Dr Ruth Westheimer, the well-known sex therapist and media personality, sat down to tell the story of the Bible book of Song of Solomon, also known as Song of Songs or Canticles, through her unique perspective.
According to Dr Ruth, Song of Solomon is a love story between a man and a woman, filled with passionate descriptions of physical intimacy and the powerful emotions that come with it. The book is written in the form of poetry, with imagery that is at once erotic and spiritual.
The protagonist of the story is an unnamed woman, often referred to as the Shulammite, who is deeply in love with a man she calls her beloved. Their relationship is depicted as one of intense longing and desire, with the woman constantly seeking the attention and affection of her beloved.
The man in question is described as handsome and strong, with an irresistible charm that draws the woman to him. He returns her affection, showering her with compliments and gifts, and the two engage in a love affair that is powerful and intense.
Throughout the book, the couple is portrayed as deeply in love, and their passion for each other is celebrated in a series of sensual poems. There are descriptions of kissing, touching, and even tasting each other’s bodies, all of which are described in exquisite detail.
For Dr Ruth, the book of Song of Solomon is a celebration of the joy and pleasures of physical intimacy within a loving relationship. It is a reminder that sex can be a beautiful and sacred act, one that can deepen the bonds between two people and create a sense of spiritual connection.
At the same time, Dr Ruth acknowledges that the book is not without its challenges, particularly in its portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics. The woman is often depicted as subservient to her male partner, and there are moments when her body is objectified and fetishized.
Despite these issues, Dr Ruth sees Song of Solomon as a valuable and important part of the Bible, one that speaks to the complexities of human relationships and the power of love and desire.
And as for a funny quote to end on, Dr Ruth quips, “If you want to spice up your love life, maybe skip the hotel room and just read Song of Solomon together. It’s sexier than anything you’ll find on cable TV!”
