by Jonathan Snyder on 02/11/2009

Finally a sex curriculum I can trust. Rather than simply saying what to do and what not to do, Powell and Clark have created a holistic approach to teaching teenage sexuality in a church context. Let me preface this review by saying I almost never buy youth curriculum. I find it to be to trite for the kids I work with. Canned curriculums tend to try to force your youth ministry into that of the writer's. This approach is not effective,and I have tried talks from all sorts of publishers. I had all but given up on prepared curiculum (especially from youthspecialties, who I greatly admire for their philosophical books). Every year, we have a series of "sex talks" in our youth ministry. Previously, I have been in charge of creating the curriculum we would do. Not to boast, but I considered my teachings to be very well organized. That was, until I found this resource. Good Sex hits all the major topics of sexuality, stays faithful to the Bible, is very approachable to teens, has excellent visual aids, is up to date with the most current research, has a plethora of options to choose from (as any great curriculum should). This book does not simply spout off easy answers, but draws in teenagers to find out for themselves why our sexuality is a major aspect of our spirituality. While the curriculum is hard to navigate (the book has so many options to choose from it is difficult to see the train of thought), it suffers from having too much easily accessible information, rather than being poorly written (including transcripts, handouts, online resources, and additional ideas for each week). After the first week, it is easy enough to get the hang of. The options are nearly endless. There are suitable options to choose from the four main sections of any given lesson for any age group (from jr hi to hi). Feel like the suggested activity is too risque for your conservative gorup of kids? look at the chapter appendix and see the other options. Want to include other adults? do the same. Is your group too small for this to work? look at the appendix. Too imature? ditto. Too mature? ditto. Too experienced (doubtful)? ditto. Ultimately, this has all the marks of a great youth curriculum. Relevance, faithfulness to Scripture, accessibility for leaders, visual aids, great discussions, honesty, transparency, informed with scholarship, ability to be changed, etc. If you are doing a youth talk on sexuality, PICK THIS ONE UP TODAY!!