Sex and the Christian Church

Sex is a topic that is seldom discussed in the Christian community. For years my husband and I have been teaching Christian couples how important it is to have a satisfying sex life, and apparently, the message has finally caught on.

Several ministers and church groups are now saying having a satisfying sex life is a good thing. One minister, Joe Beam, founder of Family Dynamics Institute is on the cutting edge of this new movement. He believes that satisfying sex is necessary for a strong marriage, and beyond certain biblical mandates, Christian couples should feel free to decide what is best for them sexually.

Beam was recently interviewed on a segment of MSNBC. Statements like, “Why can women be multi-orgasmic and men not? Well, I’ve decided God just likes them better!” would make many church folks blush, but Beam believes by breaking down the sexual walls many Christians have erected, relationships will begin to be strengthened.

In his seminar, Beam discusses everything from oral sex to sex toys. He invites participants to ask questions which he answers in graphic detail. Beam does have scriptural guidelines regarding sex that he says are a must for Christian couples. For example, he says there should be no pornography (drawings from the Kama Sutra are okay), no adultery, group sex, or anything that harms the body, just to name a few.

Apparently, folks who attend his workshops often come away from the event feeling free to discuss sexuality for the first time in their lives. A few women admitted that they sometimes feel guilty while making love to their husbands, but after the workshop, they claimed to have a healthier understanding of what the Bible actually says about sex.

Beam has been attacked by many conservative Christians for his outspoken style and message. Some of what he preaches tends to contradict the teaching of other groups, such as Roman Catholicism. He usually responds by saying that if the Bible does not forbid it then you can do it.

What does the Bible say about sex?

While there are a few things that Beam teaches that I disagree with, I am happy to see that folks are at least taking the time to discover what God has to say about sex. There have been many man made cultural and societal rules put upon the church over the years that have nothing to do with what the Word teaches regarding a particular topic. In my opinion, sex in the life of Christian couples is one of the most misunderstood issues in the Evangelical church.

Obviously, when dealing with controversial issues such as sex, it’s important to read the Bible for yourself. Find out what God has to say about it and then follow your convictions. Each person should be fully persuaded in their own minds regarding disputable matters. I believe that often in the church we make things way more complicated than they need to be.

Remember, having a satisfying sex life, whether Christian or not, will help strengthen not only your marriage but also every aspect of your life.

Sources:
One Preacher’s Message: Have Hotter Sex, Brian Alexander: MSNBC

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