Sex, Tech, and Faith: Ethics for a Digital Age

by Kate Ott, Mihee Kim-Kort (Foreword)

A values-based, shame-free, pleasure-positive discussion of Christian ethics in response to a range of pressing issues in the digital age—including online pornography, dating apps, sexting, virtual-reality hookups, and sex robots.Digital innovation has rapidly changed the landscape of sexual experience in the twenty-first century. Rules-based sexual ethics, subscribed to by many Christians, are unable to keep up with new developments and, more often than not, seem effective at little other than generating shame.Progressive ethicist Kate Ott steps into this void with an expansive yet nuanced approach that prioritizes honesty and discernment over fear and judgment. Rather than producing a list of don’ts, Ott considers the possibilities alongside the potential harm in everything from the use of internet porn to the practice of online dating to human-robot intimacy. With the aid of thought-provoking anecdotes and illuminating research, Ott invites readers to wrestle with the question of how to practice a just and flourishing sexuality in the digital age—and does so by drawing on core values of the Christian tradition.A rich resource for both individuals and groups, Sex, Tech, and Faith includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter for those considering these issues in community, as well as extensive youth study guides for parents, pastors, and teachers in need of age-appropriate means of beginning these difficult conversations with teens. Readers of all backgrounds and identities will be challenged to consider how their choices and habits in the digital world can lead to sexual health, wholeness, dignity, and fulfillment—for themselves and those in relationship with them.

Genres: Technology

207 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2022

Reviews

[Cecilia Cicone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lack of a Christian anthropology means that the basis of Ott’s ethic is unclear

[Ollie Myrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is wildly inappropriate in its approach when it states to be coming from a perspective of the Christian faith. If someone implemented some of the recommendations from this book about sexual ethics and pornography when it comes to teenagers, it would, at its least effective, be damaging. If this ethic were implemented broadly, it would harm and warp so many young minds, leading them to disregard the heart of God and wholly embrace the digital age and the corruption thereof. Furthermore, this book aims to invite people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace this digital sexual ethic. I would not recommend anyone to consume or read this text, and I would implore the author to reconsider every perspective endorsing the ethic expressed in this work.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a wild one. I think there's very little I agree with here, although I appreciate the questions that are being asked. Ott considers sex robots, positive pornography and digital sexual relationships. I appreciated the candor with which she approached the subjects.