The Song of Solomon, also referred to as the Song of Songs, has been a mystery to me in my walk with Christ as a new believer. What exactly was this book of the Bible talking about? My gut instinct told me to take it literally, hearing preachers refer to it as descriptive of Christ’s love for believers. Parts of it are certainly suggestive, and indeed, graphic – I have a difficult time thinking of Jesus in those situations and terms. For me it would take some fancy talking around the scriptures for this approach to make sense to me.

Enter Sam Laing and his book, The Five Senses of Romantic Love - God’s Plan for Exciting Sexual Intimacy in Marriage. Laing takes a literal approach to the Song of Solomon, examining it as an encouraging text written from God to married couples as a model for the joys of marital intimacy. Laing has authored his book for married couples only, so if you are single you should wait to read it, and this review as well unless you have an impending marriage in your future. Indeed, Laing opens his book with this caveat, which I greatly appreciated. He appears to be a Christian man of integrity and would not see single believers stumble or be led into temptation by contemplating the marital act of intimacy that they cannot rightfully enjoy.

The topic of sex within the confines of marriage (where it rightfully belongs) is often neglected in conversations and preaching concerning the Christian life. Thankfully, there have been several books authored in recent years that seek to equip Christian couples with a view of sexual relations from a biblical perspective. For a new believer such as myself, I have wondered what God finds pleasing in this area, what His take on marital intimacy is. The Five Senses of Romantic Love is a highly practical guide for those seeking an answer to similar questions.

Laing writes enthusiastically on the subject, expounding upon God’s design for love within marriage; the joy and pleasure He intends for our spouses and us. Using the Song of Solomon he provides practical ways to enhance our love life through engaging each of our five senses. The book is divided into 8 chapters. The first addresses God’s general intent for delight in the sexual union of man and wife. The following five each address one of the five senses: sound, sight, fragrance, taste and touch. The last two offer advice specifically to women and men based upon the two main characters of the Song, a wife and her husband.