ABSTRACT
The authors, an ordained clergy and a clinical social worker with a specialty in sexuality, acknowledge that addressing religion is difficult for academically trained and science-based sexuality professionals. Yet, the authors take the position that all religious beliefs contributing to sexual difficulties and intimacy concerns must not only be identified but carefully countered to make room for healing. This can be done through use of a four-part reflective spiritual discernment framework rather than simple obedience to religious dogma. A careful distinction is made between such religious beliefs that are harmful and the experience of faith—the former to be discarded and the latter to be embraced, if the client desires. After presenting a general overview of the contents of the book, the authors define key terms and ideas that are used and introduce themselves to show, from their own stories, how they approach this book, not only professionally, but personally.
