Sex Summer 1995

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Christians have lousy sex lives and it is high time we admitted it. Burdened with the often misinformed rap that, traditionally anyway, Christians would rather feel guilty than enjoy an orgasm, we have struggled mightily with a sexual inferiority complex. Modern Western society prides itself on being "liberated" and in tune with the "natural," so we have rushed to protest we can have at least as much fun in bed as we do in church. We have published endless numbers of books and magazine articles insisting that sex is really more pleasurable if you save it until after you are married. Marabel Morgan got rich and led millions of saints into total womanhood by assuring them it was okay to employ (well, quite frankly, to wear) plastic wrap outside the kitchen. I am told that some Christian marriage seminars offer T-shirts sporting the legend, "I'm having a wonderful affair-with my wife." In short, the most prominent apologia for Christian marriage has become the argument that monogamy is an aphrodisiac superior to free love.

For some all this may be evidence that Christians have gotten it together and moved their sex lives to at least the level of the surrounding culture. But that's just the problem. We have assumed good sex is best determined by standards other than our own. Now we may have as many orgasms as everyone else, but we also have as many divorces, as much marital infidelity, as much sexual abuse, and, irony of ironies, as much all-around sexual dissatisfaction as everyone else. The truth of the matter is, nothing damages the sex lives of Christians so much as romantic love, and we have finally managed to buy into its delusions as raptly as any other tribe.

It is a legacy of the human condition ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.