a couple has numerous options for retraining their body for sexual
activity. Men can obtain and sustain erections, postpone ejaculation, and increase the time
between ejaculations (Penner & Penner, 2003). Men and women can fix problems by changing
their sexual behavior. Any sexual problem a couple has will take time, patience, and prayer to
address, but it will be worth it (Penner & Penner, 2003).
BOOK CRITIQUE 8
“SECTION FOUR CRITIQUE: When Sex Isn’t Working”
If one partner becomes addicted to pornography, sexual activity may become less
effective. When pornographic content is seen, endogenous hormones are produced, making the
experience pleasant despite the lack of an actual sexual connection. This might make it difficult
to distinguish between pornographic viewing and sexual contact (Ducharme, 2013). This can
irreparably damage the personal aspects of a relationship and lead to sexual issues such as
“erectile dysfunction, obsessive masturbation, and premature ejaculation” (Penner & Penner,
2003). Through sexual retraining, counseling, and time spent with a partner, a dependency on
pornography may be broken. This will make it feasible for the pair to resume their close
relationship.
“SECTION FIVE SUMMARY: Enhancing the Sexual Experience”
Chapter 32 challenges readers to include God in their sexual relationship with their
partner. Many Christians find it hard to believe God wants them to enjoy themselves sexually
(Penner & Penner, 2003). People believe God is a severe father who doesn’t want us to have fun,
especially sexually. This widespread mistake must be fixed (Penner & Penner, 2003). There are
numerous ways to avoid showing God our sexual behavior in public. Before sexual action, pray
together. The Penners urge anyone having trouble to claim Bible promises and find a Christian
prayer companion. The 2003 book “The Gift of Sex” argues that a couple may have wonderful
sexual encounters if willing to make modifications and actively pursue the joy and passion God
designed them for.
BOOK CRITIQUE 9
“SECTION FIVE CRITIQUE: Enhancing the Sexual Experience”
Emotionally and personally connected couples enjoy a better connection (Nilforooshan et
al., 2013). Spending sexual and non-sexual time together deepens relationships. God intended us
to interact with Him and one another. Our sexual connection may grow in a way that benefits
both of us by providing sexual, emotional, and spiritual closeness. For ages, Christians have used
the Song of Solomon to teach about marriage, love, and adventure. Song of Solomon and
Penner’s (2003) sexual connection ideas are comparable. Each activity to improve a couple’s
sexual connection is backed by science and will bring them closer together via a better
relationship and more enjoyable sex life. Sexual harmony in marriage honors Christ.
Conclusion
People or couples attempting to determine their sexual orientation may find the Penners’
counsel useful. Focus on experiencing the excitement and enthusiasm God intended for you from
the beginning. He wants to be in our lives and for us to be spiritually, emotionally, and
physically content. Sometimes we require the assistance of an expert to reconnect with God. God
can restore, redeem, and revitalize our partnerships outside the bedroom.
BOOK CRITIQUE 10
References
Bruns, J.R. & Richards II, R.A. (2012). Repairing Relationships: Building intimacy and joy into
your relationships. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/repairing-
relationships/201205/sexualityand-spirituality
Ducharme, S. (2013). Intimacy issues. P.N. - Paraplegia News, 67(2), 34+. Retrieved from
http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ps/
Jones, K. (2013). Children of Christ and Sexual Beings: Sexuality and Gender in an Evangelical
Abstinence Organization. International Journal Of Religion & Spirituality In Society,
3(2), 1-14.
Nilforooshan, P., Ahmadia, A., Fatehizadeha, M., Abedi, M. R., & Ghasemi, V. (2013). How
Adult Attachment and Personality Traits are Related to Marital Quality. Europe’s Journal
Of Psychology, 9(4), 783-797. doi:10.5964/ejop.v9i4.549
Penner, C., & Penner, J. (2003). The gift of sex: A guide to sexual fulfillment. Nashville,
Tennessee: Thomas Nelson.
Thatcher, A. (2003). Norms, Rules and Steadfast Love: Towards an Inclusive Theology of
Intimacy. Theology & Sexuality: The Journal Of The Institute For The Study Of
Christianity & Sexuality, 9(2), 230.
Outline
Book Critical Review
Gift of Sex
Introduction
Section One
o Summary
o Critical Review
Section Two
o Summary
o Critical Review
Section Three
o Summary
o Critical Review
Section Four
o Summary
o Critical Review
Section Five
o Summary
o Critical Review
Conclusion
References
