Sexual holiness is not merely the absence of lust but the overcoming reality of love... Avoidance of the human beings that supposedly “cause” lust only cements in one’s mind that that other people exist solely as objects of sexual possession and fantasy. The Violence of Lust and Pornography by Rebekah Mui This series has thus far examined the way of Christ the Shepherd in contrast with the way of thief and adversary,…
the way of empire is taking, the way of the kingdom is giving. Empire takes the bodies and dignity of others to cement its power, but Christ literally gave His body for us. Lust, Love the Doctrine of Two Kingdoms by Rebekah Mui This series explores sexuality and lust through the lens of the doctrine of two kingdoms, asking "What does love and sexual holiness, modeled after Christ, looks like in contrast…
Content warning: Sex, sexual assault, violence, war, imperialism. Sources indicated with an * are negative examples that are not cited by name, but linked for reference. Series Introduction Recently, A Better Way ministries was featured by the Associated Press for an exhibit highlighting the evils of sexual abuse and assault. The clothing of sexual abuse victims from various churches was displayed. There have been many gut-wrenching projects of this nature over the…
I often read the Bible with an air of arrogance. Sometimes I elevate myself above the foolish Israelites who, even after seeing God part the red sea or deliver them from empire, still choose to rebel against this omnipotent and benevolent God. At other times I am appalled at the Ancient Near East’s barbaric practices like that of sacrificing their own children to the gods. Clearly, I am so much better than…