Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
As a pastor of almost 40 years, I can testify that most of the questions that have been asked of me have to do with sex:
Continue reading “A Conversation about Sex – Part 9: Pastoral Care for the Sexually Broken”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ comes with a warning and a promise: The warning is “the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God… neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals…” The promise is: “
Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God (1 Cor 6:9-11).
Continue reading “A Conversation about Sex – Part 8: Such were Some of You”
The world of the ancient near east in which is Christianity was born was harsh towards children. Abortion and exposure were common practices, most often for economic reasons. Even so, the Church has always prophetically spoken regarding the value of every child. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that conception and birth are sacred events in the theology of the church.
Continue reading “A Conversation about Sex – Part 7: Abortion”
On June 26, 2015 the United States Supreme court issued the Obergefell decision which legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States and its jurisdictions. Although this is a recent legal decision, the issue of same-sex behavior is ancient.
Continue reading “A Conversation about Sex – Part 6: Homosexuality and Transgenderism”
The sexual morality of the Hebrew scriptures was vastly different from the sexual culture of the Greco-Roman world in which Christianity was born. Brothers sometimes married their sisters to protect family property rights. Bisexuality was taken for granted. Homosexuality was natural, socially acceptable, even idealized, known as “Greek love.” Pederasty (sex with boys) was a particular privilege. Powerful men gathered “herds of boys”. Although women were generally prohibited from “adultery”, they were encouraged to engage in lesbian relationships. Exposure of infants & abortion was freely practiced. Sexual conduct was largely informed by issues of economics and power.
Continue reading “A Conversation about Sex – Part 5: The Body as a Temple”
Before we discuss what Jesus said about sex, we should take a moment to ask how Jesus’ own sexuality informs Christian understanding. According to the witness of the Gospels, Jesus was never married and never engaged in sexual activity. Jesus was celibate. Jesus was fully and perfectly human and lived a fulfilled life without being married and having sex. A man doesn’t need a woman to be fulfilled. A woman doesn’t need a man to be fully human. Men and women need God. Celibacy should be seen as a viable option, and certainly to be preferred over sexual immorality.
Continue reading “A Conversation about Sex – Part 4: What did Jesus say about Sex?”
A few years ago, a young man announced to his family, “I’m gay, I’m not broke, so don’t try to fix me.” I replied, “Sir, we’re all broke and we all need to be fixed.” When the Bible tells us of the sexual dysfunction of the heroes of the Faith, there is no effort to normalize, or affirm, their sinfulness. Instead, the sacred text is careful to tell us of the consequences of their disordered behavior.
Continue reading “A Conversation about Sex – Part 3: The Holiness Code”