'Good Christian Sex' pastor sees the Bible as an 'historic document' not God's infallible Word

The Christian author and pastor who wrote a book that single Christians could choose beyond sexual chastity said she sees the Bible as a historic document, not God's infallible Word.

Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan of Union Church of Hinsdale in Illinois wrote the controversial book "Good Christian Sex: Why Chastity Isn't the Only Option — And Other Things the Bible Says About Sex," where she challenged traditional Christian values and beliefs surrounding sex outside marriage.

This led many Christian readers to assume that the pastor and married mother of three does not take the Bible as foolproof and the ultimate Word.

Rev.McCleneghan responded to such criticisms through a Q&A email interview with The Christian Post on Tuesday, where she clarified her stances, including her belief in the Bible.

"I profess Jesus as the Word of God, and the Bible as a witness to His life, ministry, death and resurrection. Which is to say that I take it seriously as a living witness, but also as a historic document written in a particular time and place," she wrote.

She also claimed that her book does not tell people to go all out in their sexuality but that she urges them to take a double look on what the Scripture really says.

"My book is really an invitation for people to reflect on Scripture and their experiences in the light of their faith. It is not an 'anything goes' approach to sexuality, but it does ask readers to consider what is at stake in the ways they order their sexual relationships," said Rev. McCleneghan.

She also responded to calls by some Christians for her to resign as a pastor. She says that her book did not merit the criteria for her removal according to the process followed by her denomination. She added that her book even received praises by the lay and clergy leaders.

While Rev. McCleneghan maintains that single Christians could enjoy a "mutually pleasurable and affirming sex," a study released by the Institute of Family Studies in June revealed that women who remained virgins before marriage are less likely to end up divorced than their counterparts.