The different worldviews that our society presents us have either led to a shallow, careless, or exaggerated view of sex. This entry focuses on the exaggerated, overblown, and idolized perception of sex in our society.
This piece is part of a series exploring the topic of Sex in Marriage, building on ideas introduced in this post.
The idolization of sex is by far the primary worldview of sex in our society, especially in the West. Our world has taught us that sex is something that is natural to us and that we should be doing it however we see fit. The idea that Christianity is restrictive, suppressive, and oppressive of sex has been thrown out there for the world to fight against. The way it has been fought is with this Freudian view, that sex is the primary motivator of our beings. That who we are at the core are sexual beings. Sigmund Freud believed that sex was everyone’s weakness and strength. That it was the prime motivator and common denominator for all of us. Not only is the idea that who we are as human beings are sexual beings, our core, but also it has become our identity. And because of that, many people have deduced that you should express your sexual urges in any way you like, want, or desire. [1]
The late atheist, Christopher Hitchens, said the following:
I am obsessed with sex. Ever since I discovered that my god-given male member was going to give me no peace, I decided to give it no rest! — Christopher Hitchens
This worldview has caused many problems in our society. First, the idea that sex has become an idol is already damning. Any idol in our lives is destructive in nature because it causes us to take something good and make it ultimate. And when that happens, when we make something the ultimate in our lives, we find out that it never truly satisfies and fulfills.
There is an emptiness and loneliness that happens when we let idols run our lives. The idea that something that you should control ends up controlling you is defeating, demoralizing, and ultimately soul-destroying. Imagine for a moment; the car you drive, if it becomes your idol, ends up driving you. The house you live in, if it becomes your idol, ends up living you. Anything that becomes an idol in your life, including sex, leads to a cycle where the very things we hoped would fill us, leave us more hollow, highlighting the stark contrast between our expectations and reality.
Secondly, the glorification of sex has led to pornography, which plays a significant role in the sexualization and objectification of women, and it even fuels sexual trafficking [2]. Much has been written on this topic, and for the purposes of this discussion, it’s enough to note that society’s overemphasis on sex has sparked significant social and human rights concerns.
Finally, idolizing sex is so weighty in our souls. It can crush you and destroy not only you, but also your relationships.
And the reality is that this worldview is contrary to the scriptures. The Bible has a more comprehensive and harmonious view of sex as you can see here.
Beyond Sexual Societal Norms: Harmonization of Sex
[1] Thornton, S. P. (n.d.). Sigmund Freud (1856—1939). Retrieved from https://iep.utm.edu/freud/#H3
[2] International Labour Office. (2017). Global estimates of modern slavery: Forced labour and forced marriage. Geneva: International Labour Organization. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@dgreports/@dcomm/documents/publication/wcms_575479.pdf