Sex and Politics

Gary — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:05:00 +0000

Well, here we go again. About every 9 months a high-profile political or religious leader gets caught with his pants down. The latest casualty is The Honorable Eliot Spitzer, Governor of New York and former Attorney General of the state. By now you probably know the juicy details—it’s hard to avoid them, what with 24-hour obsessive coverage from TV, radio, print-media, and blogs.

Back in August, 2007, Idaho Senator Larry Craig was arrested for “lewd behavior” in an airport men’s room, and in November, 2006, Ted Haggard, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, resigned after allegations from a former male-prostitute that Haggard had exchanged cash for sex, and also for methamphetamines.

What is it about being in a “role-model” position that brings out the sexual worst in so many men? The pathetic litany of Catholic priests who have sexually abused parishioners is legion, and don’t believe for a moment that this problem is confined to Catholicism. It runs across the denominational board. Houston—we have a problem. But why?

Interestingly, the latest (March 2008) issue of Christianity Today has a cover story titled “Addicted to Sex: Why many men are, and what to do about it.” Perfect timing! Seems there’s a 12-step recovery organization called Operation Integrity. Meetings provide a roller-coaster ride of successes and failures and frustrations. The men who attend these meetings aren’t convicted pedophiles or registered sex-offenders. They are churchgoers and seemingly model husbands. They represent men by the millions who sit comfortably in church pews every weekend who have a dirty little secret—sexual addiction.

My hunch is, this is what Spitzer, Craig and Haggard all have in common. An addiction to sex, experts say, is defined by obsessive sexual behavior regardless of the growing negative consequences for the person or their relationships. And it is a problem particularly with men. The overwhelming evidence suggests that we males are “hard-wired” to prance around, looking for conquests. We are visibly aroused—our sexual temptations have more to do with what we see, than with what we hear, smell, or imagine. We are not tempted by the lure of a relationship. A one-night stand is more alluring than a long romance. And if you add money and power to this temptation, well, Spitzer, Craig and Haggard can speak to that quandary.

Shall we then let them off the hook? Are they simply a product of the confluence of male hormones, power entitlement, and an over-sexed culture? I must admit this is a BIG problem in our world today. The problem is exacerbated by the sexually visible bombardment of every billboard, magazine ad, attractive girl or woman at the mall, and porn site on the internet. This is a BIG problem. If you throw into this mix a marriage with sexual problems, then you have a situation that is combustible for many husbands.

One of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned by the apostle Paul is “self control.” I’m of the opinion that it is THE most important. But where does self control come from? Certainly a healthy relationship with God helps, but so does a healthy relationship with your spouse. And if you’re not married, a healthy relationship with members of the opposite sex is important. And maybe a healthy relationship with your best friend is most vital—someone you can tell ALL of your problems (and temptations) to. The value of Operation Integrity is that it provides a place where people can be “truthful” with others, and learn from them. A best friend can provide that same vital service. Sometimes, to know you’re not alone in your struggles can be a vanguard against doing things while alone that you will regret for the rest of your life.

True Religion

Gary — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:03:00 +0000

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27). One wonders how James could narrow down the fundamentals of true religion with such economy! Is this really the essence of good religion? What about the apostle’s creed? What about Sabbath-keeping and tithe-paying?

Well, you’ll notice that James isn’t addressing true doctrine, but true religion. Religion has to do with what one DOES more than with what one BELIEVES. Religion is active more than it is reflective.

Here at the Tierrasanta Church we place a premium on good religion—or at least on emphasizing good religion, as opposed to emphasizing good doctrine. This is not to minimize good doctrine. But because every person is at a different level in their spiritual journey, doctrinal differences will naturally exist, so we refrain from too much dogmatism on these matters.

Politics 2008

Gary — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:10:00 +0000

I’m reminded of Paul’s wise counsel: “Test all things; hold fast to that which is good.” Politics seems to dominate the media outlets these days, whether it be television, radio, newpapers, magazines, movies, or the internet. Since we are getting nearer a United States Presidential election, the heat is being turned up and the candidates are furiously jockeying for position.

From the desk of Gary

Sex and Politics

True Religion

Politics 2008