The Book of Romance: What Solomon Says About Love, Sex, and Intimacy

Rating:
Summary: Not ridiculous at all.....
Review: This book was a blessing to me. I didn't go through the work shops the author mentioned, but, I did have my Bible handy. I had been reading the Songs of Soloman from the bible for years and was eager to find more insight to what God really had to say by reading others written work on the subject. This book was a good beginning and I continue to buy others to accompany it.

Rating:
Summary: Very Timely
Review: This book was very refreshing and informative about Christian relationships. I like how he differentiated dating vs. courtship; I happen to agree with Joshua Harris though. I don't think "dating" is a good idea, because you could easily be tempted to let your feelings get carried away. I have dated many times before becoming a Christian, and I personally cannot handle it. So I'm waiting to find a good Christian man to be a friend, then maybe moving toward courtship. Overall, the book was very informative and practical; there is a lot of sound wisdom. I just gave my copy to a young lady that broke off her engagement. When I meet that "special someone", I'll by the book again, and give him a copy, too!

Rating:
Summary: Must read. God cares about your romance.
Review: This book wonderfully describes how God cares about our love lives, sex lives and romance. In the beauty that love, sex and romance was intended Tommy Nelson leads a discussion on what God intended our love to be. The questions at the end of each chapter keep you from being a passive reader. They guide you to really discover what you believe and how to experience real love. My fiancée and I went through the book and tape series as we moved from friendship to courting to engagement. We have given and recommended the book to many couples and singles. We will return to the book throughout our married life.

Rating:
Summary: Things that everyone needs to hear
Review: This is a refreshing approach to relationships from a Biblical perspective. I was pleasantly suprised that there were actually applicable verses of scripture regarding dating, marriage, and intimacy. Nelson is witty and captivating. this is a book that everyone who is young, old, married, single, or thinking about marrying or dating should read. Nelson also offers tips for spicing up your marriage God- style. I only wish I could have read this sooner.

Rating:
Summary: Practical and real!
Review: This is so real, it holds none of the pretention of other books that cover the same topics. Practically aplicable in everyway - if it never gets used for marraige it is still an awesome book on how life should be lived in general. Ladies get this and read it, see who you truely are and men, you can learn alot with this beautiful study of romance.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely ridiculous ...
Review: Those who say this is God's word on sex, romance and dating are deceiving themselves and others. This is not what Solomon says in his Song; this is what Tommy Nelson interprets Solomon as saying. It is disrespectful and demeaning. Those looking for a sound, Biblically-based interpretation of the Song of Solomon would do well to read Watchman Nee's "Song of Songs".

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't stop reading until i had finished the entire book
Review: Tommy Nelson does an amazing job of pulling together all the components of a healthy relationship from its inception in casual dating through its culmination in a lifelong passionate romance with your spouse. I, as someone who is still pre-engagement, found this book to be particularly refreshing and motivating as I look to further build my own relationship into something that is both Godly and beautiful. He starts the reader at the earliest steps of attraction and attacks each potential relationship pitfall honestly and creatively, addressing such issues as initial physical attraction vs. emotional and spiritual attraction, the steps to a healthy conflict resolution, and keeping the romance alive even after the starstruck newlywed phase is over. He uses many examples from his experiences as a husband and a Christian counselor, drawing from the triumphs and setbacks of all levels of relationships in a way that is both humorous and practical. The Song of Solomon references work well with the flow of the material, and I found myself wanting to go back to my Bible to re-read Solomon's love story with a new outlook. This book will energize your relationship and give you a fresh perspective and sound advice on the type of marriage and romance God intends us to have.

Rating:
Summary: Solomon still relevant today
Review: Tommy Nelson has done what should have been done long ago. An expository look at the Song of Solomon puts human romance in the necessary Biblical light. What better source to gain wisdom on such a gray area than God's Word. It is perfect for any stage of relationship as well. Intelligent and passionate.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Godly Relationship Guide
Review: Tommy Nelson is a Texas pastor who has developed a series on relationships from the Song of Solomon. The Book of Romance follows very closely his video series and his conferences. It moves through all stages of a romantic relationship from dating to courting to engagement and to having a successful marriage. He addresses many issues that are seldom touched upon on Sunday mornings. The first few chapters of the book are a practical guide through the premarital stages of a relationship and how to know when to and when not to carry on those relationships. It is applicable to people of all ages from those just beginning to date and to those in a long marriage. Nelson analyzes the Song of Solomon in all its poetic and sensual detail. One gets the full sense of longing and romantic desires between Solomon and his bride. It will also leave you with a longing for your own significant other. The Book of Romance will energize any marriage and give guidance to anyone struggling with his or her marriage or in a dating relationship. I bought the book half way through one of Nelson's conferences with a desire to know more of God's perspective on love, sensuality, and sexuality. He does hold to the idea of wives submitting to and following their husbands as leaders, but any couple that applies the principles in the Book of Romance to their relationship will grow stronger, closer to each other, and closer to God. I would also recommend the video series.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting...in spots, corny in others
Review: When the book sticks to the content of the Bible's Song of Solomon, it's fairly good. When the author tries to take certain passages and make them into sweeping dating advice...well that's certainly different territory.

Some of this writer's (a pastor) knowledge about the background of the Song of Solomon makes for interesting reading. But a substantial portion of the book falls into the category of "personal opinion" or "personal conviction" that's communicated as if it's clearly supported by the biblical text. It's not.