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Sexual Intimacy in Marriage
Expert, biblical answers to tough questions
Every couple has those questions they don't know how or whom to ask! Sexual Intimacy in Marriage discusses the basics, like the definition of marriage, and the not-so-basic topics, such as achieving sexual pleasure and biblically "OK" sexual activity. It addresses real people in the real world--without compromising God's wonderful purpose and design for his gift of sex.
This highly acclaimed, medically and biblically accurate book extensively covers sex in marriage with a sensitivity and frankness that every couple will appreciate. With over 100,000 copies in print, and now in its fourth edition, this best-selling biblically based book for nearly-weds, newly-weds, and truly-weds is the gold standard for Christian intimacy guides.
"Has greatly benefited our own family and marriage relationship. . . . Marvelously blends the glory of sex with the reality of life."
--Dr. Tony and Lois Evans
"Scientifically accurate, biblically based, intensely practical, and written with a large dose of humor."
--David Stevens, President, Christian Medical & Dental Association
"Cutrer and Glahn . . . cut through the fog of partial truths to help newlyweds, soon-to-weds, or couples who have been married for years."
-- The Dallas/Fort Worth Heritage
Every couple has those questions they don't know how or whom to ask! Sexual Intimacy in Marriage discusses the basics, like the definition of marriage, and the not-so-basic topics, such as achieving sexual pleasure and biblically "OK" sexual activity. It addresses real people in the real world--without compromising God's wonderful purpose and design for his gift of sex.
This highly acclaimed, medically and biblically accurate book extensively covers sex in marriage with a sensitivity and frankness that every couple will appreciate. With over 100,000 copies in print, and now in its fourth edition, this best-selling biblically based book for nearly-weds, newly-weds, and truly-weds is the gold standard for Christian intimacy guides.
"Has greatly benefited our own family and marriage relationship. . . . Marvelously blends the glory of sex with the reality of life."
--Dr. Tony and Lois Evans
"Scientifically accurate, biblically based, intensely practical, and written with a large dose of humor."
--David Stevens, President, Christian Medical & Dental Association
"Cutrer and Glahn . . . cut through the fog of partial truths to help newlyweds, soon-to-weds, or couples who have been married for years."
-- The Dallas/Fort Worth Heritage
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
38 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
William R. Cutrer
11 books5 followersWilliam Cutrer, M.D, is C. Edwin Gheens Associate Professor of Christian Ministry at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is a recognized expert in reproductive technology and medical ethics and is a licensed obstetrician/gynecologist who specialized in the treatment of infertility.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 28, 2025
This book is an absolute treasure for couples of all ages! Whether you consider yourself a seasoned pro or just starting out, the insights you’ll gain are invaluable. It may take some time to explore, but trust me, the journey is worth every minute! This book tackles numerous tough conversations and gives clear answers throughout. The last 25% of the book is packed with exercises for both partners—together and individually—it helps you dive deep into understanding not just your bodies, but your minds too. This is a must-read for anyone looking to enrich their sdxual intamacy winth marriage!
September 26, 2017
Lance and I were given this book as a wedding gift, so I read it in a few days a month after we married.
What I Liked
I like the questions asked to these marriage counselors by real people. Some of the questions made me and Lance laugh, but others were interesting and even helpful.
The anatomy and health-related topics, although dull at times and very detailed, are helpful to own in a book.
What I Didn't Like
I'm not really sure the target audience of the book. Some chapters are written for young teens who have years before they are married. Some chapters are for long-married couples. Some chapters are for before you are married or in the honeymoon period. I found myself skipping around, confused at what I should be reading.
I didn't love when the authors stated something as a fact using obscure Biblical passages, when really they should have shared them as their understanding of the Bible, as many people (even Biblical scholars) have differing opinions of controversial moral sexual issues.
The book was long, tedious, and heavily detailed. This can be helpful, but it was not the most interesting sit-down read.
The book ended rather abruptly; the last sentence was about the woman who had had the most children. Clearly the authors were not used to writing, as they didn't seem aware of how to conclude a book with any kind of wrap-up.
What I Liked
I like the questions asked to these marriage counselors by real people. Some of the questions made me and Lance laugh, but others were interesting and even helpful.
The anatomy and health-related topics, although dull at times and very detailed, are helpful to own in a book.
What I Didn't Like
I'm not really sure the target audience of the book. Some chapters are written for young teens who have years before they are married. Some chapters are for long-married couples. Some chapters are for before you are married or in the honeymoon period. I found myself skipping around, confused at what I should be reading.
I didn't love when the authors stated something as a fact using obscure Biblical passages, when really they should have shared them as their understanding of the Bible, as many people (even Biblical scholars) have differing opinions of controversial moral sexual issues.
The book was long, tedious, and heavily detailed. This can be helpful, but it was not the most interesting sit-down read.
The book ended rather abruptly; the last sentence was about the woman who had had the most children. Clearly the authors were not used to writing, as they didn't seem aware of how to conclude a book with any kind of wrap-up.
June 17, 2023
I'm on the hunt for good resources on sexual intimacy for pre-marital and marriage counseling. "Sexual Intimacy in Marriage" is written by Bill Cutrer, a medical doctor, and Sandra Glahn, an adjunct professor.
The book navigates sexual intimacy from a biological/medical as well as biblical/theological explanation of intimacy. On the former (medical) front, the book is quite strong. The information is given clearly and directly (although I have some disagreements regarding what the authors say is permissible in marriage (I think they give too much license) and birth control (ditto)).
On the other hand, the biblical-theological sections are quite weak (think James Dobson circa 1990). The book would be stronger if the biblical-theological sections were removed or re-written. Missing (almost) altogether is a focus on emotional intimacy.
There are some good sections in "Sexual Intimacy in Marriage," but I'm still hoping to find a better resource.
For more reviews see the beehive.live.
The book navigates sexual intimacy from a biological/medical as well as biblical/theological explanation of intimacy. On the former (medical) front, the book is quite strong. The information is given clearly and directly (although I have some disagreements regarding what the authors say is permissible in marriage (I think they give too much license) and birth control (ditto)).
On the other hand, the biblical-theological sections are quite weak (think James Dobson circa 1990). The book would be stronger if the biblical-theological sections were removed or re-written. Missing (almost) altogether is a focus on emotional intimacy.
There are some good sections in "Sexual Intimacy in Marriage," but I'm still hoping to find a better resource.
For more reviews see the beehive.live.
August 4, 2022
I was searching for a book on sex for marriage counseling and this one came highly recommended. It was very good on the science and biology of sex as well as sexual intimacy in marriage.
There were a few times that the exegeting of Scripture was pretty rough. That is a downside that I found within this book.
With that being said, for Christians thinking through sex and intimacy in marriage, this book is good. They do a good job of thinking through and discussing different struggles that people have in a marriage. I do recommend the reading of this book for those who are married or are about to be married.
There were a few times that the exegeting of Scripture was pretty rough. That is a downside that I found within this book.
With that being said, for Christians thinking through sex and intimacy in marriage, this book is good. They do a good job of thinking through and discussing different struggles that people have in a marriage. I do recommend the reading of this book for those who are married or are about to be married.
February 14, 2026
This book answered a lot of questions for me, especially to those i didn’t know i had. i wish Gavin and i had read this book together, however i know it would have taken us long into our marriage to do so. but i feel the knowledge i have gained will impact our marriage well. some of the information and explanations were outdated, but for the most part i agreed with the viewpoints. i found this book at a library sale in lima during the festival last summer, the one gavin was working, and was given it free since i didn’t have cash. a find the Lord placed in my hands, after Stacey has recommended it to me. i believe i started reading this in the fall though.
March 24, 2024
A wonderful reminder of the beautiful gifts our Lord has blessed marriages with! Not just about sex but about so much more…roles of husbands and wives, how to love each other on a daily basis, and meeting all of one another’s needs. A must-read for Christian couples!
August 4, 2018
A great book to help your spouse understand intimacy in marriage. There are many tips for each other. The back has exercises to help increase relations.
April 7, 2023
Reading for premarital counseling. Gained a lot of perspective/learning.
February 3, 2026
Idk why I read this
December 15, 2019
There is so much good content in this book, but reading it is a bit of a chore. Cutrer and Glahn are experts in their fields, but they aren't story-tellers. So, despite some attempts at humor, a lot of what they write comes across like a textbook.
It also isn't clear who their intended audience is. Some of what they write seems appropriate only for adolescents entering puberty. Some is written for engaged couples anticipating their sex lives. And some is only relevant for long-time married couples. In trying to write a book that applies to everyone, they've written something that doesn't perfectly fit anyone.
Yet, as I said, there's a lot of great content in this book. So perhaps their purpose was to write a sort of compendium on Christian sexuality, rather than a specific message. If so, they completely succeeded. I'll definitely be holding on to my copy to reference in the future.
It also isn't clear who their intended audience is. Some of what they write seems appropriate only for adolescents entering puberty. Some is written for engaged couples anticipating their sex lives. And some is only relevant for long-time married couples. In trying to write a book that applies to everyone, they've written something that doesn't perfectly fit anyone.
Yet, as I said, there's a lot of great content in this book. So perhaps their purpose was to write a sort of compendium on Christian sexuality, rather than a specific message. If so, they completely succeeded. I'll definitely be holding on to my copy to reference in the future.
January 22, 2014
This book was part of a marriage class my husband and I took together last semester, but I just got around to reading it. I liked this book for the most part. I think it has good information in it and is easy to read though written by a medical doctor. It has practical advice and things for spouses to discuss together and encourages communication. For people who are really struggling with intimacy I believe this can be a great resource and would readily recommend it to others. I personally did not find it very helpful, and I'm not sure I completely agree with everything that they said, which is why I gave it the 3 star rating. I also found some of the set up awkward, but that is a personal preference.
January 16, 2022
We picked up this book at the Family Life Weekend to Remember after being married 18 years. I was premed, my husband is a dentist. Not a whole lot of the medical stuff we didn't already know but still good reminders.
My husband struggled reading it, I think he basically stopped half way through. He felt it was written in a way he felt was beating up on the guys. I didn't get that impression, I felt there was adequate scolding and things to improve to the women too.
I don't know if this is necessarily the best book on the topic. But honestly, having open communication to discuss it and reading anything with your husband will improve your relationship.
My husband struggled reading it, I think he basically stopped half way through. He felt it was written in a way he felt was beating up on the guys. I didn't get that impression, I felt there was adequate scolding and things to improve to the women too.
I don't know if this is necessarily the best book on the topic. But honestly, having open communication to discuss it and reading anything with your husband will improve your relationship.
April 4, 2013
This book was ok. I already knew all the anatomy stuff as I took two separate courses at two separate universities on this topic. The rest of the book was written fine but not very interesting or intriguing for me. I enjoyed reading "Sexperiment" much better. But it does offer good practical advice and biblical guidance for marriage. And that is a wonderful thing...
January 29, 2008
This book is a keeper. My husband and I have now read it together twice and it just keeps getting better. We've learned so much about how to love each other. Somehow, the author was able to be both technical and entertaining. This book is a MUST have if you're married.
January 11, 2010
Excellent book written from a Christian perspective. It even gives some ideas....black lights and body paint...who knew? It's a good one.
November 16, 2014
Great book for those who do not want to publicly address questions about intimacy and how to deal with sexual issues in a marriage
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews