Those of us who have done undergraduate and graduate study on the Bible know that most all courses are all to often taught with an agenda: To build up either a conservative or liberal doctrinal position in defense of an often artificial "apologetic" or some systematic outcome that requires a lot of esisegesis (The reading of creedal and modern dogmas back on to the Biblical text). The "two star" review by Richard S. Olcott is an excellent case in point!What makes Michael Coogan's book such a great guide on the Biblical view of sex is its shear objectivity in that it is addressed to the lay reader who wants to concisely and objectively know what the Bible really says about this subject even if this includes facing both Biblical diversity and contradictions.For the pious religious person, Coogan's vast knowledge of the text often de-bunks the superficial subjective "systematic theology" and apologetic traditions to reveal the Bible warts and all. This approach shows a Biblical Canon that is an ancient anthology composed over a millennium by scribes with many conflicting ideas about God and truth.For this short and concise study on a very problematic topic that has long concerned the Church form the celibate Roman Catholic tradition to the polygamous Mormon tradition, I say: Thank you Professor Coogan for an excellent study well done!