EDGAR SPRINGS, MO, March 12, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When Two Become One: Enhancing Sexual Intimacy in Marriage is hitting bookstores across Taiwan and is expected to create quite a stir. Books on sex from a distinctly Christian perspective are extremely rare in most Asian countries.
Endorsed by Protestants and Catholics alike, When Two Become One is one of the few ecumenical books on this often taboo topic. While the authors hold the traditional view that sex is reserved only for marriage, they cast a far more progressive vision for the bedroom than is often conveyed in Christian circles.
"The book is really about the spirit of the act," explains Rachel McCluskey, co-author with her husband, Christopher. "There is a world of difference between simply having sex and truly making love - those two phrases reflect the same act but express two entirely different spirits."
When Two Become One grew out of Christopher McCluskey's work as a licensed psychotherapist certified in sex therapy - another rarity in the Christian world. Many churches now use the book because of the life-changing impact they say it has on their couples. Dr. Archibald Hart, a best-selling author and former Dean of the Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary raves, "I strongly endorse this book. It should be mandatory reading for all premarital couples."
First released in hardback in 2004 by Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group), the McCluskeys were told by their publisher to expect a "slow burn" in sales. At the time, few Christian books on sex had done well enough to go into second editions or reprints.
By 2006, When Two Become One had sold well enough to be re-released in oversized paperback, and in 2007 it was the only title to appear twice on the list of 20 top-selling Christian books addressing sexuality, once for hardback and again for paperback. A Spanish translation and a Nigerian English-speaking edition followed.
The release this month of the Chinese translation marks a significant step forward in the Church's ability to address all matters of private life in a culture long-beset by silence. Translators George and Linda Kuo explain: "We frequently encountered cultural difficulties in translating this vision of sexual intimacy from English to Chinese. For example, the notion of 'playful vulnerability' has no counterpart in Chinese. We have characters representing vulnerability to an enemy, but nothing expressing intentional, joyful transparency and vulnerability to one's spouse. We had to combine several words to approximate the concept."
The Kuos have already appeared on Christian radio in Taiwan, speaking on the book and fielding questions from listeners. "Our people are so hungry for fresh vision. For years they have languished in the ignorance and pain and perversion that so often accompany silence. This book is a beautiful breaking of that silence."
The Chinese translation of When Two Become One is being released by Tao Sheng Publishing House in Taipei.
Christopher McCluskey is a popular speaker, author, and professional certified coach. He is president of Coaching for Christian Living, a state-of-the-art international coaching business, and serves as director of the Professional Christian Coaching Program. As a former psychotherapist, he co-founded the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists and the Institute for Sexual Wholeness, a master's-level training program for Christian counselors. Chris produced the highly-acclaimed DVD program, Coaching Couples into Passionate Intimacy: God's Intentions for Marital Sexual Union, and has appeared in numerous television and video programs on sexuality from a Christian perspective.
Rachel McCluskey is also a life coach who homeschools their seven children. She and Chris have co-authored several chapters in popular Christian books, including The Complete Marriage Book, A Celebration of Sex, and The Complete Parenting Book.
To interview Christopher & Rachel McCluskey, or request a review copy of When Two Become One (English), contact our office.
Marcie Thomas | Marketing Director
PO Box 609, Edgar Springs, MO 65462
Office: (573) 435-9948 Fax: (573) 435-9538
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.whentwobecomeone.net
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