Books

In Ennobling Love, Jaeger analyzes various Medieval customs related to different modes of affection from a historical perspective, giving new light to the insights and sensibilities that these people held. Rituals and behaviors that nowadays could only pass as an expression of _eroticism_ (such as a kiss on the lips or sharing the same bed) are brought back to a time where that behavior was decoupled from eroticism. Jeager's insight on the lives and work of the Medieval poets, abbots, clerics, and monarchs of the time (as well as the beliefs that informed their behavior), shows us that not only is it possible -- but it was understood and desireable to express a deep affection and love for another person, regardless if they were the same sex, so long as it was expressed in a moral, chaste manner.

A study on the why's and how's of human intimacy, Morris demonstrates through cultural analysis and evolutionary psychology our internal need for human connection. Behaviors that we once consider infantile and are expected to "grow out of," instead are given a new language and form as we age. Touch is introduced in this book as one of the most important (though often forgotten) senses that contribute to our sense of self-worth, our physical and mental health, and overall well-being. Morris also goes on to address the current limitations and taboos regarding touch and possible remedies for what we now know as touch deprivation.

A seminal work in friendship from the 12th Century English Cisterian abbot, St. Aelred takes Cicero's De Amicitia, and using Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition -- Christianizes the concept into what he calls "spiritual friendship." Written in a dialogue format, St. Aelred goes through the various forms of friendship, what it means to be a friend and who a true friend is, what defines authentic relationships, and the spiritual nature and mutual love of God that brings these relationships to true intimacy. It should be noted that many "scholars" such as John Boswell have spread misinformation in an attempt to paint St. Aelred as someone who struggled with homosexuality. This is not true. See here.

Going into the depths of legends, myths, and customs throughout the world - Donovan and Miller examine a common trope that men embraced as a rite of brotherhood. The rituals associated with blood brotherhoods allowed men who were non-relatives to become "soul siblings," letting each other's essence mingle into one through the blending of each other's blood. The custom varied from culture to culture, nation to nation, but the importance of this relationship brought on by this ritual was always held with special regard. Much like Jaeger's Ennobling Love the behaviors in these customs also debunk the idea of kissing between men or sharing the same bed as purely a homoerotic or sexual act - rather, these behaviors should be understood as a normal function of local traditions with each civilization that practiced this rite.