Sex in the Bible: An Introduction
Introduction to Sex in the Bible
Sex is often a taboo subject.
Because of this it’s a subject which makes people feel uncomfortable to discuss.
Many of us find it a difficult subject to discuss not least because as we were growing up it was perhaps a taboo subject and a good proportion of us were given the impression that sex is “rude”. Some believe that sex is only appropriate for procreation.
Are our views about sex in agreement with the Bible?
Or have our values been influenced by the prevailing culture, whether promiscuous or inhibited?
Interestingly the Bible isn’t shy or prudish about sex. The Bible celebrates and encourages sex between husband and wife, and despite its important purpose NOT just for the purpose of procreation.
Proverbs 5:
18b …rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
Like the reference in Proverbs to love-making above, there are several places where we can get helpful biblical insights into how God wants us to view sex. However, we’ll begin by trying to understand what God has actually legislated on the subject.
Arguably God legislates for the important things in life, on the one hand to protect us from being unhappy, and on the other hand to encourage us to behave in ways which make us happy.
Sexual Positions
So for example, when it came to say the subject of sexual positions God had a choice,…
1. to legislate, or 2. not to legislate. In this case He chose NOT to make a law.
What do we learn from this?
If something is important. God will tell us whether it’s right or wrong.
And if He doesn’t? ....then arguably He allows us discretion.
Where the Bible legislates on the subject of sex, we should take very careful notice. However, there are a number of sexual issues that the Bible is noticeably silent about – regarding which it would appear that God has decided to allow us to exercise some discretion. As we survey the subject of sex in the Bible its worthwhile noting the subjects which aren’t legislated about, as it is understanding those issues which scripture does legislate for.
Whilst we’re on the subject of sexual positions, as another indication that the Bible isn’t as prudish as some would think, there is a place where at least two are mentioned in the same verse.
Job 31:
9 ¶ If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door;
10 Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.
Notice though, that there’s no implication that other sexual positions which aren’t mentioned here are inappropriate or unlawful.
More Judianity Articles on the the Subject of Sex in the Bible
Go back to the start of Judianity - A "Third Way" Between Judaism or Christianity?
Theologians believe that even after the crucifixion Paul kept Nazirite vows at the temple and offered sacrifices. One predictable adjustment to a written Torah law about circumcising gentile proselytes in Acts, caused massive turmoil in the church. If most of the other "Old Testament" laws were abolished, why wasn't a similar level of controversy recorded then? Was the Torah really "done away" in Galatians ?
Let's take a look at the subject of Examining the First References to Sex in the Bible.
© www.judianity.info Nov 2011.
