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Sex, Sushi, and Salvation: Thoughts on Intimacy, Community, and Eternity

Christian George
Moody Publishers (2008)
ISBN 9780802482549
Reviewed by Melissa LaMunyon for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Christian George’s provocative title and the stylish cover of his latest book, “Sex, Sushi and Salvation” is a perfect example of the new movement in the Christian faith. Young Christians of all creeds and from every part of the country are seeking far more from their faith and their churches: more depth, more philosophy, more intimacy and more practicality. Apparently, theology and spiritual thought are not just for pastors anymore.       

Reflecting on his childhood, mission work, the courtship of his wife, Rebecca, and his world travels, George draws a multicolored, many hued picture of his life experiences for the reader. Using an intense, poetic and descriptive style, George takes the reader on a rambling journey through his life as he demonstrates the universal human needs of intimacy, community and hope for eternal life through the eyes of his faith. Combined within the stories from his life, George waxes theological; drawing on many scriptural passages until he gradually intertwines the bite-sized chapters together at the end.

I appreciated George’s fresh and frank approach to this book and to life. A few of the stories stood out to me in particular; one was an encounter with a young Russian girl during a mission trip. When George gently refuses the teenage girl’s offer of sex (not without pause, he admits) he finds out that he is the first man who has ever turned this young girl away. After a brief period of awkwardness, the two are able to have real conversations about life and God.

George has a passion for pilgrimages and a thorough knowledge of Christian history. During one of the vignettes, George describes his exploration of the country side around a European monastery and musing over the early monastic life; what it would mean to completely have the focus of ones life being in the pursuit of knowing God. Using his vivid style, George tries to imagine what it would be like to live in one of the caves around the monastery during all kinds of weather and without any modern conveniences. These kind of rambling stories make up the bulk of “Sex, Sushi and Salvation.”

My only issue with the book was the occasional over use of descriptive language. While George’s style is certainly unique and appealing, it felt as though he was trying too hard to be clever, and a little shocking, in the first few chapters. Another important note; this is directed towards those of the Christian faith. Seekers or spiritualists would be better off looking elsewhere for reading material. Christians, however, of all walks will enjoy this book, and George’s fresh approach to theological writing is surely to be well received.

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