A Theology of Sexuality
Why this is so critical
As promised, the training begins! Tonight and the 21st, I will be meeting with a few folks to train them in the use of the BDSM Manual. But the more formal teachings will soon follow.
Right on the heels of the BDSM training, I am offering a one hour teaching each month via Zoom, leaving ample time for discussion. The first such session will be on the topic “A Theology of Sexuality” and will be offered twice: Thursday night, September 28th and Tuesday October 3rd—both at 7:00 pm ET. (To register, see the end of this article.)
So . . . just to be clear:
Discussion of Breaking the Bonds of BDSM tonight and September 21st.
Teaching on “A Theology of Sexuality” September 28th and October 3rd.
God’s people so desperately need a biblical and relevant theology of sexuality which can be communicated clearly and succinctly. Consider with me some of the adverbs and adjectives in that statement: desperately, biblical, relevant, clearly and succinctly.
Desperately
For myriad reasons, the Church has become less relevant and more stigmatized, especially when it comes to discussions on sexual behavior. When we’ve not been shooting our wounded, we’ve been shooting ourselves in the foot.
And there is a LOT of confusion. Out of love for kids and grandkids, many have abandoned the traditional interpretation of scripture.
Biblical
By this, I mean a theology rooted in the broad movements of Scripture. This is far more important than scattered Bible verses from Leviticus, Romans, and 1 Corinthians for drop-the-mic comebacks. A “garden to garden” approach is what I have in mind.
God’s design for our sexuality is found in the Garden of Eden. Glimpses of that design are seen in descriptions of the Garden of Paradise. And the cross of Christ, thrust in the ground between the gardens of Gethsemane and the Tomb, provides the turning point in addressing the multiplied manifestations of sexual brokenness resulting from the Fall.
Relevant
Biology makes this theology relevant. Tying the truth of scripture with God’s design of our bodies illustrates this with great impact. I cover this rather thoroughly in Into the Light, but since then I’ve discovered more. The dynamics of bonding, attachment, and the nurturing of our young all confirm the amazing design of our wondrous Creator.
Clearly
Attention spans have shrunk dramatically. When speaking at youth events, I know I have to grab, hold, and captivate their attention. Vague ramblings about the providence of God regarding the theological development of sexual concepts bring blank stares as people compose their “gotcha” comebacks.
Succinctly
No matter how many points are made or “points” scored, the current battle of words is a game that everyone is losing.
The great challenge, then, is to present a thorough theology with near elevator pitch brevity. That is nearly impossible in social media, let alone on an elevator! But I will demonstrate how a convincing explanation of biblical sexuality can be given clearly and succinctly.
TO REGISTER . . .
Reply to this email or contact me through ongley01@icloud.com. If you are interested in jumping in on the BDSM discussion (9/7 or 9/21), you will need a copy of my manual to participate.
Email me also for the teaching on A Theology of Sexuality (9/28 or 10/3). Tsunami Supporters get the Zoom Link and materials for free. Others will receive an invoice for $20 that can be paid via credit or debit card.
Questions? Comments? Let’s have a discussion below . . .
I agree that no matter how many points are scored, everybody loses. I think that American Evangelicalism's embrace of nationalism, and particularly white nationalism, is part of the reason why they have lost credibility with the younger generations. When the church supports specific candidates and gets too involved in political power plays, it is not following the way of Christ. It may take decades, though, to redeem the church of the, sometimes well deserved, criticism. Even though not all Evangelicals embraced these ideologies, enough of them did for people to feel that they have no moral credibility.