Mt. Airy’s Rev. Beverly Dale Challenges Traditional Religious Views on Sexuality with New Book

Mt. Airy’s Rev. Beverly Dale is challenging traditional religious views on sexuality with her new book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked? Meditations on the Sexual Body.” Dale’s work aims to bridge the gap between spirituality and sexuality, offering a perspective that celebrates the human body and pleasure as divine gifts.

Dale will present her book on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 5 p.m. at the Mt Airy Art Garage, 7054 Germantown Ave., alongside sexologist Dr. David Ahmad-Stout. The book is published by Pilgrim Press in Cleveland, which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. “I love the open-mindedness in Mt. Airy,” Dale said. “That’s why the book rollout will be here.”

Now in her 60s, Dale has lived in Mt. Airy for 25 years. She was ordained in the Illinois/Wisconsin region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 40 years ago and served as an ecumenical campus minister at the University of Pennsylvania for 21 years until 2010. After leaving her position at Penn, she began writing and in 2013 founded the Incarnation Institute for Sex & Faith, a non-profit organization that has trained 58 sexual health professionals and clergy in Level 1, with 25 advancing to Level 2.

“I wrote this new book for those people who want to heal from the sexual guilt, body shame and judgment of the religious community towards sexuality,” Dale explained. “This book is for the people in the pews or who left the pews. Many struggle with issues of traditional church teaching, gender and sexual shame. I offer exercises they can do. They don’t have to stay in shame.”

Dale identifies erotophobia as a significant barrier to holistic spiritual growth. She emphasizes the importance of integrating sexuality into the broader narrative of faith, suggesting that such integration can foster deeper understanding and compassion. This aligns with the biblical call to love one’s neighbor as oneself, as seen in Mark 12:31.

Through her work, Dale seeks to create a space where individuals can explore their sexuality without fear or judgment, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate approach to faith. Her efforts reflect a growing movement within some Christian communities to address the complexities of human sexuality with grace and truth.

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