‘The Potential to Wreak Havoc’: Critics Respond to Pastor Mark Driscoll’s Book About Sex & Marriage
- Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:06pm by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Mark Driscoll, a pastor at Mars Hill Church in the Seattle, Washington, area, has made a name for himself in Christian circles and on social media. Due to his increasing influence, it isn’t uncommon for his mega-church to make its way into the headlines. Now, after co-authoring a book about sex with his wife, Grace, Driscoll is, once again, getting some buzz.
(Related: ‘Religious’ Sex Toys for Christians, Jews & Muslims? You’d Be Surprised)
Interestingly, the book, “Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship and Life Together,” delves deeply into subject matter that isn’t always at the forefront of Christian discussion. Perhaps CNN’s Dan Merica best captures the controversy that is surrounding the literary project:
From the chapter on biblical approval of detailed types of sex to the chapter titled “Selfish Lovers and Servant Lovers,” the book is far from a timid look at a usually private subject.
And that has struck a nerve with a large swatch of believers whose reactions have propelled the book to a trending topic on Twitter and has elicited responses that range from praise to disgust.
According to Driscoll, the book is intended to spur conversations among married couples. The first half of it is extremely personal, as is highlights the Driscolls’ own issues with sex. The couple provides lessons from their own experiences and challenges — lessons that can be used to revitalize mariages that have lost their luster. It is the second half of the book, though, that is gaining attention among critics.
Photo Credit: Mars Hill Church web site
Both Mark and Grace delve into the details surrounding sex. Blogger Tim Challies writes that the book encompasses a sort of “sloppiness and inconsistency.” Additionally, he dubbs the book “disjointed and somewhat frustrating.” In addressing the two sections of the literary work — marriage and sex — he writes:
…the fact that half of the book focuses on marriage and the other half on sex leads to some confusion as to the nature of the book. Is it a book on marriage or a book on sex? How do these things relate to one another in such a way that they merit equal attention? Obviously marriage is not less than sex, but is the sexual relationship fully half of marriage? Why does it receive such emphasis?
Pastor Mark Driscoll (Photo Credit: Mars Hill Church web site)
In one chapter entitled, “Can we _____?,” as CNN notes, the Driscolls tackle different forms of sexual activity and whether or not they are biblical. The chapter apparently comes with a disclaimer that warns conservative readers or those who “live far away from a major city” that they may want to sit down while partaking in the book. Here’s the exact wording of the content warning:
If you are older, from a highly conservative religious background, live far away from a major city, do not spend much time on the internet, or do not have cable television, the odds are that you will want to read this chapter while sitting down, with the medics ready on speed dial.
If you are one of those people who do not know that the world has changed sexually, read this chapter not to argue or fight, but rather to learn about how to be a good missionary in this sexualized culture, able to answer people’s questions without blushing (p. 177).
Faith Blogger Denny Burk says that the couple’s interpretation of 1 Corinthians 6:12 — the basis for the argument that many of the acts presented in the chapter are permissible — could be damaging. He writes:
I can only imagine how chapter 10 might land on someone whose experience has actually been one of sexual innocence. I work with college students who tend to get married at a very young age. I meet students who come from sexually broken backgrounds and others who come from sexually innocent backgrounds. Sometimes these students marry each other. I think chapter 10 has the potential to wreak havoc in such marriages where one spouse will feel a whole range of taboos to be “permissible” if he can convince his spouse to participate. This to me seems like a recipe for marital disaster, and I do not think the Driscolls’ requirement of “helpfulness” mitigates the difficulty.
Driscoll, though, isn’t backing down. While he says he hasn’t read any of the reviews, he pledges that he’s “going to stick to [his] guns.” Sometimes, he says, reviewers reveal some of their own personal struggles rather than attacking legitimate problems with a book.
“I am not backing down from it. I am going to stick to my guns on it,” Driscoll said. “This is not just stuff that I have pulled out of my mind. These are issues I have dealt with for 15 years and it is battle tested.”
Driscoll says he‘s prepared to handle the controversy and skepticism and that he’s determined, through the book, to assist as many people as possible.
(H/T: CNN Belief Blog)
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 587 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 414 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 414 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 378 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 375 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 414 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 414 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 378 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 303 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 414 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (139)
calypsocoral
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:44pmI recently read in a Christian magazine called “Relevant” that there is NO APPARENT DIFFERENCE between Church-going Christian women and Non-Christian women in two behaviors:
1) Likeliness to engage in extra-marital sex
2) Likeliness to have an abortion
So, yeah, I think devoting half the book to sex and how it fits into God’s plan for us is a good idea, assuming his assertions are biblically-sound, and is LONG OVERDUE. It is abundantly-clear that the average Christian does NOT understand that concept, and VERY FEW spiritual leaders are willing to address it and communicate it.
Report Post »G.W. Dobbs
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 2:37pmPeople being inherantly SINFUL, it has been my observation that Church is but another place to become attacted to someone; the fact that most men act like Solomon instead of Joseph and mst women act as Jesabel instead of Mary shows how Satan destroys SOULS and FAMILIES from within the Church just as from without. We all must put on the full armor of God DAILY, walk IN the Spirit and not in the Flesh and allow the Christ IN us (those who are truly “born from above or again”) live through us. This does not happen, for the most part, and those attending Church are “playing Church”. BROAD is the way to Hell and NARROW the path to Heaven. “Lip Service” won’t be sufficient on Judgment Day. “Depart from me, I NEVER knew you”.
Report Post »Pigpen
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 6:23pmThe Article says: “Mark Driscoll …co-authoring a book about sex with his wife, Grace…”
EWW!!! YUCK!!! WTF is WRONG with you people? You repressed Evangelicals are rushing out in droves to read your Pastor‘s and his wife’s BEDROOM MEMOIRS, and yet you have the NERVE to call us Mormons a weird CULT? Is that why you CRAZIES are always foaming at the mouth over our doctrines on polygamy? Because you PERVS are really just trying to crane your heads into our bedrooms to watch all under the pretext of doing the Lord’s work? The popularity of this Pastor’s book explains a lot to this LDS man.
Report Post »NeoFan
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 6:58pmIf your church focuses on helping you to have a relationship with God then all the marriage and sex advise that you will need shall be given to you through the Holy Spirit when you pray and ask for help with those and other issues. Getting this information from your pastor while it may help some will not be specific to your situation and your partner. Only God knows our hearts and our spirits perfectly and your time may be better spent speaking with him.
Report Post »B_Will_Derd
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 11:27pmThe internet is largely responsible for the uprisings and conflicts in the Muslim nations because it has confronted the logic and rationality of many aspects of that belief among the oblivious. It is obviously having a somewhat muted but similar effect among Christians. Very few of you truly believe what your faith instructs because among many other truths within that faith, your faith can judged by your works. Lots of buffet style believin‘ goin’ on out there……
Report Post »truthisnotsubjective
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 7:50amPigpen- Did you know that Joseph Smith wouldn’t be able to fit the names of all his wives on the cover of a book? He had around 34 in total! 10 of them he allowed to remain married to their husbands and one of them was as young as 14! I know, I know, Mark Driscoll’s a huge pervert and Joseph Smith is the great prophet who brought us a “restored Gospel”.( I’d check out Galatians 1:9 to see what Paul said about following a different Gospel BTW) Also, Pigpen, how’s the journey to godhood going for you? Smith and Brigham Young both taught that in order to become a “god” in the next life one had to have at least 3 wives in this life! look it up for yourself! (DOC 132)
Report Post »One final food for thought- Jesus taught that marriage is only for this life and not the next (Matthew 22:29-30). Pigpen- who do you follow? Jesus or Joseph Smith? That question has eternal consequences my friend.
Southern Rebel
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:54pmAhhhhh, the Mega Church. Christianity’s version of Holywood entertainment, Wall Street income potential, Private club membership and a frathernity of people seeking ear tickling, feel good messages absolutely stuffed full of ‘leaven’. (Beware the leaven of the Pharisees).
Report Post »Does ANY of the Mega Churches (small ones too), pay taxes on their incomes and property? NO; they’re 501c; BUT, doesn‘t the Lord say to ’give unto Caesar that which is Caesars, and give unto the Lord that which is His”? Yep…but lets not let Gods truth get in the way of a business opportunity.
If you‘re a member of a ’mega-church’, I suggest you actually talk to the Lord about it…cause He‘s not doing ’mega-churches’, just the truth.
jzs
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:46pmJim and Tammy Bakker claimed to be God’s servents, and maybe they were, but the seculular government said they fraudulently stole millions from their flock and used the used the money to live like millionairs.
I thought that only Muslims did stuff like that. Are you telling me that good Christians can act like this and betray every principle they preach? Is this like the Norway anti-muslim, anti-liberal murderer and Fundamentalist Christian Anders Behring Breivik who killed 90 liberal Christian teenagers?
Maybe though, a person declaring his acts are Christian acts doesn’t actually reflect the opinions of the entire Christian religion? Maybe when Christians like Jim and Tammy Bakker steal money that isn’t what Christianity is about? Maybe they’re not true Christians? Could the same be said of Islamic terrorists?
Report Post »morostheos
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 12:53amI‘m no fan of the mega churches either but I’m even less of a fan of twisting scripture and / or logic to make your point. The verse does say to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s (ie taxes). In this case Caesar is not demanding taxes so to claim they are somehow ignoring God’s Word in that instance is false.
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 3:29amWoah there SOUTHERN REBEL. I’ve seen a lot of fruit in the lives of believers that call Mega Churches their home fellowships. Granted, every Church has it’s shortcomings and struggles– even the first century Church in the book of Acts had those. I’d be careful about pointing at any group of believers and dismissing them, or presuming to speak for God in what churches he does or doesn’t “do”. And if you happen to find the PERFECT church (as the old saying goes) don‘t join it or you’ll ruin it!
Report Post »curtisgb
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 7:56amre: Taxes. People always choose selective quotes and stop reading. Other things to note are: It‘s a pretty safe bet Caesar rots in hell so he’s not a good role model to follow. And in describing people to reject Jesus said “treat them like you would a pagan or a tax collector”. Again, tax collector being specifically singled out as a role model Not to follow.
Report Post »America was founded in part on an objection to what was effectively a 2% tax. Welcome to America, where some people still believe my neighbors money does not belong to me.
fangbanger
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 9:43ama lot of catholics beg to deffier. they have an entire city and one guy that is said to be gods voice one earth.
Report Post »LoisLane1951
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 11:55amYep, I’m a member of a mega church. The people my church feeds, clothes and houses, the houses built after Katrina by my church, the outreach to widows and unwed mothers and families of soldiers, the food bank, the clothing bank, the outreach to inner cities all over the country, the back to school backpack program, the shoes for barefoot kids in other countries, the wheelchairs provided for people in Africa…well, there’s too much to name. Do you really think filtering those offerings through THE GOVERNMENT is going to be a more efficient way of providing the service that God asks his servants to provide? Really?
Report Post »NursingNerd2012
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 1:28pmI agree with Lois Lane here. I go to a large church, not a “mega church” though.
Report Post »The Bible does not say anything about how big or small a church congregation should be. Aren’t we all the body of Christ and the entire (world-wide) church his bridesmaid?
So, “the church” is really, really, huge!
The mega churches do typically have more funding, so yes, they are able to give more to those in need, which is excellent (not that smaller churches give any less, but it’s usually more time than $).
A good, Christian book is meant to “rock the boat” so to speak, just as Jesus did everywhere he went. It’s usually a good sign, too, when the author(s) are willing to express their own failures so we can all learn from them :)
ninja
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 7:41pmCaesar has determined that charity organizations of all sizes fall under the same rules tax-wise. Why should a large church be any different than a small church when it comes to the rule of law?
Report Post »Doc John
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 11:44am@JZS, it is clear that your experience of Christ-followers is limited to the media as opposed to actually knowing and understanding us, I used to there too. We know that no one is perfect, we are deeply flawed as humans and that there is no way we can actually fulfill all of God’s command, which is exactly why we need to the atoning Blood of Jesus. We know we are not and can never be ‘righteous’ in anyway other than the righteousness bestowed to us by God. God is perfect in every sense. God is perfectly loving, but love implies a choice on our part as well. God is also perfectly just and our failure to meet His perfect standard requires punishment — a punishment that is satisfied by Jesus’ suffering and death on the Cross. We are rendered righteous by that act by God. Jesus’ rising from the dead on Resurrection Sunday is the act that defeated Satan. So what does all this mean….. yep Christians tend to be imperfect… it is called being Human. But while we are called to journey with and follow Jesus, Jesus is also there to help us up when we stumble. This doesn’t me we are free to wallow in sin, we must repent and earnestly seek Him and earnestly seek to follow him, but to charge Christians with being hypocritical is to hold us to an impossible standard and only one person has that right… the Perfect Creator God of the Universe, the Perfect Judge and the Perfect Atonement. But it’s ok JZS, Jesus also teaches us to forgive our enemies. So you’re for
Report Post »DogTags
Posted on January 17, 2012 at 3:33pmBefore striking out against the LORD’s annointed, you might want to look at a Church’s doctrines before lashing out against all “Mega-Churches.” There is nothing inherently evil about large churches. Your bias against “mega-churches” is not biblically based. Try focussing on actual churches that are failing, whether they be mega-churches, mini-churches, etc.
Report Post »Pat Alexander
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:41pmWhen my wife turned 40, I said “I‘m going to trade you in for two 20’s.“ She said ”Your not wired for 220″……
Seriously, both my wife and I are – as Tiny Tim used to say “On the sour side of sweet 16.” (Me a little more so than her.) We have been together in a Christian marriage for 20+ years. (Both our 2nd)
I am having the best sex I ever had. There is no substitute for putting God and your mate at the top of your priority list. The rewards are many and priceless.
Report Post »noland
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 2:02amThanks for your wisdom, Bless you and yours.
Report Post »lafever65
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:03pmMega church = big business and big money…”You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:33pmBut what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.– Philippians 1:18
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:27pmSorry, I dont trust em. I love God as much as anyone BUT these people are trying to pull a fast one and its obvious
Report Post »ModerationIsBest
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 12:27am@KAOSCONTROL
So you support the false prophet Pat Robertson preaching God?
The guy who has on numerous times claimed to speak for God, knows God’s will and make prophesies that never come true?
Report Post »your sensei
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 8:47pmWow. Check the blonde chick in the video. (How many times have I said THAT?) She’s quite the piece of work. Yes, yes, yes.
Report Post »Heb4Seven
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 2:12amHuh?
Report Post »RRFlyer
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 10:39amand the world goes by right over your head
Report Post »your sensei
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 5:33pmHEB4SEVEN . . . I mean I’d go. You know? Absolutely. I’d go for sure. Would you go? Eh? Would ya? Would you go? Honey hush! Just think about that. Mmm mm mmm mm MMM! Lord have mercy. Thank,ya, baby.
Report Post »snibbles
Posted on January 17, 2012 at 7:49pmShe is actually a lovely woman. Caring , generous, faithful and married a long time. They are trying to help people understand the difficulties that present themselves to all married people including Christians. Its helps people understand they are not alone and they are not in it alone. That God has promised that as His children(assuming that someone wants to be His child) He will never leave us of forsake us.
Report Post »BellaMia7
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 8:06pmI happen to work for a marriage therapist who also does sex therapy for couples. Medical advances have solve many of the problems associated with certain inabilities. The biggest problem now seems to be lack of desire. Women are tired from working, cleaning the house, chasing and chauffeuring the kids. It’s still a lot of work. Men lack desire often because they have conditioned themselves to react to pornographic images, which are unrealistic and overstimulating. Their wives can’t compete.
Report Post »Obama’s terrible economic policies are stressing couples to the breaking point, and that will absolutely put a damper on libido.
crazyrightwingmom
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 8:34pmThoughtful points. Pornography is ruining many marriages, and is, as you say, totally unrealistic. Also the stress of the economy…women wearing too many hats. It is hard to stay married!
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 9:13amIt has got to be hard to stay married!
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 11:02amYeah, because men AREN‘T tired at all after coming home from a job and having to listen to our wives bitch about how lazy and worthless we are because we aren’t there all day cleaning. NO, NO, we go hide and drink coffee all day, and pull paychecks out of our asses, then come home and demand servicing.
Report Post »Xpressed
Posted on January 8, 2012 at 11:23pmAmen Brother, I couldn’t have said it better. “Well you don’t know because your never here!”
Report Post »Ohthiscrazyworld
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 6:52amTulsayeehaw & Xpressed:
Report Post »You want sex? Pay attention to your wives. For women, feeling loved and appreciated goes a long way. Some women are harsh and mean and use sex as manipulation, I’ll give you that. Your need for sex is as strong as her need for conversation.
stockpicker
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 8:06pmSeveral years ago Driscoll was getting a lot of attention for his cussin’ in church. This is a false teacher that deserves no attention.
Report Post »Travist81
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 6:26pmObviously you haven‘t listened to any of his sermons or done any research on Driscoll’s theology because he is far off from being a false teacher. Just because he uses a certain word(s) to show his frustration towards his congregation doesn’t mean he is a false teacher. Your analysis of the man is very poor.
Report Post »danielwe77
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 8:00pmWha…wha…wha…I been really tryyyying babe…trying to hold back this feelin’ for so long….
Report Post »patbarker
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 7:42pmseems like a real honest couple…believe I’ll read the book!!
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 7:41pmI have reservations about Driscoll because of his ties with the “Emergent Church” and Rob Bell that wrote the book about there being no hell and everyone goes to heaven no matter what.
Report Post »But I have listen to a lot of his sermons on the radio and of the ones I have heard, I liked alot and couldn’t find anything wrong with what he preached. He is a real good speaker, IMO, especially for younger folks.
I can’t speak about the book. Not enough details. This is not the only Christian book about sex. So since there is big deal being made of it, I have to wonder if he went too far or it’s just more explicit.
AnAppealToGod
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 7:50pmWrong.
Mark Driscoll has been incredibly critical of Rob Bell.
Two completely different Mars Hill Churches, although they share the same name.
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 8:28pmMark would agree that Rob Bell is a ‘Ding-a-ling’. I’ve also heard Driscoll be very critical of the “Emergent” church’s lack of sound doctrine. Though some have sighted Mars Hill as being emergent, it‘s once again a case where the Mars Hill name shared by Bell and Driscoll’s churches has caused confusion.
Report Post »Southern Rebel
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:43pmWhat the hell is an ‘emergent church’? Is this the newest and latest of christian fads? I’ve never heard of it before…maybe y’all can explain it.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:17pmThanks for the info. guys (girls). Eventhough it’s a little vague.
Report Post »As I posted, I have enjoyed his preaching/teaching that I have heard on the radio and found nothing wrong with it. Maybe I heard some bad rumors……………
Liberty 4x4
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 10:55pmYou might want to go to his web sight http://marshill.com/about/the-gospel. I think he makes it quit clear in his video Gospel that he believes in Hell. His doctrine, from the video, seems quite sound.
Report Post »SteveD77
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 4:14pmRational Man,
I think the problem here is a misunderstanding between “Emergent” and “Emerging.” Emergent is a movement that attempts to be so concerned with the surrounding culture that it loses many of the distinctives that separate it from that culture (read Christian doctrines). Emerging recognizes the need for engaging and reaching the surrounding culture without giving up Christian doctrines. In some ways they are similar, but they are very different where it counts. Driscoll is solidly in the Emerging camp. Bell is solidly in the Emergent camp.
Steve
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 7:28pmIts too bad even Christians can’t realize that we are not here on this earth to feel good and comfortable 24/7! Jesus was a virgin and he didn’t cry about it! I pray the church would start thinking about spreading the gospel in all the world and stop worrying about “Your best life now”. Not a put down for Mark and his wife (Im not that familiar with his ministry)….but Come on!
Report Post »UrbanCombatSurvivor
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 8:56pmI’m sorry, but nowhere in any bible I’ve ever read did it specify that Jesus was a virgin. Can you point me to that?
Report Post »marjorie faye
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:19pmJesus taught against sex outside marriage.
Report Post »marjorie faye
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:20pmP.S.
Report Post »My comment was directed at Urbancombatsurvivor.
Tony Phillips
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 11:52pmUrbancombatsurvivor – Where does the Bible say Jesus was a virgin? You are kidding me right?
First off, Jesus lived a sinless life. he was born free from the original sin of Adam, and born of a virgin. his life was about doing the Father’s Will, not His own. First, Christ never married. With that stated, he spoke clearly Himself of the temptations of lust, when a man would look upon a woman and lust after her in his heart, he had already committed adultery. You most cetainly fail to realize that Christ was God in the flesh. He knew no sin, but was tempted as all are. the Scripture is clear on that. if He was not married, then He was most certainly not engaging in sex outside of marriage, which would be fornication.
It is hard for me to believe that anyone could ask a question about Christ that is this absurd. not trying to throw down on you for not knowing, but honestly, it is just hard for me to believe.
Report Post »Midwest Blonde
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 2:25am@Tony Phillips
Why would you assume Jesus was never married? It was custom to marry, even expected for men to marry. Just because the Bible doesn’t mention a wife, doesn’t mean he was single, or a virgin. I’m NOT claiming he was married – I‘m saying you can’t assume anything based on a 1600 year old, many times edited book of history (ie Bible).
Jesus’ ministry was important – a wife and family were not as far as the recording of his life goes.
Report Post »foobear
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 3:10am@Majorie: “Jesus taught against sex outside marriage.”
Nope. Sorry.
If you ever read the Bible sometime, it’ll probably surprise you when it comes to sex.
Report Post »NIPPOHIPS
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:37pmYesterday was Christian Sex Toys today it’s Sex Books. Are these articles or ads?
Report Post »Sex sells. Satan sells. Endtimes sells.
Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:53pmInteresting comment from someone called NIPPOHIPS… but yes– these are topics that attract an audience, aren’t they.
Report Post »DeltaCharlieCain
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:32pmI actually read an article written by Driscoll on the Fox News website last night that seemed to contradict some of the critical points that were made about this book. Take a look:
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/01/03/what-bible-really-says-about-sex/?intcmp=obinsite
Report Post »hargisP
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 7:16pmAnd since when is Fox News an authority on the Bible and what it says about sex?
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:05pmMarks a good guy and a gifted Bible teacher. He’s pretty laid back. It‘s not like he’s going to sell more books by being controversial…. He’s probably just trying to shed some light in an area where many Christians have questions. Thanks Mark.
Report Post »paul1149
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:03pmvacuous. a waste of time.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:11pmUm…what was this guy saying?… I was too busy looking at his wife…she is kinda easy on the eyes.
Report Post »LindzJ
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:02pmJohn Paul II has some amazingly excellent philosophy on love and marriage. Love and Responsibility is a must read for anyone wanting to be a better friend or spouse. Theology of the Body is a heavy read, but discusses some amazing truths from scripture about how God originally intended things to be between man and woman. Truly edifying…life changing.
Report Post »Rawhyde1334
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:01pmUmmmm….has ANYONE read Song of Solomon? There is a reason it’s in the Bible. I think that having honest and open discussions about sex it healthy. I wish sex was addressed more often when I was growing up in church.
Report Post »Southern Rebel
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 9:48pmOf course Song of Solomon can be used in it‘s ’straightfoward’ plain text, but the book does have a much deeper meaning of the ‘spiritual’ dealing with the Bridegroom Jesus, and His Bride, the spiritual true Jew, and their love for one another. The prophecy of the book is amazing.
I sure do hope christians will get beyond the plain text and actually see the incredibly deep nature of the Spirit of prophecy in the word.
Report Post »foobear
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 3:08am@Raw: Yep.
The Song of Solomon is a pretty steamy romance in part about premarital sex.
Fundies try to explain it away as a “spiritual metaphor”. Watching them spin in circles on it before pretending it doesn’t exist is just priceless.
Report Post »Pharmer1
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 6:23amSong of Solomon is in the Old Testament. The earthly life of Jesus is in the New Testament. Jesus was a bit stricter on certain matters of sex and marriage.
Report Post »foobear
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 6:49am@Pharmer: Jesus didn’t talk about sex very much at all.
You’re probably thinking of Paul, who wrote much more extensively about it.
Report Post »completehorsesense
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 5:20pmAs it is written in the book of TIMOTHY,rightly devide the word of GOD. He forgets to pick up the subject and object. He needs to go back to verse 9 to get the subject and object. Pay close attention to(and i quote) Be not decieved; neither fornicaters,nor idolaters,nor adulters,nor effeminate,nor ABUSERS OF THEMSELVES with mankind, and it continues. It also states in the book of TIMOTHY,which by the way is written for ,pastors,deacons and all leaders in the church. Lets go to II TIMOTHY chapter 3 verses 1 thru 9. This all KJV of the Bible. http://www.completehorsesense.com
Report Post »wrshpn
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:59pmBefore you all jump on the “taboo” bandwagon, you should read the book first. It is quite unfair to take it out of context. Good for them, for being so open, so honest, so vulnerable. They speak of things that NO ONE in the church is talking about. We do live in an oversexed culture that is quite perverted, but let’s remember here folks Who made sex, created it for us to enjoy?! Their whole point is to encourage married couples to be “friends”, and to have the best, healthiest sex life…..AND what is wrong with that? As Christians, our marriages (including our sex life) should be the best!
And…to respond to this critic in the article: “half the book is marriage, half is sex”…and he doesn’t get it.? Really? What’s not to get? To can’t have a healthy marriage, without a healthy sex life. You just can’t,
And….with the spiritual warfare that is out there, our healthy sex life can help our men in their battle for lust ( I said help, not cure…I understand the battle)….but ladies, you must open your eyes, and see the battle raging for men’s minds and hearts. Let’s do our part shall we? Take care of yourself, workout, eat right, get dressed, put on your makeup, shop at VS, light the candles, and love your husbands! So that you too can have a “Real Marriage”.
Report Post »Claire22
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 7:27pmAnd what do you do for women to make them want you? It’s always the women who is expected to turn on a man. Why is that?
Report Post »clockwatcher
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:53pmVery good a story about nothing. This could be a Seinfeld TV story line.
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 6:15pmIs your icon a recent self portrait? That explains everything.
Report Post »HongKongCavalier
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:48pmI live in the area and heard Pastor Driscoll preach years ago. This area, like much of the West Coast, has an interesting mix of churches that seem to fall into 4 basic categories: “social club,“ ”community activist,“ ”family” (i.e. small community church that isn’t growing), and “confrontational.” I go to a confrontational church where topics like sex are met head on, even in Sunday service. A church and/or pastor who never tackles the hard issues of life here on Earth and how we can live for Christ is cheating the members and attendees of the church. I haven‘t read the book but I’m sure it’s good food for thought. As always, if it doesn‘t match up with what’s in the 66 books of the Bible, it‘s man’s opinion and insight, not the Word of God.
Report Post »foobear
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 3:06amRight on!
I only have sex as recommended by the Bible:
-Multiple wives
-Concubines
-Prostitutes
-War “Brides”
…am I missing any?
-Oh, and a normal wife, too.
And yes, I’m being facetious. Most people who say they “follow the Bible” when it comes to sex really just follow whatever anyone tells them the Bible says about sex.
Report Post »bbqueen
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 3:29pmFoobear, you are crazy. Just because the Bible tells you the TRUTH about the choices for good or bad that people made, does not mean that it endorses polygamy and sex slaves.
Report Post »BryanLongworth
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 8:22pmThe reason there is little difference between the church & the world is that God’s word no longer governs the lives of most Christians.
Report Post »ZAP
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:32pmI think I‘ll follow Christ’s teaching, instead
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:57pmabout what?
Report Post »krispy01
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:31pmMark who ?
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:17pmGreat sex is one of the most imortant issues in a relationship…. With me anyway, but then again i only date hot chicks in their mid twentys…… Its natures viagra !!!! o(*.*)o
Report Post »normbal
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:31pm“After being married for 40 years, I took a careful look at my wife one day and said, “Forty years ago we had a cheap house, a junk car, slept on a sofa bed and watched a 10-inch black and white TV, but I got to sleep every night with a hot 23-year-old girl.
Now … I have a $700,000.00 home, a $45,000.00 car, a nice big bed and a large screen TV, but I’m sleeping with a 63-year-old woman. It seems to me that you’re not holding up your side of things.”
My wife, being a reasonable woman told me to go out and find a hot 23-year-old girl and she would make sure that I would once again be living in a cheap house, driving a junk car, sleeping on a sofa bed watching a 10-inch black and white TV.”
Report Post »PhreeInAG
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:40pmNorbal, that joke was better than than the article….
Report Post »RebelElf
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:54pmLaugh out loud! Now THAT is marriage! Amen.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 7:27pm@normbal
I’m laughing so hard I can hardly type…………………
Report Post »Windwalker
Posted on January 7, 2012 at 6:25am@Normbal…..that is priceless!
Report Post »CMDR6
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 12:30pmNORMBAL…priceless
Report Post »Biddle
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 4:15pmAre we that “human?” Are we really that human? To the point where even we (believers of Yeshua) just dont seem to get it?
Report Post »MachZ
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 5:00pmI think many believers haven’t been getting it for quite some time… just look at how many believers support the left. Inexplicable.
Report Post »sonseeker
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 5:15pmIf “even the very elect” could be decieved that should be of great concern to believers everywhere especially in areas where the Bible is not entirely clear on Gods instruction.
TEA
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 7:47pmGet What?………….Your babbeling……………..
Report Post »