Distorted Christian Sexuality

Diane Bollis, a Canadian Christian Therapist, has written a wonderfully literate piece about Christian sexuality at Christianity.ca titled, “Sexuality: What Was God Thinking?”

The subtitle is, “If we followed God’s design for sexuality, life in the bedroom would become fertile ground for the development of Christian character, not to mention great sex.”

In this piece, she says many things that Susan and I regularly rant about here…but, she says it much better.

She deals with the fundamental nature of our sexuality and God’s creation of sexuality…

Think of it: The divine imagination invented sex to differentiate all of humankind and all higher life forms into either male or female. Imagine God asking, “How can I, being Spirit, fashion flesh and blood into my image?” His response was male and female co-humanity. Adam saw that Eve was human like himself, and thus in seeing her, Adam saw himself more clearly. Yet her femaleness also emphasized their differences.

She offers a clear definition of sexuality…

According to psychologist G. Peter Schreck, of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in St. Davids, Penn., sexuality has three components:

1. Male/female: our sex or physiological gender identity.
2. Masculine/feminine: our gender roles, codified early in life by culture, family and religion.
3. The potential for erotic arousal: that is, who or what arouses us sexually.

And, most importantly, she deals with the “distortion” of our God-given sexuality…

Sexual distortion is that which deviates from God’s creative intent.

God intends sexuality to lead us into relationships of love, commitment, pleasure, companionship and procreation. If the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) were applied to lovemaking, life in the bedroom would become fertile ground for the development of Christian character, not to mention great sex.

Sexual distortion is that which deviates from God’s creative intent. As a fallen people, we are all somewhat sexually distorted. Distortion becomes problematic when it is compulsive, harmful and/or intrusive. Professional help and prayer partners are essential when dealing with problematic sexuality.

Sexual distortion takes many forms, but in virtually all of them there has been a separation of sexuality and personhood, the ultimate violation of God’s intent. When we see only a person’s sexuality, we dehumanize them. When we see only their personhood, we desexualize them. This dangerous duality can lead to destructive sexual behaviour.

She then goes on to offer the solution to sexual distortions within our lives (and marriages)…

It is unconditional acceptance that fosters change and healing of sexuality.

I spend many hours per week seeking out valuable and thoughtful pieces on Christian sexuality for you. This is one of the best.

You can find it here.

Posted: September 10th, 2007 under Christian Sexuality.
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