Live your theology.

Have you given any thought to the connection between sex and relationship with spouse as analogous to the connection between the sacraments and relationship with Christ? It seems there's enough in common that it will raise some eyebrows, and maybe add some fun insights to what you're doing above.

Have you given any thought to the connection between sex and relationship with spouse as analogous to the connection between the sacraments and relationship with Christ? It seems there's enough in common that it will raise some eyebrows, and maybe add some fun insights to what you're doing above.

I have, and spiritually speakingv there are many differences. But practically, regarding how we live our theology, are we really *that* different. I’m just about ready to say no.

I have, and spiritually speakingv there are many differences. But practically, regarding how we live our theology, are we really *that* different. I’m just about ready to say no.

…..a hot button issue and one that most Christians don't like to talk about. I've found that the more I pray and read about sex, the more I realize how worldly my beliefs on sex had become.

…..a hot button issue and one that most Christians don't like to talk about. I've found that the more I pray and read about sex, the more I realize how worldly my beliefs on sex had become.

I tend to think that Tim is onto something.. All of the Christian Life ought to reflect God's Character and his relationships.

Sex reflects Creation – One of God's characteristics … It also reflects his provision — The wife is a gift to a husband and the husband is a gift to the wife.. It is a way for both genders to reflect submission (1 Cor 7), As Christ submitted in the Garden of Gethsemane – "Not my will but your will be done" It is a symbol of everlasting life, and we pass our life from generation to generation. It is a symbol of Unity and distinction as the trinity has unity and distinction. It often gives us both humility and power – Just as the Spirit gives us humility and power.

So, Yeah, we can say sex is made for our personal enjoyment, but that is rather shallow. It is a gift from God, and it is a blending of many rich and divine flavors. Just as all of life is..

I tend to think that Tim is onto something.. All of the Christian Life ought to reflect God's Character and his relationships.

Sex reflects Creation – One of God's characteristics … It also reflects his provision — The wife is a gift to a husband and the husband is a gift to the wife.. It is a way for both genders to reflect submission (1 Cor 7), As Christ submitted in the Garden of Gethsemane – "Not my will but your will be done" It is a symbol of everlasting life, and we pass our life from generation to generation. It is a symbol of Unity and distinction as the trinity has unity and distinction. It often gives us both humility and power – Just as the Spirit gives us humility and power.

So, Yeah, we can say sex is made for our personal enjoyment, but that is rather shallow. It is a gift from God, and it is a blending of many rich and divine flavors. Just as all of life is..

I think what Jason is getting at is our attitude toward sex, rather than our theology of sex. Ideally the latter would be reflected in the former, but too often it is not. Out vastly different concepts about the purpose of sex, according to the Scriptures, should be reflected by vastly different attitudes toward it.

I think Tim is onto something as well. Take the Lord's Supper. Personally, I enjoy participating in that sacrament a great deal. It is an opportunity for self examination, communion with God and with His people, and celebration of the victory we have in Christ over our three enemies; the flesh, the World and the devil. Is that enjoyment the reason I partake? No, the things that CAUSE the enjoyment, and God's command, are the ultimate reasons.

Likewise, with sex, pleasure is not the ultimate reason we should be intimate with our spouse, and our spouse alone. It is a rite of communion as well, meant to signify the joining of two as one, and not to be divorced from the command to be fruitful and multiply. This is why marital intimacy is not only morally superior, but more satisfying.

Unfortunately, regardless of what we say we believe, Christians approach the marriage bed with an attitude only slightly better than the world, because we don't approach with these things in mind. For all intents and purposes, to us sex is just sex, in the same way as it is to the world, and I am pointing the finger squarely at myself as I type this.