Summary
"Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control" by Elisabeth Elliot is a deeply personal and Biblically-grounded exploration of love, relationships, and purity from a Christian perspective. Drawing from her own experiences, including her courtship with and marriage to Jim Elliot, the author challenges readers to re-evaluate cultural norms and embrace a counter-cultural approach to love, placing God's authority and guidance at the center.
The book begins by setting the stage with personal anecdotes and reflections on the confusion and complexities surrounding love and relationships in contemporary society. Elliot contrasts this with the intentional, God-centered approach she and Jim Elliot took, emphasizing the importance of virginity, purity, and seeking God's will above personal desires. She shares excerpts from her journals and letters, providing an intimate glimpse into her own struggles, doubts, and unwavering commitment to honoring God in her relationships.
Throughout the book, Elliot tackles various aspects of love and relationships, such as singleness, courtship, marriage, and the role of passion. She encourages readers to embrace singleness as a valuable season for personal growth and seeking God's purpose, rather than viewing it as a waiting period for marriage. She also challenges the notion that physical intimacy is a necessary component of discerning whether to marry someone, instead advocating for observation, prayer, and seeking wise counsel.
Furthermore, Elliot explores the concept of submission in marriage, emphasizing that it is not about dominance or control, but rather about mutual respect, selflessness, and honoring God's design for the marital relationship. She cautions against the cultural pressures that encourage women to take the initiative in relationships, instead encouraging them to embrace their role as responders and to trust that God will lead the right man to them.
In the later chapters, Elliot delves into the challenges of maintaining purity and navigating temptation. She stresses the importance of setting boundaries, avoiding compromising situations, and seeking God's strength to overcome desires that are not aligned with His will. She also acknowledges that mistakes will be made, but emphasizes the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and relying on God's grace to move forward.
Ultimately, "Passion and Purity" is a call to radical discipleship in the realm of love and relationships. It challenges readers to surrender their desires and expectations to God, to trust in His perfect plan, and to embrace a life of passion and purity that is rooted in His love and authority.