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Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 4:41:49 PM
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Fritzpw_Admin
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quote:
Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex?
Albert Mohler - Author, Speaker, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
More sex in the pulpit? That's the call from the Religious Institute -- a liberal organization that advocates "progressive" understandings of human sexuality. The group has issued a new report, "Spirituality and Religion 2020" that spells out goals for the next decade.
As a Religion Dispatches press release about the report explains, "While conservative pastors preach against homosexuality, pre-marital sex, and abortion, in the nation's more progressive pulpits, church leaders offer little or no guidance regarding human sexuality, leaving their flock without spiritual guidance as they grapple with these often wrenching issues in their private lives."
So, when this group calls for more talk and teaching about sex in the churches, it has in mind a very specific message. In 2000 the Religious Institute issued a "Religious Declaration on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing." As the group explains, that document "urged religious leaders and faith communities to promote comprehensive sexuality education, sexual and reproductive health, and the full inclusion of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in religious communities and society at large."
Looking back over the last decade, the Institute marks gains. They point to a growing acceptance of homosexuality in the mainline Protestant denominations and count 3,300 churches as "welcoming congregations" that advocate the full inclusion of lesbian and gay persons. As evidence of how the sexuality issues have evolved in the larger society, this new report points to the fact that the 2000 declaration did not even call for same-sex marriage (just the blessing of same-sex unions) and did not use the word "transgender." Both of these are now included in a revised edition of the declaration.
The approach taken by the Religious Institute reflects in good measure the status of these questions within many of the mainline Protestant denominations, which have for decades now been almost consumed with debates over sexuality. In recent months, both the Episcopal Church USA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have adopted more liberal positions on the ordination of openly-homosexual ministers and the blessings of same-sex unions.
Read the rest of Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex?
Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex?
When was the last time your pastor mentioned anything about sex from the pulpit?
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 5:49:32 PM
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MrFribbles
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The only time I hear my pastor mention sex is in the context of avoiding sexual sin.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 6:44:29 PM
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fides_mea
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I really don't see sex as the basis for a good sermon. Everything we need to know about the subject from a theological point of view is given us in Scripture. Here we learn that we are not to engage in adultery, nor are we to covet our neighbor's wife. Sex is therefore something to be shared in marriage only. Furthermore we are to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Now if we hold Scripture to be the Truth as Jesus said "Thy Word is Truth" Jn 17.17, then this is about all we need know about sex and we as Christians can take what we read to the bank.
Having said this I acknowledge that many of us have broken one of these commandments if not both, that we limit the size of our families using birth control, etc. but generally such trespasses or sins are generally used in a sermon to be contrasted with the Good News of salvation by grace through faith. So then where would such discussions on sex be appropriate within the church. I would suggest this be a topic for a Bible class for teens where an in depth study of sex could be made.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 6:48:25 PM
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MrFribbles
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quote:
I really don't see sex as the basis for a good sermon. Everything we need to know about the subject from a theological point of view is given us in Scripture. Here we learn that we are not to engage in adultery, nor are we to covet our neighbor's wife. Sex is therefore something to be shared in marriage only. Furthermore we are to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Now if we hold Scripture to be the Truth as Jesus said "Thy Word is Truth" Jn 17.17, then this is about all we need know about sex and we as Christians can take what we read to the bank.
I'm a bit confused here. If anything that is explained in Scripture is not a basis for a good sermon... What is the basis for a good sermon? What topics can we preach on that are not covered in Scripture, from a theological point of view?
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 8:53:37 PM
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stampinlady
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quote:
I would suggest this be a topic for a Bible class for teens where an in depth study of sex could be made.
And I would add that maybe it's better for adults in a small group. U can't go into details with small children present. It should be offered in a class like Sunday school or during the week.
What do you need to know that u can't pick up a book and read about it? There are some really good christians authors out there who love to write about stuff like this.
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There is no "cosmic dog whislte. It's gonna be loud folks !!!
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 9:10:30 PM
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KaptZ
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I can't say I remember the last time I heard a preacher address 'sex' directly in a sermon.
My old church is very open about its acceptance of everyone regardless of sexual orientation.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 10:51:25 PM
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DNP
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quote:
re Preachers Too Silent About Sex?
In many churches I have been in during my life I would have to say the opposite is true. I some of them see everything through a sexual lens.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 10:54:21 PM
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fides_mea
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quote:
ORIGINAL: MrFribbles
quote:
I really don't see sex as the basis for a good sermon. Everything we need to know about the subject from a theological point of view is given us in Scripture. Here we learn that we are not to engage in adultery, nor are we to covet our neighbor's wife. Sex is therefore something to be shared in marriage only. Furthermore we are to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Now if we hold Scripture to be the Truth as Jesus said "Thy Word is Truth" Jn 17.17, then this is about all we need know about sex and we as Christians can take what we read to the bank.
I'm a bit confused here. If anything that is explained in Scripture is not a basis for a good sermon... What is the basis for a good sermon? What topics can we preach on that are not covered in Scripture, from a theological point of view?
quote:
I'm a bit confused here. If anything that is explained in Scripture is not a basis for a good sermon... What is the basis for a good sermon? What topics can we preach on that are not covered in Scripture, from a theological point of view?
I should have pointed out that I come from an Evangelical Lutheran tradition in which sermons are built around specific texts from Scripture and which often but not always have a Law and Good News theme. For this reason, and I should also point out that I am not a pastor, I did not feel as though this subject would fare well in a sermon.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/19/2010 11:04:56 PM
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MrFribbles
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fides_mea,
Well, to each their own. From your tradition, where would you suggest Christians learn about sex?
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/20/2010 4:56:05 AM
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heremainsfaithful
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All truth in God's Word is to be proclaimed. And they also write good books about how to become a Christian. Do we assume everyone is going to read those? Honestly, I think pastors shy away from sex sermons because our society chafes at their style being cramped by having to follow God's guidelines, such as being faithful, saving it for marriage, and doing it with someone of the OPPOSITE sex. That is truly sad. Pastors have been made to feel that telling the TRUTH means they are intolerant.
I thank God for a pastor and youth minister who weren't afraid to tell me the truth and encourage me to do sex God's way.
Side Note - limiting children is NOT a sin. Period - unless it is through abortion
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Eihstein's IQ may be higher than mine, but God's IQ is higher than anyone's.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/20/2010 8:46:08 AM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stampinlady
And I would add that maybe it's better for adults in a small group. U can't go into details with small children present.
Which Scriptures go into the details of sex?
Thanks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/20/2010 10:57:16 AM
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stampinlady
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: stampinlady
And I would add that maybe it's better for adults in a small group. U can't go into details with small children present.
Which Scriptures go into the details of sex?
Thanks
RC
I didn't read the whole article so I may be wrong, but I was referring to going into details about sexual problems in a marriage and things like that.
Imo, pastors aren't doing enough to equip their flock so that they'll know how to be Godly spouses and future Godly spouses.
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Deb
There is no "cosmic dog whislte. It's gonna be loud folks !!!
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/21/2010 3:44:33 PM
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heremainsfaithful
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quote:
Imo, pastors aren't doing enough to equip their flock so that they'll know how to be Godly spouses and future Godly spouses.
This is true, I believe. And statistics show that the two biggest causes of serious marriage problems are money and sex. We need real truth about these things being preached in the pulpit. We are finally hearing more about responsible finances. But sex is still the big "taboo," which is why many people don't feel comfortable with it even after marriage. Which is why there are a lot of sad and empty marriages out there.
_____________________________
Jer. 29:11, II Tim. 2:13, Jude 24, 25
https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=58896
Eihstein's IQ may be higher than mine, but God's IQ is higher than anyone's.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/22/2010 9:04:26 AM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stampinlady
I didn't read the whole article so I may be wrong, but I was referring to going into details about sexual problems in a marriage and things like that.
Imo, pastors aren't doing enough to equip their flock so that they'll know how to be Godly spouses and future Godly spouses.
Preachers should teach;
(Eph 4:11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(Eph 4:12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(Eph 4:13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Then when a couple attains or comes close to attaining the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; there will be no more maritial problems.
Because both spouses will be giving 100% to each other, and demanding nothing; then the expression of their love through sex will be wonderful and fulfilling.
Thanks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/22/2010 9:31:06 AM
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copybingo
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Moral relativism is rampant and our children are bombarded with "education" concerning their sexual health these days from many sources other than their parents.
The apostle Paul surely wasn't shy about "correcting" bad behavior on the part of the various churches he had started on his missionary journeys. Sexual immorality seemed to be a big one! Why should our pastors be any different?
Creative pastors, with the help of elders, deacons, sunday school teachers and GODLY PARENTS, should be able to teach the Lord's word on the subject of sex in the 21st century.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/22/2010 10:14:08 AM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: copybingo
sex in the 21st century.
What is different about sex in the 21st century, and anyother century?
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/22/2010 10:52:10 AM
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MrFribbles
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quote:
What is different about sex in the 21st century, and anyother century?
The way I read it, the poster never said there was a difference. They said -
"teach the Lord's word on the subject of sex in the 21st century."
I read it as if there is a comma between sex and in - they'll be able to teach about sex, now that we're in the 21st century.
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 2/22/2010 12:23:09 PM
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copybingo
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Hope I made my point, maybe not.
Anyway, back to the question...are preachers too silent about sex??
Maybe that's a question their wives should answer!! 
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 3/7/2010 2:03:14 PM
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gralan
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Well RC,
It would appear things got pretty quiet on this front.
I was teaching an adult sunday school class (60+) at our SBC in Belen NM 12 years ago, and some of them thought I talked too much about sex.
What was I teaching? Intimacy with Christ, submission to the Lordship of Christ, the Body being the Bride of Christ, Paul's usage of marriage as an analogy of the relationship between Christ and the Church, etc.
I never once addressed anything about sexual acts, or nothing. I think that they misunderstood the terms used, so when I used a different vocabulary then they were used to they heard "sex". I suspect they were used to using euphemisms to cover their language about sex, and suspected I was doing the same.
My lesson plans had been precleared by the Pastor and the Associate Pastor, btw. They hadn't seen anything wrong with them at all, especially not in that regard.
If the topic is going to be about marital sexual relations specifically I think that the Worship hour is not the place for that topic. That is because for the most part we misuse our time in the Worship hour anyways.
The point of the Worship hour is to worship God, and yet we want our service messages to be (1) Evangelism to the unsaved, (2) welcoming instructions to the newly saved, (3) mature exhortation to service for adult disciples, (4) instructions to the local congregation for mission and ministry. Then we want special music, of course at least one passing of the plate to pay normal bills, and etc.
Most services do not even have time for folks to quiet down before the service because of all the people wanting to jabber in the sanctuary, glad-handing each other like its coffee-hour, etc.
No, in such an environment the people are already confused and there is little order. Best not to get on touchy subjects. People might misunderstand that we are talking about real life in church, and we know that isn't the idea we want to put across.
Or is it?
I think its a shame people cannot address all the issues in life as part of their worship of God. Its been known in the past for services to go on for up to 4 hours, take a break, eat, come back for another 4 hours.
We've got all the details of our worship, church life and our lives in the community all scheduled and put in the order we prioritize them. We even do that with topics that can be spoken of in "sacred" time.
I pray we all start learning that the way the world functions is not the way the church should be functioning. May God hear our prayers and may it find our Father's blessing to cause us both to will to do and to do according to His good pleasure and purpose.
Perhaps RC, you received such an outline by email? I didn't see a copy here. 
quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: copybingo
Hope I made my point, maybe not.
Anyway, back to the question...are preachers too silent about sex??
Maybe that's a question their wives should answer!!
Ok, you are the Pastor, give us an outline of a sermon on sex.
Thanks
RC
< Message edited by gralan -- 3/7/2010 2:09:57 PM >
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 3/11/2010 12:54:07 PM
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c_h_b
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Interesting the responses tend to dwell on the subject of "thou shalt not" when it comes to sex. It's a tragic tesament to modern Christian thinking that the Gospel is presented more in terms of what we can't do rather than what we can.
In certain other spiritual traditions, this is approached in a very positive way. Sexual intimacy is the "sealant" to a marriage. It is the totally unique experience husband and wife can share. It can be preached about in ways that don't have to be graphic. Just look at the Song of Solomon.
Instead so many Christians are afraid to deal with it. I guess this is because they are afraid of inciting lust in people. That's a problem with the people, not the subject. IMO I think it's the proverbial "Cookie Jar Syndrome".
BTW parents, you can be sure your kids know much more about sex than you think they do, and they probably learned it from the worst sources.
_____________________________
Rain
"Jesus is good medicine, khenoronkhwa!"
Jonathan Maracle and Broken Walls
"We never quarrel about religion, because it is a matter which concerns each man and the Great Spirit."
Red Jacket 1805
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RE: Are Preachers Too Silent About Sex? - 3/12/2010 10:23:00 PM
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Dakotasunbeam
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Contrary to popular belief, people on the whole do know about and understand sex. Talking about sex more would not give us a better understanding of sex in general on a spiritual level. While I agree some conversations should be had, there really is no need for a wholesale fullscale 18 week course.
What people are actually grappling with in regards to sex is: self control, thoughtlife, and biology. If people had the basic tools of the faith and an actual heart committment to Christ, we'd see less sexual immorality in the church. But the numbers are growing and I expect they will continue to grow as the times grow wickeder.
Feel good sermons, sermons with little or no scripture, no practical teaching, discipling, fellowship and testimony makes it very difficult to grow. Not impossible, but difficult. Churches today are more like clubs. Not necessarily a band of brothers or a sacred brotherhood as the early acts church was. The early church was practical, liveable and breatheable. And even they had those who fell among them. But they knew how to cleanup among their brothers. They tried to restore, they brought witnesses, they ministered, and finally, they left said individual to the hand of God in hopes that he/she might return. They followed scripture.
Every place we do not follow scripture there will be weak points. This is one.
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