Bible Question:
My philosophy teacher claimed in class that Paul teaches that sex is only to be used for procreation (amid gasps of horror from the rest of the class), to which i promptly responded, "No, he doesn't." My professor then asked me to prove it. I'm fairly sure Paul teaches nothing like that, and read through my Bible looking for anything close to it, and found nothing. Has anyone read anything that says sex is only for procreation? (Letting me know before my next class 2/24/06 would be good.) Thanks! -La Studenta |
Bible Answer: Paul on sexual desire. I would guess that your professor is bringing some prior assumptions to bear... so that texts about sexual purity are interpeted in his mind as avoiding desire. So, to find some texts that affirm erotic desire might help. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is addressing the question of whether to marry or remain celebate. While he talks about sex, nowhere does he mention having children. Certainly, he does celebrate celebacy --- which some take as an anti-senxuality stance --- except that he also affirms marriage. I would say that our culture, and church culture, do not celebrate celebacy enough... but Paul certainly makes space for passionate sexuality within marriage. He says if you don't marry, you might fall back into sin (v2) That you should not refuse each other's "marriage rights" --- ie. enjoy the sensuality of being married (v 5). If you decide to marry, by all means, DON'T deny yourselves the sex, unless for a short time, to focus on prayer. That it's better to marry than to burn with lust. (v 9) Hope this helps. JRM PS. Of course, within a Biblical world-view -- which Paul surely had -- the Song of Songs would shape views of sex. You may want to show that to your professor ; ) |
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