The subject of sex

Local counselor publishes book, tackles many aspects of topic

Ron Vieselmeyer's new book, "Sex: Baddest Sin or Goodest Pleasure," takes on the topic of sex and discusses many aspects from a Christian perspective.

It was recently featured at the national Christian Product Expo in Tennessee. The name is a play on words from The Bible, Vieselmeyer explained, for when God surveyed what he had made and "it was good."

"From my perspective, I believe in God and I believe he made us male and female and he gave us this wonderful gift of sexuality," Vieselmeyer said Monday. "When it's according to God's plan, it's the 'goodest' pleasure, but when it's not according to God's plan, it's the baddest sin."

As stated on the back cover, "Sex" is a book that is to "help you, the reader, enjoy physical and spiritual intimacy to its fullest." It is divided into chapters ranging from "Free Sex," "Irresponsible Sex" and "Pregnancy Outside of Marriage" to "Progressive Change vs. Moral Absolutes," "Prostitution" and "Homophobia."

"It's making people aware of all the problems," Vieselmeyer said. "It's not a how-to book, but it's a book for people who want to know what's going on, those who are struggling in their marriages. It's dealing with, both from a practical and physical side of the issue of sexuality, how people can be more fulfilled in their marriages if they put God's presence into their lives."

Vieselmeyer, 75, of Coeur d'Alene, is semiretired from a long list of ministry, political and counseling work. He still counsels two days a week at Help Center Counseling Services, which he founded in 1979.

"As a counselor, I'm always dealing with issues of sexuality, marriage, child abuse and how it impacts their lives," he said, adding his ideas for the book's content have evolved through more than 50 years.

"When I was living in Toronto, there were some things that came up and I said, 'I'd like to share some thoughts with people,'" he said. "But I never thought I'd write a book."

He said a main inspiration for "Sex" was when he and his wife, Kate, visited Guatemala and El Salvador on mission trips and met people who had rescued children from the sex trade. They were moved by their heartbreaking stories.

"It was what we learned about what these kids go through and how they'd never be normal," Vieselmeyer said. "There was a lot that pushed me to start writing."

Vieselmeyer will be signing his book at Sower Bible Book Store, 1234 W. Appleway Ave. in Coeur d'Alene, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. It is also available on Amazon.com.