I intentionally waited to post a review of this book because I knew there would be need for a reminder of it after the book went on sale. This is one of the few times I was right about something. Everyone needs to be (re)introduced to Nancy Pearcey’s Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions About Life and Sexuality.

This is one of those books that is timely for all the right reasons. Not only is this needed now, but it will be needed for generations to come. Pearcey addresses the most pressing cultural conversations we face today: abortion (one of the best handlings of this issue I have read), euthanasia, “hook-up culture,” homosexuality, and transgenderism. While I won’t be diving into her assessments in detail, it suffices to say she has brought something to the conversation we all need: calm and clarity. She presents a biblical case for these discussions, but it is far from the Bible-thumping zealots we sometimes encounter.

Her approach is based on Personhood Theory, placing less value on the body and more value on the person in the body. This has resulted in using the body for our own purposes, however we see fit, even going so far as to say that human bodies are only as valuable as we say. This has led to epidemics regarding abortion (even justifying infanticide), euthanasia (right to life becoming right to die), and transgenderism (hormone therapy, sex-change, etc.). However, it is not limited to these alone, and Pearcey does a great job of bringing every discussion back around to this theory and how it is realistically and philosophically flawed.

It is unfortunate that most people only get their information from news blips or their own side’s view of the matter. Pearcey, however, has carefully researched all sides and lays it all on the table, reaching the most reasonable conclusion. She also contributes a unique perspective in these discussions: a woman’s perspective. This book cannot be labeled with aggressive, male-dominated agenda. Many of the topics addressed in this work directly affect women, so her contribution cannot be underestimated. Many of these issues lack female voices from all sides, and hers is a breath of fresh air.

I cannot recommend this resource enough. It allows the reader to be up-to-date on these current and ever-changing topics. Prepare yourself with this book and join the conversation.

(Baker Books, 2018; 337 pages)