The Gift of Sex

A Guide to Sexual Fulfillment

By: Clifford Penner, Joyce Penner

Narrated by: Tom Parks

Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Clifford and Joyce Penner, clinical therapist and nurse, have written a sensitive and forthright guide to understanding sexuality and how it fits into God's design for marriage. This revised and updated version features a new introduction, a section on addictions and the internet, and a timely discussion on sexually transmitted diseases and their consequences. With the latest information on sexuality and intimacy, this best seller is ideal whether you are newlyweds or have been married for many years.

Chapters include:

• The Physical Dimension
• The Total Experience
• Moving Past Sexual Barriers
• Resolving Difficulties
• Finding Help

©2003 Clifford and Joyce Penner (P)2019 Tantor

Good book that covers many misconceptions, but a few comments didn’t frame biblical boundaries well enough in my opinion.

Good book, but the reader must know what he or she believes beforehand while still receiving the concepts in the book with an open mind. The reader must be willing to be theologically challenged. American culture as well as our inherent fallen nature has distorted intimacy.

The book doesn’t cover male/female personality and behavior role reversal (reversals from average, standard male and female norms).

I only experienced three or four “what?”, “wait a minute”, or “there’s more to it than that” moments throughout the entire book.

For example: As the authors stated, there’s nothing inherently wrong with fantasizing as long as the fantasy is related to desired experiences or preferences. However, the authors didn’t remind the listener about Mathew 5:27-28.

My conviction is that self stimulation is completely acceptable as long as you are in the presence of your spouse. Likewise, fantasies are completely fine as long as your thoughts are about your spouse. Otherwise, your in very dangerous territory.


1 Corinthians 8:12-13
1 Corinthians 9:20
Neither of these passages are referring to intimacy or sex. However, you can apply the principles in many different ways.

Wish I had known about this book earlier!

This was a very worth while read! Interesting and relevant information! Thanks Clifford & Joyce for this book :)

Very helpful

Despite the fact that it was Christian based, and I’m not religious, the information about human sexuality was amazing. I wish I would have known about this book when I was 18.

A must for all married couples

Well written and great communication for how to help couples get on the same page with sexual intimacy. Highly recommend

Long and Dry

This book just never really got that interesting. It was recommended by our marriage counselor but was almost impossible to finish. Waste of money imo.

Uncomfortable, lacks wisdom and sensitivity

This book did not work for my husband and I. Too clinical and not romantic. We'd agreed that we would never be comfortable doing some of the exercises. For example standing in front of a mirror naked and taking a critical inventory of our bodies. That just feels creepy, narcistic and self judging. The author also recommends surgery for parts of your body that you are not comfortable with. The book is authored by a husband and wife couple, but the women is silent in the text and it is narrated only by a man. To me it is creepy uncomfortable to listen to a man instructing me on this subject. It feels very condescending patriarchy. Both my husband and I tried to find value from the book, but eventually gave up. My husband was relived when I suggested we give up on it.

Rather than taking a critical inventory of how our naked bodies look, we find yoga, ball room dancing and other physical actives together to be much more enjoyable and romantic. Good old fashion fun is a much better aphrodisiac.