Best Gender & Sexuality in Religious Studies Books of 2025

This book argues that the Church of the Nazarene should become fully LGBTQ+ affirming, providing a voice to those who seek fundamental change. The essays, written by both queer and straight individuals, present strong reasons for this change, drawing on personal experiences and highlighting the need for the denomination to align with its core value of love. The book offers hope for a denomination that is rapidly shrinking due to its views on LGBTQ+ matters. The essays are the start of a much-needed conversation for the church and the LGBTQIA+ community. Overall, this book is a powerful call to action for the Church of the Nazarene to embrace diversity and inclusivity.

Unwanted by Jay Stringer is a groundbreaking resource that explores the “why” behind self-destructive sexual choices in order to help readers work towards freedom. The book addresses difficult issues with compassionate insight, discussing topics such as trauma, sexual abuse, pornography, and creating healthy relationships. Stringer approaches these sensitive subjects with gentleness and understanding, offering practical guidance rooted in clinical evidence to light the way on a path to wholeness. This book is a perfect resource for those seeking self-help or those working to minister to the sexually broken people around them. Unwanted is a courageous and insightful work that will undoubtedly equip many on the journey to freedom.

Gay Girl, Good God is an inspiring memoir by Jackie Hill Perry, a writer and artist who shares her journey of finding wholeness through her relationship with God. The book covers her experiences growing up fatherless and struggling with gender confusion, ultimately embracing homosexuality and masculinity. However, at age nineteen, she encountered God and found herself transformed. This book offers practical tools for those looking to find their own path to wholeness. Perry's writing is authentic and heartfelt, making it a must-read for anyone seeking hope and redemption in their own lives.

The Genesis of Gender by Dr. Abigail Favale explores the genealogy of gender and its origins in feminism and postmodern thought. Favale traces how gender has come to eclipse sex, reshaping language, law, medicine, sexuality, and our own self-perceptions. She exposes the hidden assumptions of the gender paradigm and its effects on our society. The book is a powerful, moving articulation of a Christian understanding of reality, proclaiming the dignity of the body, the sacramental meaning of sexual difference, and the interconnectedness of all creation. Overall, The Genesis of Gender is a vital, timely resource for anyone seeking to better understand the gender paradigm and how to live beyond it.

The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr is a thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional notion of biblical womanhood. Barr's historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women's roles in the church and help move the conversation forward. Through her personal experience as a Baptist pastor's wife, she sheds light on the #ChurchToo movement and abuse scandals in Southern Baptist circles and the broader evangelical world. This book is a powerful work of skillful research and personal insight that offers a better way forward for the contemporary church.

The Complete Illustrated Kama Sutra is a fully illustrated guide that includes all 64 sexual positions described in the Kama Sutra, accompanied by 269 rare images. Lance Dane, one of the world's foremost scholars of the Kama Sutra and Indian art, gathered these images from museums and private collections worldwide, as well as from his own collection of over 300,000 photographs. The book deals with all aspects of sexual life, including the principles and techniques of sexual pleasure and how to best achieve ecstatic expression of life's beauty. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the ancient and exotic art of lovemaking.

Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say is an insightful guide for Christians seeking to navigate the complexities of the transgender conversation. Preston Sprinkle uses real-life stories and biblical references to explore the moral questions surrounding gender dysphoria, medical interventions, and more. This book is a must-read for those seeking to approach this sensitive topic with compassion, empathy, and understanding.

The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood is a compelling defense of gender equality in the church and home. Philip B. Payne challenges the idea of "biblical womanhood," arguing that the Bible's teachings consistently affirm gender equality. Through careful exploration of 14 Bible passages, Payne demonstrates that the Bible does not endorse gender hierarchy but instead emphasizes the Holy Spirit's gifting of all believers for ministry, the oneness of the body of Christ, humility, service, and mutual submission required of all believers, and the freedom and willingness to relinquish freedom in order to spread the gospel. This book is a must-read for those seeking to better understand the Bible's teachings on gender equality.

A Cover for Glory: A Biblical Defense for Headcoverings is a thought-provoking book that delves into the practice of headcovering in Christianity. Dale Partridge meticulously walks readers through 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 to explain the importance of this biblical symbol and how it preserves God's design for men and women. The book argues that the elimination of this practice has led to confusion in society's definition of gender roles. By restoring this biblical practice, Christians can bring back order among God's people. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in theology, Christian anthropology, and gender roles.

The book "Secrets of Sex and Marriage: 8 Surprises That Make All the Difference" by Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma is a practical field guide for couples to understand their spouse intimately and create a thriving marriage. The authors have identified eight transformational factors to help couples move from disconnection to delight. The book is not a typical sex manual, but rather a fascinating and practical guide based on vast clinical experience and breakthrough research. Overall, this book is highly recommended for all married couples who want to improve their intimate life and create a harmonious relationship.