Remembering the Body: Preaching That Affirms Sexuality

Debates about human sexuality have divided the church across denominations. The Body of Christ has been wounded by profound theological disagreement. Preaching can be a healing balm for those who have been bruised and harmed by these debates. This book asks the church to remember its own nature as a Body that has a baptismal identity rooted in the triune God. We remember the beauty and value of the human body and we remember that we belong to a baptismal community with a distinctive ethic. Sermons are an opportunity to refresh and heal a Body that has been broken by division. By affirming sexuality and the body, preachers can build toward an affirmation of all sexual identities while making space for those whose theology is not affirming. In recovering the body as a focus for preaching, this book argues for a more equitable and inclusive understanding of Christian identity.

Sarah Travis is associate professor at Knox College, University of Toronto, in the Ewart Chair in the Practice of Ministry and Faith Formation.