Sunday, May 5
Based on the following passages, how would you characterize the Bible’s view of the human body? Genesis 2:7; Psalm 63:1; 84:2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
Some religions believe in dualism, a philosophy that views the human body as a problem for the life of the spirit. That is, the body is deemed bad while the “spirit” is deemed good. In Scripture, however, the human body, including its sexual characteristics, is integral to the whole being. Life is “body” and “spirit” (see Genesis 2:7). The psalmist gives the whole of himself in worship to God (Psalm 63:1, 84:2). The total person is to be sanctified, set apart for the holy purpose God intended.
A positive view of the human body, in the context of sexual relations, is reflected in the Song of Solomon. How do these texts reveal this attitude? Song of Solomon 1:2, 13; 2:6; 5:10-16; 7:1-9.
Throughout this sacred text the human body is admired. The physical aspects of married love are not an embarrassment. A full range of emotions is openly presented.
Powerful sexual taboos typically exist in many cultures. Married couples thus often find it difficult to communicate in healthy ways regarding their intimate life. Similarly, children are often deprived of the opportunity to learn about sexuality in the setting of a Christian home where godly values can be integrated with accurate information. The Bible’s openness with sexuality calls His people to a greater level of comfort with this topic so that this vital aspect of life is treated with the respect and dignity due so great a gift from the Creator.
How can we protect ourselves against cultural and moral forces that either make sexuality into nothing but degrading animal passion or turn it into something shameful that must never be talked about? How does the Bible show us that both extremes are wrong?
