Geisler (Geisler, 2010b)
Clark + Rakestraw
THE RISE OF THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION
Nihilism
oNietzsche
oWhen God dies then all objective value dies with him
Emotivism
oA.J. Ayer
oEverything is relative to our individual feelings. Hence there are no objective moral laws binding to all persons
Existentialism
oJean Paul Sartre
Situationism
oJoseph Fletcher
oAll ethical decision should be made situationally not prescriptively
oWords like no, never, always should be avoided
Secular Humanism
oSecular Human Manifesto I and II 1933
oAll values are manmade
oEthics is autonomous and situational, needing no theological or ideological sanction
Darwinism
o“survival of the fittest”
Zen Buddhism
oKarma
DEFENSE OF A BIBLICAL ETHIC OF SEX
Sex is a gift from our Creator-a part of our God-given human nature-and as such it is good. The writers of scripture clearly endorse the
celebration of human sexuality: Deut. 24:5, Prov 5:15-20, Song of Solomon, 1 Corinthians 7:3-4)
Old Testament
oMarriage was the first human intuition and was the only institution coming to us before the fall.
One flesh that is joined together to be whole
oHosea= married Gomer, a prostitute that was unfaithful to him, but he was faithful to her
oSongs of Solomon= beauty of marriage
oBestiality forbidden
Leviticus 18:23
oFornication or premarital sex forbidden
Lev 19:9, Isa 23:17, Ezek. 16:5, 26, 29
oHomosexuality
Noah’s son, Ham, curse on the Canaanites
Sodom and Gomorrah Gen. 19
Lev. 18:22, 28
oSex during menstrual cycle
Lev. 15:24
oIncest
Lot’s daughters
Lev 18:6-18
oAdultery
Ex. 20:14
Lev. 18:20; 20:10
Gen. 20:9
oPolygamy
Solomon’s wives (1 Kings 11:4-6)
Ex. 20:17
Deut. 17:17
New Testament
oJesus upholds the Old Testament definition of marriage. Jesus did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it (Matt
5:17)
oFornication/sexual immorality
Jesus condemns it
Matt 5:32, 15:19-20
Mark 7:21
Prostitution/harlotry is a form of fornication
1 Cor. 6:16, 18
Book of Acts
Acts 15:28-29
oAdultery
Jesus condemns it
Sermon on the mount
oMatt 5:27
oQuotes Exodus 20:14 and Deut. 5:18
oMatt 5:32
Divorces a wife wrongfully and marries another person, has committed adultery
Matt 19:16-26; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18: 18-27
John 8
Condemned in the epistles
Romans 2:22, 13:9; Galatians 5:19; James 2:11; 2 Peter 2:14; Revelations 2:22
oLust
Jesus condemns it
1 john 2:16
Matt 15:19
Matt 5:28-30
o (looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart)
oPluck out your eye (remove yourself from the source of temptation)
oImproper sex results from a depraved heart
Turning away from the knowledge of God
Rom 1:28-29
Galatians 5: 19-23; Ephesian 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:7
oHomosexuality
Condemned in the Epistles
Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-5; 1 Timothy 1:9-10;
Jude 7
oIncest
Condemned in the epistles
1 Corinthians 5:1
oSexual immorality received apostolic and ecclesiastical condemnation
oSexual immorality was seen as acts done by the unregenerate and not by those who have come under the Lordship of
Christ
“works of flesh” Galatians 5:19
Ephesians 5:3-7
oSanctification
Colossians 3:5
1 Thessalonians 4:3
oBelievers are not to associate with the sexually immoral
oSexual immorality received divine judgment
Improper sexuality and the Trinity
oIn summation, the trinitarian reasons for believers not partaking in immorality are clear. 1, God is going to raise the
body, and believers should keep their bodies pure in light of future resurrection. 2, Christians are joined to the body
of Christ, and those committing sexual immorality in essence defiles the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15-17). 3,
the body of the Christian is now a temple of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, and they defiling the body the defiles
the temple in which the Holy Spirit resides (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Safe Sex isn’t always safe
oSTDs, Pregnancy, Attachment
Effects of not staying pure
oSex doesn’t hold a relationship together and a relationship based on sex alone is easily broken but a relationship
woven together around the things of God is not easily broken.
oPhysical aspects dominate the relationship.
oGuilt and despair into the marriage
oWhat trust can a spouse have that their husband or wife will remain sexually pure after marriage?
oSows the seeds of mistrust and bad commitment
Sexual abstinence is 100% effective whenever it is practiced
oBelievers are to resist the devil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9)
oBelievers are to flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18)
oBelievers are to seek God’s help (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Masturbation
oProblems:
1. It does bring harm to oneself (ex., addiction)
We should exercise self-control (Galatians 5; 1 Corinthians 9:25,27)
2. It usually involves lust toward someone to whom the individual is not married.
3. Self-gratification
4. God has provided for a way to release male semen without this morally questionable means (Deut.
23:10)
o The fact that such a common sexual practice has never mentioned in the Bible may indicate that the act itself is not
a problem period however, one’s thoughts, motivations, and the degree of control or bondage regarding sexual
behavior I themes of major significance in the scriptures.
Compatibility with one another
oThere are cases in which sexually compatible married couples get divorced
oSec before marriage does not prove true compatibility
It really depends on what you mean by “sex”
oAll extramarital sexual relations are wrong.
The single person sexuality is expressed in his or her capacity to love and to be loved. Not all experiences of intimacy should
eventuate in marriage or in general sex. Loving does not need to be genital to be intimate comma and the capacity to love is vital to
our sexuality. And so the single person should develop many friendships that are wholesome and caring. Deeply affectionate banan
general relationships are completely possible and should be encouraged. The single person sexuality is expressed in the need to
experience in emotional fulfillment. The decision to reserve general sex for marriage is not a decision to remain emotionally
unfulfilled. Warm, satisfying expressions are legitimate ways single people can express their sexuality. Emotional fulfillment is
completely possible for the single person comma and the church can help here by providing a context for happy and satisfying
friendships to develop the single person sexuality is expressed in learning to accept an control his or her sexual feelings. Individuals
outside the covenant of marriage should not tonight or repress their social feelings
PORNOGRAPHY
THE SOCIAL CASE AGAINST PORNOGRAPHY
®Pornography causes aggression among individuals
®Pornography creates a type of animal behavior in human beings
®Pornography affects the neuropsychology in human beings
®Pornography creates drug-like addictions in the brain
®Pornography has been linked to other violent crimes
®pornography leads to dysfunctional families
®pornography allows for sexual dysfunction to be the norm for society
®pornography as a means of acting out sexual fantasies leads to aberrant behavior
®pornography inhibits natural dating, courting, and marital relationships
®pornography puts financial constraints upon society
®pornography reduces sex to a merely animal act
®pornography leads to degradations of sexual activity
THE BIBLICAL CASE AGAINST PORNOGRAPHY
Scripture informs us that even Christians are not without sin (I john1:8) and continually struggle with the flesh. The Apostle Paul
wrote, “for the good that I will do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. now if I do what I will not to do , it is no
longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me” Romans 7:19-20 he added, “in my flesh …nothing good dwells” (7:18)
®pornography purchase sex in a sinful manner
oHebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will
judge”
®pornography does not honor marriage
oIt portrays sex to be fanciful an exciting, but it is almost always done outside the confines of marriage. further, in
most cases pornography displayed sex in immoral acts such as fortification, adultery, homosexuality, and so forth.
®pornography promotes sinful activity within the life of a believer
o1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; Because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking
whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”
oa believer is to be sober or of sober mind (1 Peter 1:13)
oSatan will do what he can to isolate a believer from God and other Christians in order to break fellowship and also in
order to remove us from Christian service (1 John 1:6-10; Luke 22:3). pornography clearly is one of the works of the
flesh and those contrary to the fruit of the spirit. Believe it I called on to flee social harlotry, and pornography is
mental harlotry.
®viewing pornography cultivates lust and adultery in one heart
oSeeking satisfaction from viewing pornographic images is the sin of lust. Jesus taught that last with his thing of
adultery in Matthew 5 27-30: you have heard that it was said to those of old you shall not commit adultery. But i say
to you that whoever looks at a woman to last her for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart
®pornography corrupts the heart and mind
®pornography darkens the mind and heart of a believer
othe lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good [clean or healthy], your whole body will be full of
light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness,
how great is that darkness! Matt 6:22-23
®pornography weakens good marriages
SOLVING PORNOGRAPHY
®Recognize that pornography is a, sin
®confess that pornography is a sin
o“if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins comma and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9
ofor I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done
this evil in your sight Psalm 51:3-4
®Separate yourself from the sources of temptation
®find and cultivate a good sexual relationship within marriage
®Pray regularly for God's help
®replace bad sources of image input with good ones
o“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your word”
oconstant exposure to the holy word is necessity for holy living. we need to abide in it and let it abide in us.
®find an accountability partner
Clark, D., & Rakestraw, R. (1996). Sexuality, marriage, and singleness. In D. Clark & R. Rakestraw (Eds.), Reading in christian
ethics, vol 2: Issues and applications (8th ed., pp. 139–173). Baker Books.
Geisler, N. (2010a). Appendix 3: Pornography. In (2nd ed., pp. 381–395). Baker Christian ethics: Contemporary issues & options
Academic.
Geisler, N. (2010b). Sexual Issues. In (2nd ed., pp. 260–279). Baker Academic.Christian ethics: Contemporary issues & options
(Geisler, 2010a)
CASE STUDY
Pornography:
I would explain to Hannah the social, psychological, and spiritual ramifications associated with pornography use explained
by Geisler (2010). Although there are too many ramifications to mention in a small post, it is important to note that pornography
affects the neuropsychology of the human brain, so much so, that pornography creates a drug-like addiction. Additionally,
pornography has been linked to violent crimes such as sexual assault, rape, and incest and has been linked to dysfunctional
families. The Biblical case against pornography implies is sinful in nature, does not honor marriage, and cultivates lust and
adultery is one’s heart. A believer is to be sober or sober mind according to 1 Peter 1:13 (New International Version). Similarly,
1 Peter 5:8-9 (New King James Version) says, “Be sober, be vigilant; Because your adversary the devil walks about like a
roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.” Finally, seeking satisfaction from viewing
pornographic images is the sin of lust. Jesus taught that lust leads to adultery in Matthew 5:27-30 (New King James Version):
you have heard that it was said to those of old you shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to
lusts after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
All in all, I would advise Hannah to not cooperate in her husband’s wants. She would be falling into continual sin if she
continues to watch pornography with her husband. I would suggest to Hannah and Charles that they should attend Christian
marriage counseling as a couple and as individuals. Pornography is a sin that needs to be recognized and confessed. Both
Charles and Hannah should separate themselves from the sources of temptation as mentioned in Matthew 5:29-30 (New
International Version). However, Hannah and Charles should not expect for change to happen overnight, it is a continual
process. Therefore, Hannah and Charles should be steadfast into the Word of the Lord and find accountability partners, other
than themselves.
Heavy petting:
I completely agree with you! Marriage is a covenant between man and woman and was the first human institution before the fall of
man in Genesis 3. Additionally, Jesus upholds the Old Testament definition of marriage. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus declares, "...have
you never read that He who created them from the beginning created male and female and said, 'for this reason, a man shall leave his
father and mother and shall be joined inseparably to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?'" According to Clark and Rakestraw
(1996), Christians should hold, “marriage as the only appropriate channel for genital-sexual expression with another person.” This
includes petting. Sex is a gift from our Creator; as such, the writers of the Scriptures endorse the celebration of human sexuality.
However, one should find “sexual enjoyment within the limits established by God” according to Clark and Rakestraw (1996). Waiting
until marriage guarantees no painful and embarrassing realizations, as you've stated, from premarital sex.
(Clark & Rakestraw, 1996)
Commentary:
I particularly enjoyed reading on the Biblical ethic of sex. I feel that many Christians, including myself, want to dive deep
into learning about what the Bible says about sex. I first thought, when I was a teen, that sex was that it could only be so bad
done in marriage. After reading some books and watching Christian sermons, I realized that God’s intention for sex was to be so
good that it should be left for marriage. I particularly enjoyed reading the correlation between improper sexuality and the Trinity.
It’s important for Christian to understand how their carnal actions affects their spirituality and relationship with the Father,
Christ, and Holy Spirit.
Premarital sex and abstinence are heavily described in both the Old and New Testament. Additionally, both the Old and New
Testament restrict sex to marriage (Leviticus 18; Ephesian 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:4).
Amanda had made a good observation on her reply to the discussion board. She stated that the potential embarrassment and shame that
would arise with fornication after the relationship had ended. This is particularly true in the “heavy petting” case study that was
mentioned. Although the intentions of the couple were unharmful to them, there are potential psychological and physical
repercussions as well as spiritual repercussions for their actions.
Clark, D., & Rakestraw, R. (1996). Sexuality, marriage, and singleness. In D. Clark & R. Rakestraw (Eds.), Reading in christian
ethics, vol 2: Issues and applications (8th ed., pp. 139–173). Baker Books.
Geisler, N. (2010a). Appendix 3: Pornography. In (2nd ed., pp. 381–395). Baker Christian ethics: Contemporary issues & options
Academic.
Geisler, N. (2010b). Sexual Issues. In (2nd ed., pp. 260–279). Baker Academic.Christian ethics: Contemporary issues & options
