The Ethics of Sex

by Helmut Thielicke, translated by John W. Doberstein

Book cover: The Ethics of Sex

Extent: 352 pages

Publisher: The Lutterworth Press

Subjects: Gender & Sexuality, Religious Studies

Series: Thielicke Library

Language: English

Paperback (No longer our product)

(November 2016)

ISBN: 9780718894566

5.39 x 8.46 inches

Price: $35.00

In stock

PDF (Published)

(November 2016)

ISBN: 9780718845025

Price: $27.99

Combining scientific understanding and Christian insight, this is a comprehensive and magisterial discussion of the theology of sexual ethics, ranging from sexual relationships and gender equality to birth control and artificial insemination.


A potentially difficult text for today’s Christians, The Ethics of Sex gives a fascinating insight into the mindset of how a Christian thinker considered gender and sexuality when the definitions of both were becoming more and more fluid. Caught between the points of the harsh restrictions of the Third Reich, and the revolutionary approach popularised in the 1960s, Thielicke offers a modern reader the opportunity to understand more of this pivotal period in history. In The Ethics of Sex, Thielicke confronts hot-button issues, many of which are still controversial today, like abortion, homosexuality and artificial insemination. Here he forges a path for the Christian philosopher that is consistent with Christian values of compassion and understanding. While a complex text, The Ethics of Sex rewards both the scholar and the historian.

  • By (author) Helmut Thielicke
  • Translated by John W Doberstein

"On every page there is evidence of his theological grasp and his alert human perception."Church of England Newspaper"There is an impressive balance in his judgements, and sexual questions are discussed with academic detachment, yet also with a warmth of human understanding."Methodist Recorder"Dr Thielicke's study is a valuable contribution to the necessary revaluation of the presuppositions underlying the Christian theology of sex."Theology"It is to be welcomed for its comprehensiveness, and for its combination of theological insight and empirical thoroughness and sensitivity."Expository Times"This book can be urgently recommended to all engaged in pastoral ministry and theological teaching."The Reformed and Presbyterian World"The book is a rare combination: insight, pastoral wisdom, and knowledge of the work of experts in the fields with which it deals ... This is, in fact, the best Christian treatment of this theme which has appeared in a long time."The Guardian