Pornography is Not a Turnaround, Repentance is.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

—John 1:1-5; 3:19

I was looking at an article on CNN and then followed a link to an article on People Magazine’s website about Hugh Hefner and Lindsay Lohan. Apparently she posed nude for Hefner’s Playboy Magazine. I don’t read People Magazine, and rarely do I visit the website except to read a specific article mentioned on CNN. I figured any photos with the article wouldn’t be graphic, so I clicked through and read.

The gist of the article is this: Hefner was at first a little uncertain about having Lohan pose for his magazine given her personal issues that are all over the news media every few weeks, but is pleasantly surprised that the magazine issue is selling so well.

A few observations:

1. I find it ironic that the head of a company that specializes in the mass distribution of pornography and the objectification of women would be wary of controversy. Lest we attribute this uneasiness to a burdened conscience, we should remember that Hefner’s main purpose in having celebrities featured in his magazine is primarily to increase market share and make money. He was concerned about Lohan because her appearance could be bad for business.
2. Hefner stated that Lohan’s appearance in the magazine “is intended as a turnaround.” It may well be that Lohan again rises to stardom and makes millions of dollars, gets involved in a somewhat stable, cohabitating relationship, and maybe even has a few kids. But that is only a Hollywood turnaround. In relation to God, repentance and faith is the only turnaround that matters. Lohan’s most recent public act is merely one step further in the direction of depravity and despair.
   
3. Hugh Hefner also said “this is a born-again beginning for Lindsay.” Again, repentance and faith is what makes a man or woman born again. The cheap substitute experience that Hefner offers is merely a shadow and a perversion of the image of God present in every human being.

True Love Waits... But Temptation Doesn't

CNN has proved once again that it doesn’t understand the Bible regarding premarital sex and temptation. Unfortunately, it seems most evangelicals don’t either.

The article in question, which I first saw on the CNN Religion Blog, points to an article from Relevant Magazine about how 80% of self-professed evangelicals between the ages of 18 and 29 have engaged in sex outside of marriage, just shy of the 88% that represents the general population.

Looking at the opposite figures, that 20% of self-professed evangelicals have not engaged in sex outside of marriage, is much better than the 12% that represents the general population. Still, 80% is still a problem.

The biggest factor for CNN, swayed by a quote from Scott McKnight, is that in biblical times people married a lot younger. The quote from McKnight is,

Sociologically speaking, the one big difference – and it’s monstrous – between the biblical teaching and our culture is the arranged marriages of very young people. If you get married when you’re 13, you don’t have 15 years of temptation.

We are getting married later and later. It’s not uncommon to know people in their thirties and even forties who are getting married for the first time. But abstinence is not just about age. And the example of people getting married at 13 is not an accurate portrayal of a typical marriage during Bible times.

Many girls got married during their teenage years, but 13 would be at the far end of the spectrum. Perpetua, a Christian martyr from around A.D. 203, was around 22 years old and had one child, recently born. If we assume that people typically had children within a few years time of getting married, this would place Perpetua’s marriage sometime around 19 years of age.[1] Men were typically older than the women they married.

Even if we pretend that there is a 15 year difference in temptation, does that really matter? Human beings are not just base animals, yielding to our natural sexual desires out of instinct. If we are truly Christ-followers, as we proclaim, we should be able to arrive at marriage (or remain single) celibate.

Why? Two reasons:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13).

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15).

We don’t have to give in to temptation for two simple reasons: 1) God will provide us a way out, and 2) Christ is our example. Jesus never took a wife and never sinned. He was tempted like us and submitted to the will of God, even to the point of death. There have been many people in the Bible and throughout history who lived celibate lives. John Stott, who recently passed away, lived all 90 years of his life a celibate man.

The problem is not that we’re waiting longer to get married. The problem is we are not taking the way out and we are not getting our power from Christ. The verse immediately following Hebrews 4:15 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

We need to draw near to God both individually and in our relationships. We have to admit our dependence on Him and submit our lives to His plan. Maybe that means some people will get married younger because there’s little point in prolonging a serious relationship. Maybe that means some people will break up with their significant other because there’s little point in developing a serious relationship that’s going nowhere.

Whatever action we take, it all has to come from a proper understanding of temptation that is centered on the Bible and the person and work of Jesus Christ. Starting with human nature and sexual desires will only lead to failure. And so far it looks like 80% of us are focusing on the wrong thing.

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[1] Although Perpetua’s husband is never mentioned in the account we have of her martyrdom, it is likely she was married at the time, possibly to Saturus, another martyr in the account. Source: Osiek, Carolyn. "Perpetua's Husband." Journal of Early Christian Studies 10.2 Jan. (2002): 287-90. Project MUSE. Web. 28 Sept. 2011.

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Book Review: Out of a Far Country

Editor's note: This book review was written by my wife, Hannah.

Out of a Far Country by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan dives into the darkness of a man lost in homosexuality and drugs and a woman held captive by unrealized expectations. Angela dreams that her sons will both work as successful dentists, but the vision shatters as her older son rebels and her younger son, Christopher, becomes a homosexual. Eventually she finds Christ and relates to her wayward son in a new way.

Meanwhile, God brings Christopher to a place where he realizes his need of Christ. The chapters switch between Angela’s and Chris’s perspectives cohesively. I was never confused by the switch and it gave a unique perspective to the book.

Due the brutal honesty about Chris's lifestyle, I would not recommend this book for young teens. Still, it could help anyone who is a prodigal of any kind or who knows a prodigal. As I read about Angela's attempts to bring her son to Christ, it helped me understand how to relate better to prodigals. The chapter on 'holy sexuality' was particularly helpful in understanding how a homosexual could change and live through God’s grace. Chris brings out a pivotal point as he discusses his new identity in Christ, not in his sexual orientation.

To buy the book, visit Amazon.com.
To preview the first chapter, click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers as part of the blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Internet Highlights

Here are some articles I've found particularly interesting this week:

Learn a little bit about Spanish culture regarding treating others at restaurants and parties from a transplanted American living in Spain.

Read a good word from John Piper on the apex of history in the apex of the display of God’s glory.

Russell Moore shares some insights on explaining the Passion to children.

When even secular commentators see the oversexualization of young girls and who’s to blame.

Teens, Sex, and Subjection to Christ

The other day while listening to The Briefing, a daily cultural analysis program from Dr. Albert Mohler, I heard him mention a new TV program from MTV that has begun airing.

This program, called Skins, is a drama designed to look much like a reality show. The child actors are aged 15 to 17. One would wonder whether shows featuring teenagers might be better suited to MTV’s other network, Nickelodeon. It is not uncommon for actors in their twenties (and even thirties) to play the role of a prepubescent teenager on that network.

So why would MTV, a network geared towards adults, feature a show with teenagers? I can only guess, but I believe part of it is designed to transition teenagers from the more childish Nickelodeon to the more adult (though still childish) MTV using actors their own age in exploits they see or can imagine in their high schools.

The problem is that Skins is definitely NOT for children. As a matter of fact, were the parents likely to enforce the show rating on their kids, the child actors who appear in it wouldn’t even be allowed to watch it—it’s rated TV-MA, signaling that it is not appropriate for viewers under 17.

The reason Dr. Mohler mentioned the show was because it appeared in an article in the New York Times. It seems the show’s producers are afraid they may be in violation of child pornography laws due to some of the graphic nature of a few episodes. One episode due to air at the end of this month features, from behind, a 17 year old male running naked down a street. The episode apparently focuses on the teenager’s misuse of an erectile dysfunction drug.

Other episodes, according to the article, show “simulated masturbation, implied sexual assault, and teenagers disrobing and getting into bed together.”

On the one hand, this is nothing new. MTV has been pushing the envelope on sexuality and obscenity in film and TV for quite some time. Other movies popular with teenagers, such as the American Pie, Scary Movie, and other series, feature much of the same content (links are to reviews by Focus on the Family). Additionally, many teenagers are exposed to obscenity and sexuality throughout their high school experience. Chances are the concepts of teen sex, sexual assault, and sexual performance are not new to the average high schooler.

But there is a big difference. This show features teenagers in the leading roles as teenagers, and it is designed to look like reality. We live in a culture that has refused to be defined by any kind of moral system, much like Israel in the time of the Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25).

Our culture by and large, and MTV in particular, is lusting after the exact same system of morality. MTV pushes this mentality on its viewers, saying, “We also have taken numerous steps to alert viewers to the strong subject matter so that they can choose for themselves whether it is appropriate.”

MTV has raised a defense, saying that the show itself is “specifically designed to be viewed by adults.” Does this make it any better? First off, obscenity and immoral sexuality is not edifying to the spirit but rather gratifying to the flesh. As beings under the law of God, we are to put on Christ and not gratify our sinful desires (cf. Rom. 13:14). We are very good at excusing ourselves by saying that we can filter out the bad because we’re older or more mature, yet that kind of self-justification is evidence of our own immaturity!

Second, and what I find personally disgusting, is the logical conclusion that comes from saying Skins is “specifically designed to be viewed by adults”: the teenage sexuality is for adults. If the content of the show borders on child pornography, the purpose of the show borders on pedophilia—fulfilling and encouraging adult fantasies about minors!

We as human beings are under the law of God and we stand condemned. Living as though we are the masters of our universe will not change or delay the inevitable subjection of all things to Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-28). We need reconciliation with God, which is only possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As people under the law of God, we should avoid TV shows, Movies, music, and other forms of “entertainment” that push Satan’s agenda for the world on our minds and consciences. As parents, we should work to teach our children to adopt a biblical worldview instead of a worldly, rebellious worldview that says, “Do what is right in your own eyes.” As Christians, we should engage this world with the gospel of Jesus Christ to “destroy strongholds… arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God” (2 Cor. 10:4-5).

Sinful Cynicism

My newest and most recent struggle with sin has centered around cynicism. All cynics are critics, but not all critics are cynics. I looked at the definition of cynicism online and here is what I read: "An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others." This definition proved to be a mirror that reflected all that is ugly from my actions and behaviors from the past couple of weeks. I have been most cynical of the Church and conservatives--things that I profess to belong to.

A few verses in James have also pointed to what I was doing. "With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?"

Also, as I read in Ephesians I am commanded that "No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear." My comments have been negative and haven't built anyone up.

There is, however, reason to be negative. Negativity doesn't signify cyncisim. The prophets were most certainly negative. Jeremiah, for his preaching, was put into a muddy cistern becuase he didn't preach the positive things the people wanted to hear [see reference]. Sometimes the Lord has something negative to say to his people. In Revelation, Jesus has something negative to say to 6 out of the 7 churches in Asia Minor in addition to his positive comments.

The main problem with cynicism is its attack on individual motives and its refusal to find a solution. Here, instead of being cynical, I'd like to point out some of the areas that we as Christians need to work on for the glory of God. Hypocrisy is evidenced in most Christians' lives, to some degree. And I myself am part of the problem. I've compiled this list of problems we as Christians have to overcome... together. I won't leave myself out of this one either.

The Sanctity of Marriage -- This is one of the big themes in conservative religion and politics. The main front of this battle revolves around the movement to allow homosexual couples to marry. Unfortunately, we as Christians have spent so much time fighting the 2% of the American population and ignored the other 98%. If homosexuals were granted the right to marry, it is highly unlikely that they would stray from the current trends in American society: multiple partners from high school to young adult life, live-in boyfriends/girlfriends, marriage in the late 20s to mid-30s, and finally, divorce in the 40s to 50s.

Conservatives recognize that the fight for homosexual marriage is about gaining national acceptance and tolerance of the homosexual lifestyle. Marriage is a small part of that overall plan. Why do we put so much attention on the homosexual lifestyle? One, it doesn't glorify God, and two, it is easier to put pressure on this group than to make adultery and fornication (pre-marital sex) a big political issue.

At one point in time, homosexuality was a forbidden topic. No one discussed it openly. Now it has become a major discussion point in the workplace, college campuses, coffee houses, and even the church (well, some churches). But we fail to address the major issues of adultery and fornication. We condemn it from the pulpit and gossip about it in the fellowship halls, but we let fornication slide because we don't inquire into others' "private lives" except to fuel our gossip. When the inevitable occurs and someone gets pregnant, we again ignore the heart issue so long as she chooses not to abort. Divorce is so rampant today is is disgusting. Much of it has to do with how easy it is to get one. But we also ignore the underlying issues of infidelity, spousal and child abuse, and all the other issues that lead to divorce. Indeed the only thing that has changed since the "Leave it to Beaver" fifties is not the morality, but the convenience of sinful habits and our openness. The "boys will be boys" attitude existed, and indeed, infidelity is probably the one area that has remained somewhat in the closet, as far as openness is concerned, but that doesn't negate the fact that it is happening.

Data from over 20 years of surveys have shown that 75% of non-married 20 year olds have had premarital sex, and that number rises every year to the point that an estimated 95% of people have had sex before they got married. Even if these statistics are overstated, it is safe to say that a majority of people in America have sexual relationships that dishonor our Father.It is for this reason that I say we have lost the fight for the sanctity of marriage--we believe that 2% of the population will ruin what a larger percentage (12% of men and 7% of women in any given year) who commit adultery and who fornicate (who do go to church) haven't been able to ruin. My point: the sanctity of marriage has been eroded and will stay in that state so long as we ignore the other issues of fornication and infidelity.

I'd love to write more, but I will have to end it here. Cynical attitudes and behaviors don't help the situation. But neither does ignoring the decaying morality and spirituality within our own churches in favor of one political endeavor. Let us not forget that there are more issues at stake than homosexual marriage and abortion. America is a lot worse, morally and spiritually, than we conservatives would like to admit. Instead of preaching that America is a Christian and moral nation, let's call it what it is--a secular nation. Instead of trying to Christianize a nation, we need to disciple a Church and reach the lost.

Why We've Already Lost the Fight For Marriage

I've always wondered why we as Christians tend to fight against gay marriage and yet we are silent on premarital sex and adultery. Surely these other two sins are much more prevalent and take as great, if not greater, a toll on the sanctity of marriage and the strength and union of family.

According to an article in the New York Times, the lifetime rate of infidelity for men over 60 increased to 28%, up from 20% in 1991, and for women, it was 15%, up from 5% in 1991. The rate of increase for women is a surprising 200%. What else is surprising, the changes in infidelity rates among older people is due more to the advent of sexual enhancing drugs like Viagra and estrogen supplements as well as better hip replacements. This means that higher rates of infidelity has more to do with the ability to cheat, not necessarily the will to cheat. In addition, historically, men have been cheating more often than women, but researchers are not sure if that is true or if women were just less open about their affairs when speaking with researchers. The "Leave it to Beaver" view of what American morals were once like is probably flawed.

Truth be told, supposedly only 1% of the American population is openly homosexual, but that number, long purported by the religious right to be proof that homosexuality isn't as widespread as gay activists claim, omits certain other truths as well. The percentage of men and women who engage in homosexual acts is higher than 1% because not all people who participate in those types of relationships are open about it. Also, some people who practice homosexual sex are married and/or prefer sex with member of the opposite sex, so they don't claim to be bisexual or homosexual either. Like infidelity, actual percentages may be higher than people will admit to.

Americans, and Christians specifically, seem to have their heads in the sand if they think that homosexuals are the biggest threat to the sanctity of marriage and family. The Bible is clear, homosexuality is a grave sin, but we forget the other things like premarital sex, adultery, and high divorce rates that threaten the sanctity of marriage just as much--and I believe--more than homosexuals. I think part of the reason we ignore these other sins is because it is so widespread. How many people in your church are on their 2nd or 3rd marriages? How many engaged (or are engaging) in premarital sex? How many had (or had) a live-in boyfriend/girlfriend? The numbers are high, and we prefer to ignore it instead of identify it at the sin it is. After talking with some of my married friends, we've all come to the conclusion that, although we didn't have sex before marriage, we all regret some aspect of our physical relationships before we got married.

I haven't been using a lot of scripture in my recent posts, partly because I believe that my audience generally understands what the Bible teaches on these topics, but to highlight the severity of the issue, read what Hebrews 13:4 has to say, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." I find it interesting that the author mentions "adulterer" specifically. Is it perhaps because adultery was the biggest threat to marriage? I don't know, but it was certainly a major threat to the sanctity/holiness/purity of marriage back then, and I believe it is still a major threat now. It it a wonder the lost call us hypocrites?

And let's not stop there. Aside from homosexuality, premarital sex, and divorce, we are threatened by pornography, machismo, feminism, and all other manners of sin and unrighteous attitudes and behaviors. If homosexual marriage is legalized in this nation, and my thoughts on the legalization of abortion through the Freedom of Choice Act are the same, it will not be because of a few liberal activists or recent changes in American morality. It will occur as a spillover from a battle that was already lost. Why we took the battle from the pulpit and Christian witness and brought it to the political ring, I will never know. Christians will now have to fight just to save the sanctity of marriage within the Church, much less within secular America.

What do you think?

(I reserve the right to edit and/or delete inappropriate comments)