Oh God!: A Black Woman's Guide to Sex and Spirituality: Amazon.ca: Rev. Dr. Susan Newman: Books

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From Publishers Weekly

Ordained minister Newman (With Heart and Hand) chose a riveting topic for her second book: her premise is that African-American women often have confused ideas about sex, in large part because the church gives them confusing messages. Unfortunately, the book does not live up to its initial promise. Newman's message is less about ethics (she is curiously opaque, for example, about the propriety of sex outside of marriage) than self-image. Above all, she wants her readers to feel good about themselves, urging women to take up "Project Me," which involves spending time alone and tending to their own needs. This is hardly new advice. One wonders how Newman's suggestions that women take a karate class, learn to embroider or buy themselves flowers will help her audience think more clearly about sex. Part of the book's superficiality stems from Newman's attempt to cover too many subjects, including body image, domestic violence, orgasm in marriage, dancing in church, dating and HIV prevention. Though these are all worthy topics, Newman sacrifices depth for breadth. One of the book's redeeming features is her sensitive biblical exegesis; she portrays Jesus as a "revolutionary feminist" who befriended women, and concludes from her study of the Onan story in Genesis that masturbation (which she calls "self-pleasuring") is not sinful. These interpretations, though certainly not original to Newman, are ably presented. Readers will also appreciate the biblically inspired reflection questions that close each chapter. Scriptural summaries and fill-in-the-blank worksheets, however, are not enough to salvage this disjointed guide.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In this blunt, compassionate, and entertaining book for black women, Newman, an acclaimed minister based in Washington, DC, offers strong and sensible advice on managing one's body and relationships in light of one's spiritual life, happiness, and welfare. Admirably frank, Newman deals with sexual abuse, divorce, HIV, masturbation, and self-worth. Her honesty means a good deal more than the evasions of many other writers who address women's spirituality, and her work deserves a broad readership. Highly recommended.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt

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Customer Reviews

12 Reviews

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Average Customer Review

3.6 out of 5 stars (12 customer reviews)

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3.0 out of 5 stars Good - Not Truly Reality Based, Dec 8 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Oh God!: A Black Woman's Guide to Sex and Spirituality (Hardcover)

Found this book to be a good guide, but it did not address real world relationship issues. This is not a book for a 20something looking for ideal love. The author is far removed from the dating scene. If you are looking for young and hip advice,I prefer LaDawn Black's Stripped Bare.

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1.0 out of 5 stars Susan Newman: ADVOCATE FOR SATAN!, Oct 14 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Oh God!: A Black Woman's Guide to Sex and Spirituality (Hardcover)

Ms. Newman's book is horrible!! Don't let the title fool you! She's using the word of God and spirituality to decieve women, black women in particular, into thinking that sex before marriage is all good!

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1.0 out of 5 stars The Publishers Weekly Review is accurate, April 18 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Oh God!: A Black Woman's Guide to Sex and Spirituality (Hardcover)

This book was given to me by a friend. She read it and didn't like it. I read it and then read the reviews. I agree with the Publisher's Weekly review.

Unfortunately, the book does not live up to its initial promise.

Newman is curiously opaque about sex outside of marriage.

She wants her readers to feel good about themselves. This is hardly new advice.

Newman attempts to cover too many subjects, including body image, domestic violence, orgasm in marriage, dancing in church, dating and HIV prevention. Though these are all worthy topics, Newman sacrifices depth for breadth.

Her book is a very disjointed guide.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Words of Wisdom for Christian Women
This book was awesome! Reverend Newman breaks down portions of the bible in ways that you will never hear a male pastor do. Read more

Published on April 12 2002

4.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for Opening the Door, Susan!
Dr. Newman has written a book that every open-minded woman--dare I say, Christian--will want to read and share with friends. Do I agree with every comment made? No! Read more