Coming in hot, folks… David Frank and TJ Espinoza reflect on sex positivity and how they see parts of the Christian Bible interacting with sexual desire, goodness, transcendence, and meaning. There’s nothing simple about the relationships between sex, marriage, having kids, pleasure, and our spiritual callings. But in those tensions, we also see goodness and fruitfulness. We hope that this discussion prompts more thinking for you all on what a comprehensive Christian sexual ethic can look like.
This episode includes content suitable for adult audiences; listener discretion is advised.
See also: David referenced the article A Prayer of Contemplation on Sex and Its Future in this episode—check it out on Substack!
Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out Communion & Shalom episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: #3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality.
Timestamps
(0:00) Intro
(03:23) What Sex Positive Usually Means
(10:48) Evangelical Churches Are Just As Pro-Sex
(16:55) Genesis, Song of Songs, Leviticus, Matthew, Revelation
(17:51) Sexual Difference in the Garden (Genesis)
(19:02) Consent Is Biblical (1st Corinthians)
(20:13) Erotic Poetry Isn't Smut (Song of Songs)
(26:04) Sex Is...Transcendent?...But NOT Worship (Leviticus)
(45:33) Jesus: Yeah, but... there's no marriage in heaven (Matthew)
(51:32) The (Sexless?) Bride of Christ (Revelation)
(53:31) Let's Hear It for... Sex Mediocrity!
Links and References
We referenced these sections of the Bible in this episode:
Genesis 2-3
Songs of Songs/Solomon (whole book)
Leviticus 15:18
Matthew 22:30
Revelation 19
James 1:17
Isaiah 56:3-5
If you like this podcast, please consider…
→Sharing feedback or questions! communionandshalom@gmail.com
→Supporting us on Patreon! patreon.com/communionandshalom
→Following us on Instagram! @communionandshalom
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Credits
Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza
Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson (www.carlswensonmusic.com)
Podcast Manager: Elena
#47 - Is the Bible Sex Positive?