Desire and Disunity

Discover the intricate dynamics of the Christian church in Ulriika Vihervalli's insightful book, Desire and Disunity, published by Liverpool University Press in 2024. This compelling study spans 248 pages, delving into the church's struggles to address the complex and often contradictory sexual practices prevalent in the late antique Roman west. Vihervalli meticulously examines a wide array of sources, including sermons, letters, laws, and treatises, to unveil the clerical efforts to confront issues such as bigamy, concubinage, sex work, incest, homosexual acts, and adultery. Despite their intentions, these attempts often met with limited success, highlighting the challenges faced by religious authorities in navigating human desire. Desire and Disunity is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the intersection of religion and sexuality in historical contexts.