Beautiful Union Study Guide: A Practical Companion for Deep Reflection, Good Conversation, and Tough Questions You Really Want to Ask (2023)
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BEAUTIFUL UNION STUDY GUIDE
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the ESV® Bible (The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing
ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture
quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
All rights reserved worldwide. (www.zondervan.com). The “NIV” and “New International
Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by
Biblica Inc.™
Copyright © 2023 by Joshua Ryan Butler
All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Multnomah, an imprint of Random House, a division of
Penguin Random House LLC.
MULTNOMAH® and its mountain colophon are registered trademarks of Penguin Random
House LLC.
This work is based on and directly quotes from Beautiful Union by Joshua Ryan Butler, first
published in trade paperback by Multnomah, an imprint of Random House, a division of
Penguin Random House LLC, New York, in 2023, copyright © 2023 by Joshua Ryan Butler.
Trade Paperback ISBN 9780593445051
Ebook ISBN 9780593445068
The Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress.
waterbrookmultnomah.com
Cover design: Jessie Sayward Bright
Cover artwork: © MirageC/Getty Images
ep_prh_6.0_143667513_c0_r1
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the ESV® Bible (The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing
ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture
quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
All rights reserved worldwide. (www.zondervan.com). The “NIV” and “New International
Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by
Biblica Inc.™
Copyright © 2023 by Joshua Ryan Butler
All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Multnomah, an imprint of Random House, a division of
Penguin Random House LLC.
MULTNOMAH® and its mountain colophon are registered trademarks of Penguin Random
House LLC.
This work is based on and directly quotes from Beautiful Union by Joshua Ryan Butler, first
published in trade paperback by Multnomah, an imprint of Random House, a division of
Penguin Random House LLC, New York, in 2023, copyright © 2023 by Joshua Ryan Butler.
Trade Paperback ISBN 9780593445051
Ebook ISBN 9780593445068
The Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress.
waterbrookmultnomah.com
Cover design: Jessie Sayward Bright
Cover artwork: © MirageC/Getty Images
ep_prh_6.0_143667513_c0_r1
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Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Taking Notes
How to Use This Guide
Part I: Sex as Icon
Introduction: Beauty and Mystery
Chapter 1: Sex as Salvation
Part II: The Beauty of Sex
Chapter 2: Why Sunsets Are Beautiful
Chapter 3: Lover, Beloved, Love
Part III: Love and Life
Chapter 4: Wedding on a Mountain
Chapter 5: Brace to Be Born
Part IV: Union and Diversity
Chapter 6: Civil War Amputees
Chapter 7: The Great Exchange
Part V: When God Says No
Chapter 8: Sex Isn’t Cheap
Chapter 9: Cheating on God
Chapter 10: Welcome the Children
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Taking Notes
How to Use This Guide
Part I: Sex as Icon
Introduction: Beauty and Mystery
Chapter 1: Sex as Salvation
Part II: The Beauty of Sex
Chapter 2: Why Sunsets Are Beautiful
Chapter 3: Lover, Beloved, Love
Part III: Love and Life
Chapter 4: Wedding on a Mountain
Chapter 5: Brace to Be Born
Part IV: Union and Diversity
Chapter 6: Civil War Amputees
Chapter 7: The Great Exchange
Part V: When God Says No
Chapter 8: Sex Isn’t Cheap
Chapter 9: Cheating on God
Chapter 10: Welcome the Children
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Part VI: A Greater Vision
Chapter 11: Splitting the Adam
Chapter 12: Triune Symphony
Part VII: Triune Temple
Chapter 13: A River Runs Through It
Chapter 14: Royal Wedding
Chapter 15: The End of the World
Final Thoughts
Notes
Chapter 11: Splitting the Adam
Chapter 12: Triune Symphony
Part VII: Triune Temple
Chapter 13: A River Runs Through It
Chapter 14: Royal Wedding
Chapter 15: The End of the World
Final Thoughts
Notes
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Taking Notes
When you see the pencil icon above, you may want to fill out your answers
on a separate piece of paper or use the Notes functionality on your eReader.
If you are using a touch-screen reader or app, simply hold your finger over
the first word in the line and then select “Note” to create a note and begin
typing your answer.
If you are using a non-touch-screen reader, move your cursor up to the line
where you want to enter an answer and then begin typing to create a new
note.
You can then reference your answers anytime you are reading the eBook
as they will be stored as notes on your device.
When you see the pencil icon above, you may want to fill out your answers
on a separate piece of paper or use the Notes functionality on your eReader.
If you are using a touch-screen reader or app, simply hold your finger over
the first word in the line and then select “Note” to create a note and begin
typing your answer.
If you are using a non-touch-screen reader, move your cursor up to the line
where you want to enter an answer and then begin typing to create a new
note.
You can then reference your answers anytime you are reading the eBook
as they will be stored as notes on your device.
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S
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
ex is designed to point to greater things. Big, beautiful things. That’s the
message at the heart of Beautiful Union: exploring how God’s vision for
sex points us to the good, unlocks the true, and (sort of) explains everything.
This vision is for you, whether you’re single or married, young or old—
whatever your life circumstances. For in Christ, these grander realities are
offered to us all.
This study guide is designed to help you dive more deeply into the key
concepts of Beautiful Union: to reflect on them and make them your own, to
creatively explore their significance from fresh new angles, to discuss those
concepts with others or journal on their implications for your life, and to
integrate God’s beautiful vision into the intricacy of your own life and
circumstances.
This guide is a companion to the book Beautiful Union, and it can be used
individually or in groups (such as book clubs, discussion gatherings, and
other kinds of small groups). When you use this guide alongside the book, it
will help you—and your group, if you’re a part of one—to get the most out of
the content.
The guide is divided into seven sessions, with each session covering two
or three chapters (called mini-sessions) from Beautiful Union. Each mini-
session includes a brief re-introduction to the chapter followed by the same
basic components: Unpack It, Use Your Imagination, and Reflect on It.
(More on each component below.)
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
ex is designed to point to greater things. Big, beautiful things. That’s the
message at the heart of Beautiful Union: exploring how God’s vision for
sex points us to the good, unlocks the true, and (sort of) explains everything.
This vision is for you, whether you’re single or married, young or old—
whatever your life circumstances. For in Christ, these grander realities are
offered to us all.
This study guide is designed to help you dive more deeply into the key
concepts of Beautiful Union: to reflect on them and make them your own, to
creatively explore their significance from fresh new angles, to discuss those
concepts with others or journal on their implications for your life, and to
integrate God’s beautiful vision into the intricacy of your own life and
circumstances.
This guide is a companion to the book Beautiful Union, and it can be used
individually or in groups (such as book clubs, discussion gatherings, and
other kinds of small groups). When you use this guide alongside the book, it
will help you—and your group, if you’re a part of one—to get the most out of
the content.
The guide is divided into seven sessions, with each session covering two
or three chapters (called mini-sessions) from Beautiful Union. Each mini-
session includes a brief re-introduction to the chapter followed by the same
basic components: Unpack It, Use Your Imagination, and Reflect on It.
(More on each component below.)
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Although this guide is divided into seven sessions, go at your own pace. If
you’re using this book in a group study, then it might work best as a seven-
week study with participants reading and reflecting on a few chapters each
week. Or your group may decide to stretch it out to a fourteen-week study.
Do what works best for your schedule and timeline.
Reading Schedule for Beautiful Union
If you haven’t already read the book Beautiful Union, do so as
you work your way through these sessions:
Session 1 Intro and Chapter 1
Session 2 Chapters 2–3
Session 3 Chapters 4–5
Session 4 Chapters 6–7
Session 5 Chapters 8–10
Session 6 Chapters 11–12
Session 7 Chapters 13–15
Unpack It
Here you’ll encounter questions designed to help you recap, unpack, and
cement key insights from each chapter. Use this space to record important
takeaways, making them your own, so you can easily return to them later.
Use Your Imagination
These creative exercises are designed to help you reflect, using your
imagination in unexpected ways, on a big idea from the chapter. These work
best when you don’t rush through them, so set aside ten to fifteen minutes,
you’re using this book in a group study, then it might work best as a seven-
week study with participants reading and reflecting on a few chapters each
week. Or your group may decide to stretch it out to a fourteen-week study.
Do what works best for your schedule and timeline.
Reading Schedule for Beautiful Union
If you haven’t already read the book Beautiful Union, do so as
you work your way through these sessions:
Session 1 Intro and Chapter 1
Session 2 Chapters 2–3
Session 3 Chapters 4–5
Session 4 Chapters 6–7
Session 5 Chapters 8–10
Session 6 Chapters 11–12
Session 7 Chapters 13–15
Unpack It
Here you’ll encounter questions designed to help you recap, unpack, and
cement key insights from each chapter. Use this space to record important
takeaways, making them your own, so you can easily return to them later.
Use Your Imagination
These creative exercises are designed to help you reflect, using your
imagination in unexpected ways, on a big idea from the chapter. These work
best when you don’t rush through them, so set aside ten to fifteen minutes,
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ideally, for each exercise. Take time to let your imagination explore the
exercise and journal your reflections.
Reflect on It
These exercises are intended to guide you in reflecting on the significance of
a central idea in your own life and what it might mean or look like to live in
light of these big, beautiful realities you’re exploring in the book.
Group Leaders
If you’re completing this study in a group setting and you’re the facilitator of
your group, here are some simple guidelines that can help make this group
journey through Beautiful Union more rewarding. Each session has enough
content for sixty to ninety minutes of group time, depending on how long
your group likes to spend in deeper discussion of each topic.
If you’re part of an established small group going through Beautiful
Union, your group is probably familiar with how to review content in
workbooks and studies similar to this one. It may not be necessary to
prescribe every detail of the group meetings, though this brief refresher may
help you prepare for the group’s discussion.
Review and Pray
Before meeting with the group, read the chapters of Beautiful Union
associated with the upcoming session (see the reading schedule on this page)
and complete the mini-sessions. Then pray for each person in your group and
for your time together.
Group Members
exercise and journal your reflections.
Reflect on It
These exercises are intended to guide you in reflecting on the significance of
a central idea in your own life and what it might mean or look like to live in
light of these big, beautiful realities you’re exploring in the book.
Group Leaders
If you’re completing this study in a group setting and you’re the facilitator of
your group, here are some simple guidelines that can help make this group
journey through Beautiful Union more rewarding. Each session has enough
content for sixty to ninety minutes of group time, depending on how long
your group likes to spend in deeper discussion of each topic.
If you’re part of an established small group going through Beautiful
Union, your group is probably familiar with how to review content in
workbooks and studies similar to this one. It may not be necessary to
prescribe every detail of the group meetings, though this brief refresher may
help you prepare for the group’s discussion.
Review and Pray
Before meeting with the group, read the chapters of Beautiful Union
associated with the upcoming session (see the reading schedule on this page)
and complete the mini-sessions. Then pray for each person in your group and
for your time together.
Group Members
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Encourage every group member to read the assigned chapters of Beautiful
Union and complete the sections in this guide before they arrive at the
meetings each week.
Getting Started and Introduction
Once your group members have arrived, settle into a place free of distractions
where you can sit comfortably for the next hour. Then, when you’re ready to
get started, ask a group member to read the mini-session’s introduction aloud.
Unpack It
Ask someone else to read through the questions, one at a time, and allow
group members to share the initial thoughts they wrote down.
Use Your Imagination
Give the group time to talk about the imagination exercise, offering space to
share and unpack what they each wrote down.
Reflect on It
Encourage discussion of the responses in this section of the guide. As you
lead your group through this guide, remember these pro tips:
Make time for each person to share. The goal is to get everyone
talking, to have everybody’s voice heard and included as part of the
discussion. This doesn’t mean everybody needs to answer each
particular question, but be mindful if certain people are dominating
the discussion.
Don’t make everyone share. Sex is a sensitive topic. Some people
might not be comfortable sharing their thoughts or experience, or
they might still be processing and not be ready to share yet. Respect
Union and complete the sections in this guide before they arrive at the
meetings each week.
Getting Started and Introduction
Once your group members have arrived, settle into a place free of distractions
where you can sit comfortably for the next hour. Then, when you’re ready to
get started, ask a group member to read the mini-session’s introduction aloud.
Unpack It
Ask someone else to read through the questions, one at a time, and allow
group members to share the initial thoughts they wrote down.
Use Your Imagination
Give the group time to talk about the imagination exercise, offering space to
share and unpack what they each wrote down.
Reflect on It
Encourage discussion of the responses in this section of the guide. As you
lead your group through this guide, remember these pro tips:
Make time for each person to share. The goal is to get everyone
talking, to have everybody’s voice heard and included as part of the
discussion. This doesn’t mean everybody needs to answer each
particular question, but be mindful if certain people are dominating
the discussion.
Don’t make everyone share. Sex is a sensitive topic. Some people
might not be comfortable sharing their thoughts or experience, or
they might still be processing and not be ready to share yet. Respect
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that. Don’t pressure people to contribute who aren’t ready or don’t
want to.
My hope is that by the end you’ll have a bigger, more beautiful picture of
God, the gospel, and the Christian vision for sex. I know I’ve been impacted
tremendously by reflecting on the concepts at the heart of this book, and I
hope you will be too.
In Christ,
Josh
want to.
My hope is that by the end you’ll have a bigger, more beautiful picture of
God, the gospel, and the Christian vision for sex. I know I’ve been impacted
tremendously by reflecting on the concepts at the heart of this book, and I
hope you will be too.
In Christ,
Josh
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PART I
SEX AS ICON
SEX AS ICON
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B
INTRODUCTION: BEAUTY AND MYSTERY
Based on the introduction of Beautiful Union.
Takeaway: Sex is iconic. It’s designed to point to greater things.
eautiful may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of
sex. Particularly the Christian vision for sex. Backward. Bigoted.
Outdated. Oppressive. Prudish. Puritanical. These words are what many
think of the traditional Christian sexual ethic today. But what if I told you
beautiful can be the first word that comes to mind? That’s the goal of this
book: to restore the beauty of the Christian sexual ethic.
Sex is iconic. It’s designed to point to greater things. That’s the central
thesis of this book. What do I mean by “icon”? Historically, icons were not
meant to be looked at so much as to be looked through. They pointed to
something beyond themselves. Sex can be an icon or an idol, either a window
we look through to get a glimpse of the glory and goodness of God, or a
mirror that reflects our selfishness, brokenness, and destruction.
The first step in restoring the beauty of Christian sexual ethics is to learn
to look through sex to greater things. Throughout our exploration, we will
discover that God is love. The love of God is the endgame of this book, for
it’s what the icon points to. God designed sex to reveal his love in
technicolor.
Unpack It
INTRODUCTION: BEAUTY AND MYSTERY
Based on the introduction of Beautiful Union.
Takeaway: Sex is iconic. It’s designed to point to greater things.
eautiful may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of
sex. Particularly the Christian vision for sex. Backward. Bigoted.
Outdated. Oppressive. Prudish. Puritanical. These words are what many
think of the traditional Christian sexual ethic today. But what if I told you
beautiful can be the first word that comes to mind? That’s the goal of this
book: to restore the beauty of the Christian sexual ethic.
Sex is iconic. It’s designed to point to greater things. That’s the central
thesis of this book. What do I mean by “icon”? Historically, icons were not
meant to be looked at so much as to be looked through. They pointed to
something beyond themselves. Sex can be an icon or an idol, either a window
we look through to get a glimpse of the glory and goodness of God, or a
mirror that reflects our selfishness, brokenness, and destruction.
The first step in restoring the beauty of Christian sexual ethics is to learn
to look through sex to greater things. Throughout our exploration, we will
discover that God is love. The love of God is the endgame of this book, for
it’s what the icon points to. God designed sex to reveal his love in
technicolor.
Unpack It
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1. When you think of Christian sexual ethics, what words first come to your
mind? Is beauty one of them? Why or why not?
2. Historically, icons were not meant to be looked at so much as to be
looked through. They pointed to something beyond themselves. Sex is
iconic. What do you think of this idea?
Use the space below to make a list of some greater things you
think God might have designed sex to point to, regarding the
nature of our world and the life we were made for with God.
3. Our culture has put sex in a “mega” place yet stripped it of its mystery.
We’ve been trained by culture to look at sex but not to look through it.
What are some ways you’ve seen a reduced vision of sex show up in our
culture—that is, in movies, television shows, songs, or other areas of pop
culture?
mind? Is beauty one of them? Why or why not?
2. Historically, icons were not meant to be looked at so much as to be
looked through. They pointed to something beyond themselves. Sex is
iconic. What do you think of this idea?
Use the space below to make a list of some greater things you
think God might have designed sex to point to, regarding the
nature of our world and the life we were made for with God.
3. Our culture has put sex in a “mega” place yet stripped it of its mystery.
We’ve been trained by culture to look at sex but not to look through it.
What are some ways you’ve seen a reduced vision of sex show up in our
culture—that is, in movies, television shows, songs, or other areas of pop
culture?
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Do you find this vision for sex satisfying, or do you wish there
were something more?
4. How might people around you describe the greater purpose of sex?
Think of your friends and family, neighbors and co-workers. What words
might they use to describe what sex is for?
5. God designed sex to reveal his love in technicolor. How might sex be
designed to point to the love of God? Describe some specific
characteristics, in a healthy experience of sex, that might reflect aspects
of God’s love.
were something more?
4. How might people around you describe the greater purpose of sex?
Think of your friends and family, neighbors and co-workers. What words
might they use to describe what sex is for?
5. God designed sex to reveal his love in technicolor. How might sex be
designed to point to the love of God? Describe some specific
characteristics, in a healthy experience of sex, that might reflect aspects
of God’s love.
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6. What are some ways this image of love might get broken? Describe some
specific practices or experiences that could break God’s design for sex
and fail to accurately reflect the love of God.
7. List at least one thing from the introduction that stood out to you or
surprised you.
Use Your Imagination
Imagine you are a twelfth-century peasant in France. The printing press
hasn’t been invented, so you don’t own a Bible. You’ve heard the stories of
Scripture, but you are illiterate. When you visit your local church, however,
you see an icon of Christ Pantocrator. The priest explains its symbolism to
you.
1. What role might this icon play as a learning tool for your understanding
of God?
specific practices or experiences that could break God’s design for sex
and fail to accurately reflect the love of God.
7. List at least one thing from the introduction that stood out to you or
surprised you.
Use Your Imagination
Imagine you are a twelfth-century peasant in France. The printing press
hasn’t been invented, so you don’t own a Bible. You’ve heard the stories of
Scripture, but you are illiterate. When you visit your local church, however,
you see an icon of Christ Pantocrator. The priest explains its symbolism to
you.
1. What role might this icon play as a learning tool for your understanding
of God?
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2. How might it function as a memory device for your imagination?
Like that twelfth-century peasant, our current culture is illiterate about
God in many ways. Yet it’s obsessed with sex. If God has embedded sex like
an icon in the heart of our society…
3. How might reclaiming an iconic vision of sex deepen your understanding
of God?
4. How might such a vision help those around you experience a fresh
encounter with God?
Reflect on It
Before embarking on this journey, take some time to pray about and reflect
on any hopes, fears, or questions you might have. Feel free to include any
parts of your story that relate to themes like sex, romance, marriage, family,
and God. Here are some questions to consider:
Like that twelfth-century peasant, our current culture is illiterate about
God in many ways. Yet it’s obsessed with sex. If God has embedded sex like
an icon in the heart of our society…
3. How might reclaiming an iconic vision of sex deepen your understanding
of God?
4. How might such a vision help those around you experience a fresh
encounter with God?
Reflect on It
Before embarking on this journey, take some time to pray about and reflect
on any hopes, fears, or questions you might have. Feel free to include any
parts of your story that relate to themes like sex, romance, marriage, family,
and God. Here are some questions to consider:
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What are your expectations for this study? What is one thing you’re
hoping to learn? A question you’re hoping to answer? An experience you’re
hoping to heal? A theme you’re hoping to discover?
Sex is a sensitive topic. What fears do you have? What are some unhelpful
ways you’ve heard sex talked about that you hope to avoid as you progress
through this guide?
hoping to learn? A question you’re hoping to answer? An experience you’re
hoping to heal? A theme you’re hoping to discover?
Sex is a sensitive topic. What fears do you have? What are some unhelpful
ways you’ve heard sex talked about that you hope to avoid as you progress
through this guide?
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S
1
SEX AS SALVATION
Based on chapter 1 of Beautiful Union.
Takeaway: Sex is an icon of salvation, a sign of our union with Christ
as his church.
ex wasn’t designed to be your salvation but to point you to the One who
is. It’s not only the giving of vows at the altar but also what happens in
the honeymoon suite after that speaks to the life you were made for with God.
A husband and wife’s life of faithful love is designed to point to greater
things, but so is their sexual union! Sex is an icon of Christ and the church.
Unpack It
1. Read Ephesians 5:31–32. Paul says it’s not only the vows of marriage
(“leave and cleave”) but also the consummation of marriage (“one flesh”)
that speaks to Christ and the church. The marital embrace is an icon of
salvation. This elevates the sacred significance of sex.
How does this iconic view of sex confront those in our
churches who might see sex as dirty?
1
SEX AS SALVATION
Based on chapter 1 of Beautiful Union.
Takeaway: Sex is an icon of salvation, a sign of our union with Christ
as his church.
ex wasn’t designed to be your salvation but to point you to the One who
is. It’s not only the giving of vows at the altar but also what happens in
the honeymoon suite after that speaks to the life you were made for with God.
A husband and wife’s life of faithful love is designed to point to greater
things, but so is their sexual union! Sex is an icon of Christ and the church.
Unpack It
1. Read Ephesians 5:31–32. Paul says it’s not only the vows of marriage
(“leave and cleave”) but also the consummation of marriage (“one flesh”)
that speaks to Christ and the church. The marital embrace is an icon of
salvation. This elevates the sacred significance of sex.
How does this iconic view of sex confront those in our
churches who might see sex as dirty?
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How does this confront those in our culture who might see sex
as simply about personal pleasure?
Does this differ from your personal view of sex? If so, how?
2. Take a moment to consider how you’ve historically thought about sex,
the male and female sides of bodily union, and masculine and feminine
tendencies in sexual desire. Use the space below to write out a few
thoughts.
Sex is mutual self-giving. Husbands and wives both extend
generosity, giving their bodies to each other, and both extend
as simply about personal pleasure?
Does this differ from your personal view of sex? If so, how?
2. Take a moment to consider how you’ve historically thought about sex,
the male and female sides of bodily union, and masculine and feminine
tendencies in sexual desire. Use the space below to write out a few
thoughts.
Sex is mutual self-giving. Husbands and wives both extend
generosity, giving their bodies to each other, and both extend
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hospitality, welcoming the bodies of each other. Yet there is
also an iconographic reality God has inscribed in our bodies.
What do you think of the idea that male and female
differences in bodily union, on a conjugal level, are iconic of
the generosity and hospitality at the heart of our union with
Christ?
How does desire as an icon of Christ’s affection for his bride
affect your view of masculine tendencies in desire?
How does desire as an icon of the church’s longing to be
romanced affect your view of feminine tendencies in desire?
3. In what ways does sex as an icon of salvation point, as an analogy, to the
greater union you were made for with God?
also an iconographic reality God has inscribed in our bodies.
What do you think of the idea that male and female
differences in bodily union, on a conjugal level, are iconic of
the generosity and hospitality at the heart of our union with
Christ?
How does desire as an icon of Christ’s affection for his bride
affect your view of masculine tendencies in desire?
How does desire as an icon of the church’s longing to be
romanced affect your view of feminine tendencies in desire?
3. In what ways does sex as an icon of salvation point, as an analogy, to the
greater union you were made for with God?
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4. How does God’s iconic vision confront rape and sexual assault as
horrific evils that invert the divine design and stand under the judgment
of God?
How does God’s iconic vision help explain why something
deep is violated in the act of prostitution, for both the buyer
and seller, as a distortion of the picture sex was designed to
point to?
How does it feel knowing that these are not part of God’s
design?
horrific evils that invert the divine design and stand under the judgment
of God?
How does God’s iconic vision help explain why something
deep is violated in the act of prostitution, for both the buyer
and seller, as a distortion of the picture sex was designed to
point to?
How does it feel knowing that these are not part of God’s
design?
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5. While marriage shows us the shape of the gospel, singleness shows us
the sufficiency of the gospel.[1] How does an iconic vision support, rather
than detract from, the sacred significance of singleness?
What are ways the church has fallen short of this vision?
Why is it crucial that the church uphold a sacred vision for
singleness?
6. List at least one thing from this chapter that stood out to you or surprised
you.
the sufficiency of the gospel.[1] How does an iconic vision support, rather
than detract from, the sacred significance of singleness?
What are ways the church has fallen short of this vision?
Why is it crucial that the church uphold a sacred vision for
singleness?
6. List at least one thing from this chapter that stood out to you or surprised
you.
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Use Your Imagination
Take a moment to review the phrasing “one flesh” from the book (pages 8-9).
Let’s contrast the one-flesh union with some other (unbiblical) metaphors for
salvation. To be clear, the following are not accurate visions of salvation.
They are false, yet they represent approaches people often take to God. The
point is to contrast the beauty of sexual union against the backdrop of these
false images God has not chosen to use. Consider what each of these false
metaphors would communicate about the nature of the gospel.
1. Climbing the Sacred Mountain. God sits atop a treacherous mountain.
Athletes train their whole lives in preparation for the ascent. Only those
who develop muscular strength, physical agility, and cardiovascular
endurance can master the climb. On the appointed day, climbers race to
the top. Those with injuries or disabilities are prevented from
participating in the race. Many climbers die on the trek. Only those who
make it to the top see the face of God and are awarded a new mansion to
live in.
What does this metaphor imply about the nature of salvation?
In what ways does this metaphor contradict what God tells us
about the one-flesh nature of salvation (see the discussion of
Jesus as the Pursuing God on pages 16–17 of the book)?
Take a moment to review the phrasing “one flesh” from the book (pages 8-9).
Let’s contrast the one-flesh union with some other (unbiblical) metaphors for
salvation. To be clear, the following are not accurate visions of salvation.
They are false, yet they represent approaches people often take to God. The
point is to contrast the beauty of sexual union against the backdrop of these
false images God has not chosen to use. Consider what each of these false
metaphors would communicate about the nature of the gospel.
1. Climbing the Sacred Mountain. God sits atop a treacherous mountain.
Athletes train their whole lives in preparation for the ascent. Only those
who develop muscular strength, physical agility, and cardiovascular
endurance can master the climb. On the appointed day, climbers race to
the top. Those with injuries or disabilities are prevented from
participating in the race. Many climbers die on the trek. Only those who
make it to the top see the face of God and are awarded a new mansion to
live in.
What does this metaphor imply about the nature of salvation?
In what ways does this metaphor contradict what God tells us
about the one-flesh nature of salvation (see the discussion of
Jesus as the Pursuing God on pages 16–17 of the book)?
Loading page 25...
How does such grace change how you approach God?
2. The Work Crew. God sets prisoners free, breaking them out of captivity
from their dark cells of solitary confinement. Once out in the light of
day, however, they’re immediately clothed in orange jumpsuits and put
to work. They pick up trash, mow lawns, build playgrounds, construct
homes, and help old ladies cross the street. Everyone is given a walkie-
talkie so God can give them their new assignments every hour, on the
hour. They never see God again but are given just enough food to have
the energy to complete their assignments.
What does this metaphor imply about the nature of salvation?
In what ways does this metaphor contradict what God tells us
about the one-flesh nature of salvation (see “In Defense of
Romantic Worship Music” on page 21 in the book)?
2. The Work Crew. God sets prisoners free, breaking them out of captivity
from their dark cells of solitary confinement. Once out in the light of
day, however, they’re immediately clothed in orange jumpsuits and put
to work. They pick up trash, mow lawns, build playgrounds, construct
homes, and help old ladies cross the street. Everyone is given a walkie-
talkie so God can give them their new assignments every hour, on the
hour. They never see God again but are given just enough food to have
the energy to complete their assignments.
What does this metaphor imply about the nature of salvation?
In what ways does this metaphor contradict what God tells us
about the one-flesh nature of salvation (see “In Defense of
Romantic Worship Music” on page 21 in the book)?
Loading page 26...
How does such love change how you live with God?
3. The Popularity Contest. Winners in a popularity contest are given elite
access to the private network Life Hacks with the Savior. Every day,
Jesus posts a new video with the hottest tips on diet, exercise, time
management, romance, and more. Those who follow the daily regimen
become smarter, faster, healthier, happier, and more attractive than their
peers. While Jesus has never met them personally, he gives them all they
need to live more satisfying lives.
What does this metaphor imply about the nature of salvation?
In what ways does this metaphor contradict what God tells us
about the one-flesh nature of salvation (see “The Heart of
Salvation” on page 19 in the book)?
3. The Popularity Contest. Winners in a popularity contest are given elite
access to the private network Life Hacks with the Savior. Every day,
Jesus posts a new video with the hottest tips on diet, exercise, time
management, romance, and more. Those who follow the daily regimen
become smarter, faster, healthier, happier, and more attractive than their
peers. While Jesus has never met them personally, he gives them all they
need to live more satisfying lives.
What does this metaphor imply about the nature of salvation?
In what ways does this metaphor contradict what God tells us
about the one-flesh nature of salvation (see “The Heart of
Salvation” on page 19 in the book)?
Loading page 27...
What does such security do to your heart and affection toward
God?
Reflect on It
You were made for union with God. How does this differ from what you’ve
previously understood about the point of the Christian life? How is this a
more beautiful picture of the nature of salvation than popular
misunderstandings of Christianity? How can you hold on to sex as an icon of
salvation to remind you—as an analogy but an important biblical one—of the
life you were made for with God?
God?
Reflect on It
You were made for union with God. How does this differ from what you’ve
previously understood about the point of the Christian life? How is this a
more beautiful picture of the nature of salvation than popular
misunderstandings of Christianity? How can you hold on to sex as an icon of
salvation to remind you—as an analogy but an important biblical one—of the
life you were made for with God?
Loading page 28...
PART II
THE BEAUTY OF SEX
THE BEAUTY OF SEX
Loading page 29...
M
2
WHY SUNSETS ARE BEAUTIFUL
Based on chapter 2 of Beautiful Union.
Takeaway: Sex is an icon of creation, a window into the structure of
our world.
an and woman are introduced on the opening page of the Bible.
“Male and female he created them.”[2] What’s often missed, however,
is that they are not the only such pair. Genesis 1 introduces us to three other
major mated pairs: heaven and earth, land and sea, night and day. These pairs
structure creation. While each component is majestic on its own, guess where
the most beautiful places in creation happen? Where the two become one.
Together, man and woman are a tiny template for our terrestrial home, a
window into the wonder of our enchanted world, a pint-sized portrait of
heaven and earth. When the two become one, their convergence is a holy
place, with the powerful potential to bring forth both beauty and life. When
they bring their diversity into union, their interlocking bodies are embedded
within an intertwined universe. Swirling around us are heaven and earth, land
and sea, night and day. Sex is an icon of creation.
Love is the meaning of the world. This is the secret that sex reveals.
Creation was made for diversity-in-union, and so were you. You were made
by love, in love, and for love—the love of your Creator. Sex is sacred
because it’s a sign that reveals this deep structure and purpose beneath the
2
WHY SUNSETS ARE BEAUTIFUL
Based on chapter 2 of Beautiful Union.
Takeaway: Sex is an icon of creation, a window into the structure of
our world.
an and woman are introduced on the opening page of the Bible.
“Male and female he created them.”[2] What’s often missed, however,
is that they are not the only such pair. Genesis 1 introduces us to three other
major mated pairs: heaven and earth, land and sea, night and day. These pairs
structure creation. While each component is majestic on its own, guess where
the most beautiful places in creation happen? Where the two become one.
Together, man and woman are a tiny template for our terrestrial home, a
window into the wonder of our enchanted world, a pint-sized portrait of
heaven and earth. When the two become one, their convergence is a holy
place, with the powerful potential to bring forth both beauty and life. When
they bring their diversity into union, their interlocking bodies are embedded
within an intertwined universe. Swirling around us are heaven and earth, land
and sea, night and day. Sex is an icon of creation.
Love is the meaning of the world. This is the secret that sex reveals.
Creation was made for diversity-in-union, and so were you. You were made
by love, in love, and for love—the love of your Creator. Sex is sacred
because it’s a sign that reveals this deep structure and purpose beneath the
Loading page 30...
world. It’s like a key that unlocks the truth of creation, opening us up to the
mystery of the universe and the heartbeat of our Creator.
Unpack It
1. Genesis 1 is structured by complementary pairs, made with and for each
other: heaven and earth, land and sea, night and day. When you sit at the
intersection of one of the pairs, what goes through your mind? What are
you feeling? Does one specific complementary pair hold a special place
in your heart? Why? Use the space below to record your answers.
2. Beauty and life characterize these intersections. People are drawn to these
places where the two become one, regardless of whether or not they
believe in God. How do these intersections point to something deeper
given to us by God? What might that be?
How can sex point to both the beauty of union and the new life
that can emerge from it, as embedded in the structure of
creation?
mystery of the universe and the heartbeat of our Creator.
Unpack It
1. Genesis 1 is structured by complementary pairs, made with and for each
other: heaven and earth, land and sea, night and day. When you sit at the
intersection of one of the pairs, what goes through your mind? What are
you feeling? Does one specific complementary pair hold a special place
in your heart? Why? Use the space below to record your answers.
2. Beauty and life characterize these intersections. People are drawn to these
places where the two become one, regardless of whether or not they
believe in God. How do these intersections point to something deeper
given to us by God? What might that be?
How can sex point to both the beauty of union and the new life
that can emerge from it, as embedded in the structure of
creation?
Loading page 31...
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