...Theology of Sexuality Liberty University Abstract It sells in advertising, it one of the major draws in movies and TV dramas, it is characterized in almost every sense of living in today’s society; the it that is mostly third party spoken of is sex and sexuality. In the Christian faith, the issue of sex and sexuality is normally an abrupt address with little understanding but with many standards of do’s and don’ts. The Bible is not really discreet in the explanation of sex and sexuality as the spokespeople that speak on this subject. Sex is a topic that really matters in this society. It defines the young generation in their dress, it drives the middle age in their outlook, and it now has the elderly generation seeking medical advances to keep it going longer. How can there be an avoidance of such a topic. This paper seeks to explore the theology of sexuality by using support by biblical and theological hermeneutics, as well as ethical or normative stances on the major role that sex and sexuality play in both the person as an individual and in the institution of marriage. Keywords: sex, sexuality, theology, Bible Theology of Sexuality One of the most private and intimate encounters in our society is sex and the display of its affection and passion. When sex or sexuality is spoken of it is normally done within the confines of the two people that are planning to engage or a group of people who have assembled with knowledge of the content of the subject that will...
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...perspective and interpretation of the textbook: The Gift of Sex: A Guideline to Sexual Fulfillment (Penner & Penner, 2003). Discussed will be the topics of sexuality as a gift from God and what the Bible says about sexuality and the role of sex within the marriage. The topic of the physical dimensions will also be explored to include our bodies and discovering and sharing of our body, as well as, how our bodies work and the sexual responses. We will also discuss the experience of our sexuality and methods to explore and meet our and our partner’s sexual needs and desires. An exploration of the topic of sexual dysfunction will also be addressed and the methods of dealing with these issues. Lastly we will discuss the methods by which one may enhance their sexual experience to make it more meaningful and pleasurable. One’s sexuality and desire for intimacy is a gift from God and it is to be treated as such in accordance with God’s guidelines and laws. The Bible tells us in Genesis 1 27-28: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number”. (Holy Bible, NIV, 2003). The textbook: The Gift of Sex: A Guideline to Sexual Fulfillment states that the Bible refers to sexuality as a prized gift and that sex is designated for marriage because of the commitment that it is within. It also refers to sex as a relationship between two people...
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...Human Sexuality Today, same-sex marriage and civil unions are a hot topic. In the case of the Rhode Island civil unions legislation sponsored by State Representative Nancy Hetherington, the bill would grant same-sex couples the right to legal recognition of their commitment to each other. Along with the recognition, there would also be many of the same rights as traditional marriage. The Principle of Justice says that goodness and badness should be distributed equally. Therefore by allowing same-sex couples to legalize their relationship through a civil union, and offering the same rights heterosexual couples receive then all couples are being treated fairly. The Principle of Individual Freedom is about equality and that all people are equal in moral matters and that they must have the freedom to decide their own morality using the first four as a guide. The Principle of Individual Freedom would say that if two individuals choose to be in a committed same-sex relationship, then they should at least be allowed the right to have a civil union. The rule utilitarian would look at the consequences of civil unions and decide whether the consequences will bring about the greatest good for all concerned (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2009). Marriage is an institution that is both civil and religious. The government gave religious institutions the right to perform the marriage, but the marriage license is still a civil document. If you take religion out of the moral debate, and just view...
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...message will try harder to transform us." (Brown, 1965, 183) This essay will explore whether or not the bible should serve as an ultimate authority for Christian ethics and discover how synonymous Biblical ethics are with the ethics of Christianity. This piece will also look at what it is about the Bible that recommends it as such a major authority of morality and ethical practice. The bible is seen as a ‘guidebook’ for a Christian, giving details on how they should live according to God’s law; however, questions negating the validity of this belief in God’s law often come to the forefront. The Bible permits the stoning to death of adulterers. Something which in contemporary society seems atrocious. A point to be aware of is the huge cultural difference between the bible and contemporary life. If we focus on the difference between the Old Testament and modern day life the cultural difference is one of the chief factors behind the difficulty of using the bible in ethics today. The bible is written in a culturally conditioned format. Language, racial attitudes and the different emphasis on aspects of life including holiness and purity, all count towards the invisible barrier when discussing how synonymous biblical ethics are with the ethics of Christianity. (Rodd, 1995, 89). An issue that arises more than often when discussing biblical and Christian ethics is sexuality. Different churches hold different values and take tradition, Scripture and experience at different levels...
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...-------------------2 2.0 A Brief Historical Background of Sexuality----------------------------3 3.0 The Biblical Guidelines for Sexual Behaviours-----------------------4 3.1 The Approved Biblical Guidelines (THE DOS’) ----------------4 3.2 The Disapproved Biblical Guidelines (THE DO NOTS’) -----6 4.0 Biblical Purpose of Having Sex – God’s Way-------------------------8 5.0 Biblical Golden Rule for Sexual Behaviour (Matthew 7:12) -------9 5.1 Agenda for Enjoyable, Successful, Wonderful Sex Therapy--9 6.0 Paying the Price for Passion (Dangers for Having Sex Outside Marriage) ---------------------------------------------------------------------12 6.0 Summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------13 7.0 Conclusion -------------------------------------------------------------------14 8.0 Bibliography ----------------------------------------------------------------15 1.0 INTRODUCTION This is a summary of a public presentation made to the Youth Fellowship group of The Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) Gwagwalada, Abuja on the 15th September, 2010. The topic ‘’Biblical guideline for Sexual behaviour” became necessary considering the high lackadaisical attitudes of the youth of this generation regarding the issue of sex. The youths have abused and regarded the value of sexuality unimportant to an extent that they indulge in having sexual intercourse...
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...The universal fear of change: we are afraid of what we don’t know. Fear influences us to do what we can in order to maintain what is already established. At the fundamental level our nation was colonized with the overarching ideals of the Christian religion. The interpretation of the bible was fulfilled by the most conservative and shared with those in such colonies. This evolution of Christianity through the interpretation and ultimately manipulation of the Bible has had a great influence on the exclusion and creation of homophobia within the United States. While ideals of homophobia are interpreted within the Bible the concerns of its regards to gays and lesbians were not discussed until an overarching presence of gays and lesbians became more prevalent in the United States. In this essay I will begin by explaining the views of different denominations within the larger Christian faith regarding homosexual relationships and their existence within the congregations. Following these descriptions I will discuss why this is important when we evaluate the roots of homophobia and where it can be found within the faith. I will conclude my essay with a personal story and share why I believe it is important to understand the evolution of homophobia as we make progress from dismantling it from our society. What’s...
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...Chaucer’s Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale reflect the anti-feministic ideologies of women’s sexuality, marriage and female sovereignty of Medieval time. In her prologue, Alison shamelessly gloats about her sexual exploits. She is also proud of the way she uses sexual power to get what she wants. By doing this she is confirming the negative stereotypes about women and proving that women are manipulative and deceitful. Although at first it many seem like she is rebelling against the male-dominated society, in reality she does little to empower the women of her time. Alison is one of the most memorable characters of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, her voice is different from the other pilgrims— loud, self-promoting and arrogant. Alison’s character...
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...Sexuality Christine Y. Liberty University Intimacy The Webster-Merriam dictionary defines intimacy as “an intimate quality or state: such as emotional warmth and closeness; sexual relations; or something that is very personal and private” (Webster, 1993). Lori Gordon (2004) in her article Intimacy: The Art of Relationship writes that intimacy should involve emotional and physical closeness. When most people think about intimacy they probably think about sex but intimacy is a much deeper connection than sex. Intimacy is more of an emotional and spiritual connection as well as a physical connection. From the moment we are born we seek for a connection, a feeling of warmth from another individual “positive bonding is important from the cradle to the grave” (Balswick & Balswick, 2008). Intimacy whether sexual or non-sexual is established through a sense of “knowing” another individual, this happens through means of honest and deep communication. Christians seek a deeper connection with God through communication, they seek to feel intimate with God, to be known by their Heavenly Father; Psalms 139:23 says “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts” there is deep desire in us to be known and sought even from the One who created us. Friendships are an intimate relationship; friendships were individuals feel comfortable to talk about their inner feelings and thoughts without the fear of being judged or without guilt and shame. According...
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...and resolved. Couples usually go on to live productive marriages, fulfilling God’s design for husband and wife. Several Studies (including The Barna Group, 2006) have shown that a lack of sexual intimacy in marriages can and have resulted in many couple choosing divorce their spouses rather than fix this common issue. The Barna Group asserts that “no moral dimension has changed as much as Americans’ perspectives and behaviors related to sexuality” (2006). This has happened in part by the increase in sexual diversity and immorality. Not surprisingly, Pornography lists high on the list of causes of a lack of sexual desire from many husbands (2006). In the book Why you do the things you do: secrets to healthy relationships; Timothy Clinton and Gary Sibcy assert that the key to a loving, lasting marriage is staying emotionally connected (2006). For the Christian counselor, there are few things more complex than wading through these troublesome waters of relationships. There is and always have been a biblical perspective concerning human sexuality (Gostecnik, 2007). This means that God is intricately involved in the intimacy of the marriage relationship. Sex in marriage plays a very...
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...“The Future of Marriage.” He is a well-known figure in the campaign against same-sex marriage in the United States. His view on the matter for instance finds expression in his book “The Future of Marriage,” and the article “How My View on Gay Marriage Changed,” The New York Times website, June 23, 2012 by David Blankenhorn. Same-sex marriage gains more acceptances in the world As time changed same-sex marriage gained more acceptances. With the late modern society the original and old norms, values, attitude and especially the view on religion also changed. These changes have had a big influence on the gained acceptance of same-sex marriage. In Christianity for example the view on same-sex marriage is clear. On the basis of the Bible sexuality in marriage is between a man and woman. God’s institution of marriage is a part of his creation story. Its principal...
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...Same-Sex Marriage Bernard Randall-Jones American Intercontinental University Online Abstract Same-sex marriage, also commonly referred to as Gay marriage, is a very hotly contested issue that divides a great number of people throughout the world. In this argumentative essay, the topic is explored by three of its main arguments. The first exploration of this topic will involve the ability of same-sex couples to parent as effectively as their heterosexual counterparts. Next, the legal issues surrounding same-sex marriage are explored. Lastly, the religious arguments are evaluated. Both sides of the argument for and against same-sex marriage are discussed while the reader is given a respect for the position of supporting marriage equality. Same-Sex Marriage Traditionally, marriage has been defined as both a religious and civil institution that has been afforded to one man and one woman in the promise of love. Modern, more liberal ideologies have challenged this view. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people have been at the forefront of championing the cause for the right to expand the definition of marriage to allow everyone to enjoy the same rights and privileges, without discrimination, as their heterosexual counterparts. Amongst the privileges that they seek are to love, honor and cherish their spouses in equal recognition to their heterosexual counterparts. This paper argues that LGBT people should be allowed to marry because homosexual couples...
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...My life verses the life of Wahls I found it very difficult to compare and contrast the outcomes of being raised by my parents with those of Wahls. Unlike Wahls, I was raised by my mother and father, two parents of a very strong Christian faith. I was brought up in the church all my life, so the Bible to me is not only considered a guide but a way of life. The Bible doesn’t speak on homosexuality very often when it does, it condemns it as sin. Wahls mentions that, sexuality of his parents was rejected by the Christian faith in which they were both raised. This led them to embrace the more accepting teachings of Unitarian Universalism. This teaching is what they instilled in Wahls, which is why he considers himself a Unitarian Universalist. This is something my Christian faith would not allow me to be, because the teachings of a Christian are much more strict then those of a Unitarian Universalist. In my opinion there are more differences than similarities when comparing my life to Wahl’s life. We were both raised by parents of different sexualities. Wahl’s was raised as a Unitarian Universalist, but I was raised as a Christian. I was privileged to have both my parent’s teach me how to take care of myself. Wahl’s learned how to shave from his best friend’s dad. And he learned how to tie a tie from an article in Playboy. Although I strongly stick to my Christian beliefs, I would never discriminate against anyone for being...
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...Abstract The purpose of this paper is to summarize and then critique Clifford and Joyce Penner’s book, “The Gift of Sex, A Guide to Sexual Fulfillment”. In the Biblical perspective section of the book, the Penners express that sexuality and sexual intimacy are a gift from God, intended for married couples, to symbolize the one-ness God desires with mankind. The physical dimension section breaks down the mechanics of the sexual organs and their response to sexual pleasure. The total experience section brings together the mechanics, God’s design for oneness, and techniques to explore in order to bring a married couple sexual intimacy and fulfillment. The Penners also discuss certain problems that may arise for a married couple in their sexual experiences and relationship. The last section of the book discusses the importance of enhancing the sexual experience in a marriage and suggests way to improve intimacy. Sex is a beautiful gift from God to bring pleasure and intimacy to a married couple. In the book, “the Gift of Sex: A Guide to Sexual Fulfillment”, written by Clifford and Joyce Penner, the authors discuss in great detail five main sections that can lead to a more fulfilling sexual relationship with one’s spouse. These sections include the biblical perspective of sex, the physical dimensions of the body, the total experience one has, what to do when there are sexual problems, and how to enhance the sexual experience by inviting God into the marriage and sexual...
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...experience on how he doubted about his sexuality at an early age and how stereotypes and a conservative culture oppressed him and forced him to think he was straight. He argues that being gay is nothing someone chooses to be and that we say we live in a nation founded on freedom, yet we still prohibit two people from the same sex to get married. Some people doubt about their sexuality when they are kids, but they prefer to keep it inside of them because they are afraid of being judged and fear about what other people will think about them. This song, particularly, begins with the author describing his own experience as a kid. He presents a perspective on how it feels to have this pressure from society and how unaccepted and different from others they would be if they accepted their homosexuality. Besides, sometimes when they do accept their homosexuality to the public, their parents try to cure them “with some treatment and religion” because they do not understand it is a biological issue, or because they don’t want their children to be bullied or rejected. They prefer “playing god”, or trying to change what is already genetically developed, sending them with psychologists and making them believe that it is wrong because religions says so. This only makes them believe that they have to change to be good people or so that they can fit into society as normal people. “And ‘God loves all his children’ is somehow forgotten” emphasizes that the bible preaches that “God loves all his children”...
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...never brought for consideration. Fast forward to today's date, and you will see many gay and lesbian cabinet members, senators, celebrities, etc. Sexuality means many different things to different people, especially sexuality of a homosexual nature. Everyone has their own personal ideologies about sexuality, many of which have been forced on us by mainstream society's portrayal of what is right or wrong. Leo Bersani is an American literary theorist at the University of California. Bersani's objective is to take these societal sexual idiosyncrasies and turn them upside down to reveal how he feels gay male sex should be. In Bersani's article, Is the Rectum a Grave?, he entertains ideas of the self, sexuality (especially homosexuality), and power. Bersani believes that abolishing the self opens many options, sexually and psychologically. An additional argument Bersani makes against conventional notions of what most people deem "normal" sexual activity is that he celebrates and almost glorifies homosexual promiscuity saying that "Gay men's obsession' with sex should be celebrated " This according to Bersani, is shocking to people considering the huge AIDS epidemic because "AIDS offers a new sign for the symbolic machinery of repression, making the rectum a grave." Bersani argues against this homophobic notion by saying that gay sexuality should not be hidden and pushed aside. Heterosexual people with "heterosexual anxieties" use AIDS as a tool to discriminate against homosexual men...
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