THEOLOGY OF SEXUALITY AND SEX: GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEX 1
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Author Note
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Tamicka Siley
Email: tsiley@liberty.edu
Abstract
Theology of Sexuality and Sex: God’s Design for Sex
THEOLOGY OF SEXUALITY AND SEX: GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEX 2
Sexuality and sex can be a difficult topic to discuss among Christians. It is hard for Christians to
keep away from the influences of the world’s view regarding sexuality and sex. Many have held
their own personal view of what is right regarding sex and sexuality and accepting personal
belief and opinion openly instead of following the Bible. As Christians the Bible provides clear
instructions for a man and woman regarding their sexuality. God created Adam and Eve to fill
the earth and to have dominion over it by giving them the gift of sex within marriage to multiply
and be fruitful. Sex was created by God to be enjoyed between a man and a woman by
connecting them emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Unfortunately, many are seen engaging
in various sexual activities outside of marriage, through pornography, same-sex activities, and
sexual entertainment. This paper will help to explain how Christians are struggling because of
the negative influences that are brought on by society such as sexual content that is being overtly
advertised, acceptance of same-sex relationships by the major population, and the normalization
of sex before marriage.
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God’s Design for Sex: Sex and Sexuality Then and Now
A sexual revolution appears to be going on in the modern Churches where people are no
longer hiding or disguising their sexuality and participation in sexual perversion. It is now open
and being accepted in churches globally. There seems to be a shift from what God intended it to
be and do. God intended for one man and one woman to come together in love and unit to fill the
earth and to enjoy the gift of one another as portrayed in the book of Song of Solomon. Couples
are seen trying to push the limits of what confining sex to marriage is based on the purity
paradigm that encourages “everything but” (Jones, 2015). People are convinced that they are
pure even when they are involved in regular sexual activities with people to whom they are not
faithfully bound to the covenant of marriage. The responsibility of the Christian community is
dually focused however, the church must be serious about its biblical ethics and proclaim the
unacceptance of homosexual relationships (Smedes, 1994).
Perspective Christian Worldview
In addressing the Christian worldview, it is crucial to remember that although Christians
might look at situations and issues in the world as they are, they also try to use their knowledge
of their belief and their biblical teaching to access the situation or problem. Baggett and Baggett
(2013) remind us that a Christian worldview features those beliefs about God, human beings,
reality, knowledge, and values today. It is vital that one does not only see the world through a
Christian worldview but also views the world by living out the Word of God. There are three
different worldviews: naturalism, pluralism, and humanism. Also, they believe that Christianity
is a world religion and as a worldview stands in contrast to other competing worldviews
(Yarhouse & Tan, 2014).
THEOLOGY OF SEXUALITY AND SEX: GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEX 4
Today Christians may use the scriptures as providing meaningful information and
instruction about behaviors and sexuality, but they also struggle with the complexity of sexual
expression. Therefore, as a Christian, it is vital that a healthy balance is found moving forward
and by using the scripture as a guide to learn what God’s intention for human sexuality should be
and how it should be expressed. The scripture should not be used as a handbook for human
sexuality but as guide (Yarhouse & Tan, 2014). The Word of God provides clear instruction on
how to live a meaningful Christian lifestyle. It also points out that sexuality is a gift from God to
a man and woman so they can reproduce and multiply and start the beginning of life with a
family (Yarhouse & Tan, 2014). The act of sex within marriage is the most intimate bond
between a wife and a husband giving themselves completely to each other. Whenever sex is
practiced as God predesigned it, a covenant of mutual love and new life is formed (Percy, 2011).
Akin (2002) points out that sex is a gift given to humankind to create comfort and unification,
bringing beauty and blessings in the Christian bedroom.
Balswick and Balswick (2019) state that authentic sexuality assumes that God created us
to be sexual beings, intending for our sexuality to be believable, genuine, and trustworthy within
oneself. The concerns of sexuality within the body of the church and the negative feedback
surroundings, result in Christians feeling guilt and shame. This is because sexuality is a hushed
subject for many Christians, and it is not talked about within the church as much and when it is,
sexuality is acknowledged as a forbidden topic. This causes Christians to feel shameful and
uncomfortable when the topic is brought up by others (Rosenau & Wilson, 2016).
Tukker (2013) talks about the negative views and ideas that the church shares about
sexual intimacy; for example – sex is only to procreate and not for enjoyment. This instantly
results in human sexuality having a negative connotation. In addition, with the instant shying
THEOLOGY OF SEXUALITY AND SEX: GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEX 5
away from the topic the church leaves space for Christian followers to be easily confused and
mislead (Cloete, 2012). God designed sex for a purpose and that is to bring two people together,
so they can become one and start a family. Psalm 127:3 (New International Version) states,
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Married
couples' rejection of fertility is compared to those of an expert surgeon refusing to perform
surgery to save a life (Coverstone, 2016). Genesis 1:28 (King James Version) states, “And God
blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth…”
The Influence of American culture on the modern-day church
Sex in the Church
The American culture has experienced a major shift regarding what is allowed and
acceptable as suitable behavior for Christian communities. This can be observed in the way that
sexuality has been devalued, debased, and has become all-inclusive. The paradigm shift is
hedonistic because it is morally out of connection with God and not in alignment with seeking
after righteousness and following biblical morals (Marsh & Freeman, 2006). The American
Conservative posted an article entitled “The Sexual Revolution Conquers U.S. Churches.” The
author proposes that the main problem is “not about marriage or homosexuality. It’s about sex,
period.” The author added that “people just don’t genuinely think sexual sins matter anymore
(Dreher, 2018).” The writer also challenges morally and traditional orthodox Christians to get
over their issues and to realize that the revolution concerning straight women and man is here to
stay. Dreher (2018) states that “Liberal Christian churches who actively and openly celebrate
these changed behaviors, simply ignore the contradiction between the behavior and the
traditional teaching—they simply turn a blind eye.”
Sex for Christians
THEOLOGY OF SEXUALITY AND SEX: GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEX 6
Eckman (2011) states, “We are sexual beings, and we are gendered.” God created genders
to accomplish his design purpose, with both sexes made in God’s image and male and female
and God declared it to be very good. The Bible extols the physical enjoyment of the sexual union
(Proverbs 5) and includes eroticism explicitly with romantic love and intimacy (Song of
Songs). Jones (2015) argues that “Christian sexuality is meant to be a witness to the God of
Israel and to us. Sex is not about desperately waiting until you get married, then finally have it
all.” It should witness to the culture what God has in the lives of man, witness to the God who
addresses Israel as his wife until eternity (Jones 2015, p.100). Smedes, (1994), states, “The
sexual life of human beings receives its fulfillment in marriage; this is a non-negotiable item of
biblical sexual morality (p. 145).” Hebrews 13: 4 (Holman Christian Standard Bible) declares
that “Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled because God will
judge immoral people and adulterers.”
Healing of Sexual Wounds
People experience sexual wounds and brokenness in several areas. These acts can either
be caused by internal or external factors. An external factor is an act inflicted on the individual
by someone else such as sexual abuse, molestation, sexual assault, and rape. While internal
factors would be sexual interest and arousal disorder that causes sexual wounds. Pornography
can be seen as a topic of brokenness for both the viewer and their partner. Balswick and
Balswick (2019) states that pornography represents the use of sex for aggression, subjugation,
abuse, violence, degradation, control, and sadism. The act of pornography tends to dehumanize a
person which violates the value that God places on human life and sexuality. Christians view
pornography as not only disgraceful and unacceptable but also distasteful and offensive
(Balswick & Balswick, 2019).
THEOLOGY OF SEXUALITY AND SEX: GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEX 7
Doran and Price (2014) found out that adults who watch X-rated movies are more likely
to engage in a marital affair, divorce, and are often unhappy in their marriage or life. Also,
Manning (2007) found that women tend to be significantly more distressed when their husbands
watch pornography because it sometimes threatens their relationships. In addition, Doran, and
Price (2014) found a similarity between pornography and other addictions such as substance
abuse and gambling. Smedes (1994), suggests that Christians have fumbled the ball when it
comes to discerning what God has created and what we have corrupted ourselves (p.27).
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Christian worldview of sexuality and humankind is about a woman and
man becoming one as God has intended for pleasure, procreation, and intimacy. God created
humans as naturally sexual beings who seek a mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional
connection with a partner. Christians should use the Bible as a guideline for sexual relationships
within a marriage. They should use the scripture as such instead of trying it like a handbook.
While the church can cause a negative stigma and shame to fall around the topic, a Christian
counselor should educate and remind their clients of the meaning of sexuality as God intended.
Also, that it is good to practice healthy sexuality within the covenant of marriage.
THEOLOGY OF SEXUALITY AND SEX: GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEX 8
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