Free Roses in Autumn by Donna Fletcher Crow Page B

shifted in her seat, as if trying to make room for the new thought. The idea offered comfort and relaxation. And terror. Accusing God of such a thing was akin to blasphemy. “But wouldn’t any good girl feel like I did—do? I know the whole concept of being good is laughably oldfashioned today. Even the idea that such a thing as goodness exists is considered anti-intellectual. But postmodern thought doesn’t change the truth. The farther society goes over the deep end in immorality, the more important it is that someone hold up a standard of purity.”
    Kyle smiled. “Let’s go back to your first question. Combating deconstructionism might be a bit much to tackle in your first session. And certainly, a normal amount of modesty is a lovely virtue. But it can be out of place in the bedroom with your husband.”
    Laura had the lapels of her jacket clutched tight around her throat before she caught herself. She forced herself to sit back in her chair.
    Kyle nodded his approval of her restored posture. “I would like to help you develop a practical theology of sexuality. You’re absolutely right about society. Until a few years ago—the ’60s, I suppose—sexuality was viewed in many quarters with fear and dread, as a peripheral and dangerous aspect of our lives …”
    “Er—so who’s right?”
    “Like most things, truth seems to hide out somewhere in the middle. Finding the right middle is the trick. I’d like to help you find and understand the Creator’s intentions for sexuality.”
    “Is there any doubt about that? S-s—it’s for having children.”
    “Yes, that. But for pleasure too.”
    “Pleasure!” Laura was on her feet, looking around for her briefcase. She wasn’t going to stay here and listen to this nonsense.
    Kyle held out his hands. “Please, just hear me out.” He gestured toward the chair. “Don’t think of this as counseling. Think of it as the history of philosophy.”
    Research. Laura could deal with that. She took her seat and pulled out her notebook. She always took notes on lectures: Greco-Roman dualism—universe divided into opposing forces: spiritual and material. Human dualism reflected both: soul—the higher spiritual nature; body—the lower, material nature. Body must battle temptations and weaknesses of the flesh so the soul could escape corruption.
    “Do you see?” This could have been Professor Larsen standing in front of a university classroom. “This idea that flesh and spirit are separate and hostile is pagan, not biblical. Unfortunately it was promoted by the sainted Augustine who taught that the greatest threat to spirituality—to developing the higher nature—was sexual intercourse. It was Augustine’s idea that intercourse should be engaged in only for procreation and then only in a manner that did not bring pleasure. The idea that it is a sin to enjoy the marriage bed comes from Augustine and the pagan world. Don’t blame it on God.”
    The notebook snapped shut. “Are you trying to tell me I have a spiritual problem?” If anyone had a spiritual problem, it was this so-called doctor. Imagine saying such things about God. She was amazed the man wasn’t struck by lightning before her very eyes.
    “The fact of the matter is that marriages die spiritually first, but this was just a history lesson, remember?”
    … Was Tom right? Did Monty really find me attractive?
    Of course not, he was just being polite to a visitor, like all Canadians …
    “Mrs. James?”
    She jumped. “Sorry. Terrible habit. What did you say?”
    “I asked if you like to read poetry.”
    “I love it.”
    “Good. I want you to read the Song of Solomon.”
    “I’ve read it.”
    “And your voice sounds like you disapprove of its being in the Bible.”
    “Of course not. It’s just an allegory.” She stood stiffly. What a waste of time this had been.
    “Well, take another look at it. We can discuss it when you come back.”
    Laura turned and walked from the room without another