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Masculine Initiation Male SexualityMasculinity

Masculine Initiation

For most of human history, in every age and culture, boys were initiated into manhood…

Dr. Corey CarlisleDecember 4, 2015

Death and Gratitude DeathGratitudeGriefMusingsSpiritual Formation

Death and Gratitude

Death has visited my community quite often recently, and it has not spared my family either.…

Dr. Corey CarlisleNovember 25, 2015

Too Stressed for Sex? CoachingEmbodimentLovemaking AtmosphereSexual DesireSexual IntimacySexualitySimplicitySoul CareStewardshipStress

Too Stressed for Sex?

It is no surprise that life can be very stressful. Not only are we faced…

Dr. Corey CarlisleNovember 19, 2015

The Spice of Life passionPleasureSexual IntimacySexuality

The Spice of Life

As I was buying a bag of apples the other day, I was struck at…

Dr. Corey CarlisleNovember 15, 2015

Let’s Talk About S-E-X! Lovemaking Atmosphere

Let’s Talk About S-E-X!

For many couples, talking openly about their sexual life can be difficult. Even if they…

Dr. Corey CarlisleNovember 5, 2015

The Power of Presence FriendshipLoveMarriagePresenceQuality TimeSpiritual Formation

The Power of Presence

There are days when my heart is overwhelmed. I long for something, yet nothing in particular. Usual work and…

Dr. Corey CarlisleNovember 1, 2015

It’s Planting Time Sex EdSexualityStewardship

It’s Planting Time

Here in Atlanta, the cool fall mornings have arrived and the leaves are bursting with…

Dr. Corey CarlisleOctober 24, 2015

Engage Your Passions Larger StorySpiritual Formation

Engage Your Passions

One of my favorite memories growing up was sitting with my dad after dinner waiting…

Dr. Corey CarlisleOctober 19, 2015

Surrender DeathFaithHopeLoveResurrectionSpiritual FormationTrust

Surrender

On a recent retreat with some friends it rained, a lot. After looking forward to…

Dr. Corey CarlisleOctober 11, 2015

Forging a Masculine Community AlliesCommunityFriendshipMasculinity

Forging a Masculine Community

Whether we like to admit it or not men need each other. It is in…

Dr. Corey CarlisleOctober 9, 2015

Dark Night Excavation Dark nightsSoul CareSpiritual Formation

Dark Night Excavation

As part of a recent team building exercise at work, I was asked where I…

Dr. Corey CarlisleSeptember 30, 2015

Q & A with Dr. Corey: Spontaneous Erections ArousalQ&ASex EdSexual AnatomyStewardshipThe Penis

Q & A with Dr. Corey: Spontaneous Erections

"I am a 28-year-old guy and I’ve been having a problem with unpredictable erections four…

Dr. Corey CarlisleSeptember 24, 2015

Thoughts on addiction to pornography Erotic ImagesPornographySexual Addiction

Thoughts on addiction to pornography

I have a friend who has a little habit. He begins every morning indulging in…

Dr. Corey CarlisleAugust 24, 2015

Eros Toward the World ErosLarger StoryTheology of Sex

Eros Toward the World

It is not difficult to see the many divisions that exist in the world and…

Dr. Corey CarlisleJuly 1, 2015

Sexual Stewardship Sexual MaturitySexualityStewardshipTheology of Sex

Sexual Stewardship

You may remember the story Jesus told of the man who entrusted his three servants…

Dr. Corey CarlisleJune 30, 2015

Simplicity and Sex Lovemaking AtmosphereSexualitySimplicitySoul CareStewardship

Simplicity and Sex

Busyness has a way of creeping up on us, and we often have to resist…

Dr. Corey CarlisleJune 8, 2015

Igniting the Spark of Sexual Passion Lovemaking AtmosphereMarriageSexual PolaritySexuality

Igniting the Spark of Sexual Passion

They are best friends, great parents, and it is clear they love each other deeply.…

Dr. Corey CarlisleFebruary 1, 2015

Taking Sex into the Deep SexualitySpiritual SexualityTheology of Sex

Taking Sex into the Deep

What do we do when we find ourselves wanting more in our sexual lives? Many…

Dr. Corey CarlisleDecember 15, 2014

Spiritual Sex Spiritual SexualityTheology of Sex

Spiritual Sex

More often than not, spiritual practices are kept separate from our sexual life. Even when…

Dr. Corey CarlisleNovember 22, 2014

Holy Eroticism in Art Erotic ImagesEroticismMarriagePornographySexuality

Holy Eroticism in Art

The ideas of God-based art portraying holy eroticism and the need for its beauty are…

Dr. Corey CarlisleNovember 7, 2014

Pornography and the Mutually Consenting Couple BeautyErotic ImagesEroticismLustMale SexualityPornographyQ&ASexual FantasiesSexualityTheology of Sex

Pornography and the Mutually Consenting Couple

Editor's Notes: Originally posted on Enhancing the Dance. See followup comments here. I’m (Dr. Jessica McCleese)…

Dr. Corey CarlisleNovember 5, 2014

Questioning Masturbation Church ResponseEmbodimentErosEroticismFreedomLoveLustMale SexualityMasturbationMusingsPleasurePornographySingle SexualitySpiritual SexualityStewardship

Questioning Masturbation

Much debate has surrounded the topic of masturbation in Christian circles. Often the debate asks…

Dr. Corey CarlisleMay 29, 2014

Self-Transcendent Masturbation MasturbationMusings

Self-Transcendent Masturbation

Many assume that the solitude act of masturbation is inherently selfish and self-centered. However, it is…

Dr. Corey CarlisleJanuary 19, 2014

Meaning Making and Masturbation MasturbationMusings

Meaning Making and Masturbation

What meaning do we give masturbation? When our purpose is simply reducing sexual tension and…

Dr. Corey CarlisleJanuary 13, 2014

Masturbation as Prayer? Snippets

Masturbation as Prayer?

Anything we do with our bodies is a form of prayer when our central intent…

Dr. Corey CarlisleOctober 30, 2013

When Does Masturbation Become Sinful? Snippets

When Does Masturbation Become Sinful?

Masturbation becomes sinful when it impairs or fails to enhance the union of love between…

Dr. Corey CarlisleJanuary 17, 2013

What Does Masturbation Mean to You? MasturbationSingle Sexuality

What Does Masturbation Mean to You?

For some masturbation is a means of escape, a way to numb the ache of…

Dr. Corey CarlisleJanuary 7, 2013

Theology of Pleasure & Masturbation MasturbationMusingsPleasure

Theology of Pleasure & Masturbation

Many Christians have moved away from seeing procreation as the only legitimate purpose for sexual expression.…

Dr. Corey CarlisleDecember 12, 2012

Celebrating Life and Masturbation MasturbationMusingsSingle Sexuality

Celebrating Life and Masturbation

Christ came that we might have life, and life to the full. While procreation certainly…

Dr. Corey CarlisleDecember 10, 2012

Sanctify Your Bedroom Lovemaking AtmosphereMarriageSexuality

Sanctify Your Bedroom

You know that feeling of walking into a cathedral, standing at a monument, or entering…

Dr. Corey CarlisleDecember 5, 2012