Sex

So we're in this series, until Valentine's, on sex. I've been getting reacquainted with the history of sex in the church (that is, the theology & praxis), and it's quite amazing. No wonder there is so much confusion and misapplication. We seem to end up worshiping the creation, as we sinful people are want to do, instead of the Creator; or we become prudes of the highest order and suppress all feelings and impulses that after a closer look, may have actually been given by God as a blessing.

St. Francis of Assisi referred to his body as "Brother Donkey." In other words, it's useful but hardly worthy of worship. C.S. Lewis remarked, "no one in his right senses can either revere or hate a donkey." But "revere" and "hate" we do.

Walk past the check-out counter and you will see a shrine to "the donkey." Even as we buy food, which we must have to survive, we are told "the donkey" must look this way, and you must not only have a "donkey" that looks this way, but also "ride" a "donkey" that looks this way if you are truly cool, valuable, and worthy. Sorry for the crass use of the word ride. I think you get my drift. Sex is equated with the necessity of food. Not true. But we are sold this bill of goods everywhere.

So, how has our cultural definition of what is sexy affected you? And how should the church respond?