Sex and the Bible

At its very base, The Bible is a book about God's love, not sex.

But, within its pages, there are sexual practices we condemn, and others that condemn sexual practices that we accept. American website: www.soulforce.org points out a few.

Polygamy is acceptable, as is a king having many concubines. We all know about Solomon's record. Slavery and sex with slaves, marriage of girls younger than the present-day ages of consent, and treatment of women as property are all accepted practices in the scriptures. Yet, there are strict prohibitions against interracial marriage, birth control, discussing or even naming a sexual organ, and seeing one's parents nude.

Practices considered 'normal' today would be punishable by death in biblical times. For example, in Deuteronomy 22, verses 13 to 21, if it is discovered that a bride is not a virgin, the Bible demands she be executed by stoning immediately. Stoning, apparently the method of execution of the day, was also for adulterers (Deuteronomy 22, verse 22). And in Leviticus 18, verse 19, the Bible forbids a married couple from having sex during the woman's period. The penalty? You guessed it, execution.

Interesting titbits

The book of Mark serves up two interesting titbits. Divorce is strictly forbidden in both testaments, as is remarriage of anyone who has been divorced (Mark 10, verses 1 to 12). Also in chapter 10, verses 18 to 27, if a man dies childless, his widow is ordered by biblical law to have intercourse with each of his brothers in turn until she bears her deceased husband a male heir. If the man had many brothers, she might be at it for a while.

Even women who wanted to stand by their men couldn't do it in a certain way. In Deuteronomy 25, verses 11 and 12, if two men are fighting, and the wife of one seeks to rescue her husband by grabbing the enemy's genitals, her hand shall be cut off and no pity shall be shown to her. Why she would need to grab there of all places is another matter.

The website suggests that over the centuries, the Holy Spirit has taught us that certain Bible verses should not be understood as God's law for all time periods. It opines that some verses are specific to the culture and time they were written, and are no longer viewed as appropriate, wise, or just. The article also said the Holy Spirit uses science to teach us why ancient words no longer apply. This includes the now-widely held view among scientists that sexual orientation is natural.