I’m working on my next podcast, “Human Sexuality.” A long time ago, in a web site far, far… okay, it was this website, but it feels like a long time ago, I polled you all and Human Sexuality was the number two choice for a podcast topic. I decided to do number 1 and 2. “Radical Church Structure” was the last podcast, and now I’m trying to put my thoughts together on “Human Sexuality.”
In my opinion, sexuality is at the top of the list of hot button issues facing the Church. Unfortunately, my podcast will not offer any definitive answers for any one (at least I’d be surprised if it did). This is not an issue to be solved, as I do not feel we will be able to find a unifying view of human sexuality. However, the conversation about sex needs to include some perspectives I’m going to try to cover.
Number 1: The nature of sex
More specifically, I’m going to take a closer look at the spirituality of sex as well as the physicality.
Number 2: The emotions of sex
Out here in southern cal, there are a wide variety of attitudes towards sex. It’s allowed me to question some of the age-old arguments on sexual development from a conservative viewpoint. At the same time, I don’t come to the same answers as many of my friends and associates here in Los Angeles. The emotions of sex often play out differently depending on the context of the act.
Number 3: The purpose of sex
While talked about a lot, I think I can offer a different perspective on this aspect of human sexuality as well.
Number 4: Sex in the Bible
I’ve got a feeling this part isn’t going to be a big friend-maker for me…
I’m going to try, to the best of my ability, to take head on both conservative and liberal views of Scripture and sex. I think there’s a deeper point we often miss by placing the sexual relationship in a paradigm which is governed mainly by rules. But my freeing approach doesn’t result in the freedom many would like in regards to sex…
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Well, I wanted to throw out a basic outline for ya. I would love feedback and thoughts as I prepare to record this next podcast. Talk to me, tell me something.
Thanks for the article suggestion, Brent.
Just to let you all know, I’ll be doing the podcast this week…
Anonymous
June 20th, 2005
Good luck to you. Just talking about the issue with your perameters will get the stress levels up. It’s the kind of thing that gets youth workers fired, ministers cold shouldered and writers/speakers black listed. Take for example Lewis Smedes’ work on sexual ethics while he was at Fuller. He was written off by many Evangelicals for attempting to explore ethics for Christian homosexuals. Anyway I for one am looking forward to your contribution.
Duncan Macleod
June 26th, 2005
I often feel that it is impossible for a minister to wright objectively about sex. Not that I feel they are prejeudice, but that there is an expectation they must adhere to. I grew up an Irish Catholic in Boston and we were brought up to view sex in a certain light; actually with no light and it wasn’t to be discussed. When I moved to Lexington, KY, I found that the Baptist Church was stronger, but thoughts are the same. This subject has so much taboo associated with it that often times the only way to have a useful discussion is to have it amoung strangers. I wish you well.
John O'Meara
June 4th, 2005
I will be very interested to hear what you have to say. I agree that this is a very important upcoming issue for the church and yet I find it is hard to feel ‘safe’ discussing it with other Christians as the possibility of being put in the ‘out group’ is so strong. I have found it much easier to discuss sexual matters with my non-churchie friends and I chaffe against this reality. One topics I’ve thought a lot is developing a personal sexual identity (men seem able to do this instinctively) vs. adopting a sexual identity created for you by parents or church (where a lot of women find themselves). Let’s hear what you’ve been thinking.
Tracy Williams (Visitor)
June 4th, 2005
Allan,
I read a very helpful article from Philip Yancey concerning sexuality titled, “Holy Sex; How It Ravishes Our Souls.” You might find it helpful as you research. Here is the site:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/010/3.46.html
If the purpose of your podcast is to simply look at both sides of the issue (from liberal and conservative perspectives); to not “solve the issue”, “find any definitive answers” or “unifying perserpectives”, then why bother? Are you simply seeking more questions for the conversation?
If human sexulality is truly a “hot button” facing today’s church, should you not be seeking to help people find “definitive answers” and “solve issues” that would help them find God’s intended purpose for human sexuality? Just a thought.
Anyway, I really enjoyed your podcast on Radical Church Structures.
Peace to You,
Brent Davis
Dedicated Oakland Raiders fan “Just Win Baby!”
Sparta, MO (2 hours from Bentonville, AR)
Brent Davis
June 16th, 2005
Not really a comment, just want to wish you good luck. You are right in saying it won’t be a friend-maker.
Down here in down under, the Uniting Church in Australia wrote some books which questioned conservative religious attitudes towards sex and sexuality. The were written in preparation for decisions to be made on practising homosexuals being ordained. A syou can imagine, the decision caused widespread factioning and the books were received with either celebration or suspicion.
One of the books was called Secuality: exploring the issues. You might find some of it in the UCA web site – nat.uca.org.au, if you’re interested.
I’m looking forward to the podcast.
Paul
June 4th, 2005