Charisma Catches On: - The Hypocrisy of Christian Sexuality
Sexuality, (not orientation, but the act of being a sexual being, as we all (most) are) appears to be one of the most difficult subjects for Christians to parse - every human knows they are a sexual being, whether for reproduction, or outside of it - sex is pleasurable, intimate, affirming, and actualizing. Inherently - humans are endowed with sexuality through the evolutionary process, which evolution delivering humans from survival based needs into something much greyer, and difficult to define. This is not an issue in the same way for people not hinged to religious dogma. They simply (most) accept it as a factor of life, a personal, intimate issue that belongs to them, and their partner exclusively, being not a system that exists outside that bond - either for a god, or anyone else for that matter (say governments, society at large, etc)
This is why overcoming this sexual hypocrisy is important for Christians, (and people of other faiths with the same dichotomy, however, Charisma is focused on Christians so that will be my focus here) is important for self-actualization.
I found this Charisma article interesting because it appears, while awkwardly, to be attempting to wrestle with the contradiction.
Here’s hoping they can find sexual peace through openly speaking about sexuality as a healthy, positive factor of human evolution, rather than a dark, dirty, sinful factor of human failure.
I am not arrogant enough to suggest how Christians find their way out of the contradiction to a healthy sexual future, nor am I willing to suggest all or even most Christians suffer from the hypocrisy, and many have found commendable ways of walking the tight line between doctrine and their own sexual freedom, I am just noting the contradictions, and wishing them well.
In a recent study conducted by ChristianMingle.com, Christian singles between the ages of 18 to 59 were asked, “Would you have sex before marriage?” The response? Sixty-three percent of the single Christian respondents indicated yes. In my 30 years of youth and adult ministry experience, this is as unfiltered, direct and honest as a question and answer can be.
It is equally honest to say that nearly nine out of 10 self-proclaimed single Christians are, in practice, sexual atheists. In other words, God has nothing to say to them on that subject of any consequence or, at least, anything meaningful enough to dissuade them from following their own course of conduct. It is the ultimate oxymoron. A person who at once believes in a wise, sovereign and loving God who created them and all things, can also believe simultaneously He should not, cannot or will not inform their thinking or living sexually. It reminds me of those famous red letters in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus says, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46, NIV). There is disconnect between identity and activity.
No, our life in God and for our God reflects our real view of God. These are our adults who populate our weekend services, attend our Bible studies, download our podcast messages, pray often and who have Jesus Culture, TobyMac and Maroon 5 in their playlists. Having tracked this trend among youth for decades, it is no surprise to me that the broad spectrum of single adults—yesterday’s youth—both feel and act this way. We should really make an effort to not be too shocked or surprised.
Jesus Himself said it would trend this way. The apostle Paul forewarned the very single, very godly Timothy that there would be times in his ministry when clear and sound doctrine in Scripture would be defeated by broken culture teaming up with the ever-present and self-serving nature within every Christian. He accurately forecasted a self-styled Christianity that reflected culture over the character of Christ in personal moral spaces and practice.
More: Sexual Atheism: Christian Dating Data Reveals a Deeper Spiritual Malaise