title: After the Church: Divine Encounter in a Sexual Age
author:  Claire Henderson Davis 
description: 'How refreshing! A book that sees the dynamics of sex as a positive analogy for how human beings in all their diversity can love each other in a world where all people are loved equally by God. Christians through the centuries who have seen sex as a threat to spiritual growth will be turning in their graves. Long may that continue!'<br /> -- SOFIA
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  # Chapter 1
  
  
  ![](image/swish.jpg)
  
  
  Anne Marie Clark regarded the preacher and his son through narrowed eyes. The
  man barely acknowledged her existence until recently, offering little more
  than a flaccid handshake after services while fixing his gaze on more
  important members of the congregation. There had to be some sneaky reason for
  his visit this evening. Anne was sure of it.
  
  
  The boy wolfed down a third piece of chicken and reached for another. She
  figured he’d eat everything on the platter if given the chance. He smacked his
  lips and let out the loudest belch he could muster, but no one else at the
  table seemed to notice.
  
  
  Pastor Ingram arrived in their small community south of Louisville, Kentucky,
  six months ago. He gained everyone’s sympathy by revealing he’d lost his wife
  to cancer last year. Now every widow, including Anne’s foster mother, Mona,
  and many of the older single w