by Tabitha Kotrba

Created on: May 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 24, 2008

When one walks into a local Christian church, they will likely find masses of twin-sets, tailored pant suits, and ankle-length skirts. So what happens when the clothes come off? It's been said that the missionary position was invented to avoid frisky experimentation in bed, but do Christians really abide by this pious and stiff interpretation of a godly sex life? I think not.

While many conservative followers will agree that sex is a natural means to an end, namely, pregnancy, others find it can be useful in many areas. The fact that, for years, the church all but outlawed the mention of coitus shows that when it comes to Christians and sexual expression, the majority of the former are truly clueless.

Using marriage as a starting point, what are some acceptable uses for sex? Should it be used solely for reproductive purposes, should anything but light foreplay and intercourse be banned? Believe it or not, the Bible addresses both of these issues, though using some embellished phrasing. Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs) is famous for painting a somewhat graphic, yet poetic picture of the sexual expression and relationship between a husband and wife. Chapter 2, verse 3: "Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the songs. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste (NKJV). It has been generally observed that what the author is referring to here is the use of oral sex between the couple, and not as a necessary evil; rather, a beautiful and satisfying treat.

Proverbs Chapter 5, verses 18-19 are given as a deterrent from adultery, but also as a demonstration; a wife being the flesh of her husband's flesh through the unity of marriage. "Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love (NKJV)."

Alright, so the Bible makes it clear: freedom of sexual expression within a marriage is acceptable, nay encouraged and celebrated. How does sexuality outside of marriage fit in? Fortunately, the Bible is blunt in this area as well. In lieu of the term "sexual immorality," which has been debated over and dissected for years, the New American Standard Bible chooses to use the more specific word, "fornication." Mark Chapter 7, verse 21 says this: "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." In regards to homosexuality, the New Living Translation divvies up the term "sexual immorality" into adultery, fornication, and homosexuality; Leviticus 18:22, "Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin."

Each day, men and women are bombarded with sex in the media, at work, on billboards and advertisements, and even at home. Set foot in a church, and one may never once hear the word, let alone have it uplifted and renowned. Neither is right, and the first step toward a healthy appreciation and understanding of this God-given blessing by the individual is a healthy appreciation and understanding within the church. For whom does a pastor want to lead his flock: the world, or the Lord?

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