Chuck Colson often said that Christians cannot impose their views on anyone. Instead, we propose. That applies to human sexuality. Our job is to hold out to a hurting world a better way to live, a way that points to love and human flourishing, to human wholeness.
When it comes to sexuality, we Christians are mostly known for what we’re against, instead of what we’re for.
For instance, how many times have you heard or read something like this: “All you Christians care about is bashing homosexuals.” Or, perhaps, “All you Christians want to do is impose your morality on other people.” Usually, of course, the morality being referred to is sexual morality.
Even the phrase “sexual morality” has a negative feel to it these days.
Why is that? I would argue that we Christians have not done a good enough job in describing — and, sadly, living out — a positive vision for human sexuality.
It is true that in our overly sexualized culture, there’s plenty to protest: pornography, sleazy advertising, explicit song lyrics, TV shows that glamorize infidelity of every kind. We would be less than Christian if we remained silent.
So, we speak out against sexual sin. Got it. But what alternative do we offer? What are we for?
Well, the virtue of chastity for one thing—the right and proper use of our sexual desires. And just what might the right and proper use be? Sex within the bonds of marriage, for example? Sure. But that’s not exactly compelling or inspiring.