Book excerpt: This latest volume in the popular Belief series considers two very different types of biblical writings and two very timely subjects—violence and sex within the context of Scripture. Well-known theologian Harvey Cox draws on a wide array of sources in his commentary on Lamentations— including poetry, novels, films, paintings, and photography—to offer a contemporary theological reading that is provocative and sure to stir numerous theological reflections and responses. The biblical book of Song of Songs has historically been seen as a book pointing to Christ's love for the church and has been interpreted in allegorical ways. Yet, it is unique in the canon for its use of erotic poetry, celebrating the human body and human love in graphic terms. Author Stephanie Paulsell suggests that the Song can still have profound meaning for us, teaching us "to love not only what we can see shining on the surface but also those depths of the other which are out of our reach."