When controversy and religion intersect, the voice of reason generally bellows, “STAY AWAY!” In Father Odeyemi’s book, his desire to discuss a pivotal topic that pertains to a changing world, from theology to society as a whole, is far greater than the critical feedback that may come his way for tackling a topic with such complexities. In discussing the idea of religious truths versus secular thought, change is front and center on issues of ethics and morality. Cutting deep to its core using Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body (TOB), Odeyemi delivers a scintillating analysis of human sexuality that is simultaneously comprehensive and impartial, an incredibly informative work that can help those who are teetering on the precipice of faith find their way.

What defines family? From a biblical perspective, marriage is a sacred, divine union. Yet now, families are created in many forms, from blended families that feature live-in relationships to same-sex marriages, etc. In a nutshell, Catholic theology has been ostracized when juxtaposed with a postmodern culture that sees the messages of ancient scripture as nothing more than antiquated. As future generations mold into young adults, the skeptic within comes roaring out when topics of sex, marriage, and family—and morality intertwined with all three—are discussed from the lens of traditional understanding.

With an undertaking of such great magnitude, the author has ensured that a strong understanding will not get lost in dense text by breaking his work into five primary segments, with the final one providing an overall takeaway for the work. The author goes to great lengths to provide clarity and bridge the gap between traditional discourse in theological works and a world that has been focused more on experiential methodology. Odeyemi emphasizes the importance of taking into account contributory factors like anthropological and cultural change that have led to this impasse. For instance, the world is seemingly in never-ending conflict, and divorce is less of a taboo and more of a life choice now. In such a climate, it is incredibly essential for the church to still be perceived as a beacon of light and hope for couples mired in distress.

The author uses timely and scholarly references to provide a more thorough exploration of TOB and the criticism levied against it, especially by what the author calls the “postmodern liberal humanism” group. As a whole, the author recognizes that the Pope’s text is focused on aligning scripture and religion with earthly and material incidences. To make his argument stronger, Odeyemi thoughtfully presents the merits and perspectives of both sides and, in the process, delves into the theory of sacrament and the idea of sexuality within and without marital confines. Nevertheless, he stresses the importance, once again, for a church to be a sanctuary, a place that is “alive in the Holy Spirit” and adaptable to a multicultural and biopsychosocial group of human beings.

In essence, Odeyemi proposes that certain doctrines within the church are simply unquestionable and resolute, upon which the entire faith rests. However, in the same vein, there are also aspects of the doctrine that develop as society develops and undergoes change. In nearly every way, both secular and religious, the church is a source for answers and shouldn’t ever be perceived as the problem. Ultimately, Odeyemi wades gracefully into an unenviable debate of human sexuality in an ever-evolving world, giving readers thought-provoking commentary on discourse that would often be hidden beneath the veil and valuable information that can help strengthen the infrastructure of faith in the church and its innate dogmas.

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