• An easily accessible, theologically progressive, mainline Christian Ed resource on human sexuality
• A High School program resource to engage youth in connecting faith and sexuality in grades 9-12
A resource for parents or caregivers, this book will keep the parent informed about each session. In each chapter they will read about what their high schoolers is learning as well as journal questions that will help them connect faith with sexuality and with parenting. The adult reader will have an opportunity to reflect on the same scripture that their child has reflected upon so that all involved will learn new was to think about sexuality and how faith is relevant to understanding the complexities of sexuality and the responsibilities involved. In this program both participants and parents learn and grow together. This book could also be used as a guide for a parent group that meets concurrently with the youth program.
Learn more about the program at theseareourbodies.org
Introduction
SESSION 1: Our Introduction
SESSION 2: Our Language
SESSION 3: Our Value System
SESSION 4: Our Identity
SESSION 5: Our Self Image
SESSION 6: Our Relationship
SESSION 7: Our Health
SESSION 8: Our Dignity
SESSION 9: Our Theology
Resources
“This thoroughly theological, biologically accurate, and highly adaptable curriculum will help revolutionize the way adults who work with youth engage the topics of sexuality, gender identity, and body image. The vast array of resources tapped, from Eric Law’s RESPECT model to the Trevor Project’s suicide prevention initiative, will help the church serve her teenagers well moving forward in an ever-changing cultural context. The glossary alone in the Participant’s Book is worth the purchase!”
—Bronwyn Clark Skov, Director for Formation, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries, Presiding Bishop’s Staff for The Episcopal Church
"Finally, a resource for open, inclusive, honest, theologically sound conversation with teenagers about sexuality! This curriculum is easy to follow and honors the dignity of everyone. Our youth need us to be willing and able to talk about these important topics. I have a feeling adults will benefit as much as teens from this curriculum.”
—Lydia Kelsey Bucklin, Young Adult Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
“As God’s beloved children, our bodies are wholly involved in every moment of our lives of faith, from birth until death. Our Christian identity and our bodies cannot be separated. However, we do not always know how to talk theologically about physicality in general, let alone sexuality. These Are Our Bodies for High School provides parents, ministers, and teenagers a wealth of practical tools for exploring the interplay between faith and sexuality in the context of a Christian community. It invites us deep into the messy beauty of knowing and living out our belovedness with our whole being, for the flourishing of all of God's Creation.”
—The Reverend Charlotte Wilson, Associate Rector for Youth and Pastoral Care, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Burlingame, California
“Sex and sexuality are complex issues in our culture and in our church. How shall we then live in this world in relationship with God, one another, and ourselves? These Are Our Bodies provides an avenue to deepen our understanding on faith and sexuality, so that we may walk alongside our young people and together continue to grow in what it means to be image bearers of Christ.”
—Iman Green Syler, Youth Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington
“This inclusive curriculum promotes crucial dialogue between young people and adults regarding the connections between sexuality and spirituality. The Leader Guide presents clear lesson plans with creative activities that cover a wide array of relevant topics. All books––leader, parent, and participant––include sexuality-related scriptural passages, thoughtful reflection questions, a glossary of terms, and additional resources. This is an excellent resource for faith communities looking for a child- and parent-centered approach to sexuality education.”
—Kathryn Moles, PhD. Adjunct Professor at Graduate Theological Union, and Sexuality Educator.
