Episode 1: How Do You Define Sexuality?

Sex is a gift!

But like so many of God’s good gifts, it can be easily corrupted. Corrupted by the world and by a sex-obsessed culture. Corrupted by the sin in our own hearts. In the book of Song of Solomon, we get a unique glimpse into a celebration of sexuality that is untainted by shame, or fear, or pornography, or abuse, or cultural baggage.

And as Dr. Juli Slattery explains in this first video clip, the sensual couple described in Song of Solomon 4 is quickly commended by a chorus in Chapter 5 proclaiming, “Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!” (v.1). Most scholars believe this “chorus” represents God Himself, blessing the act of sex.

Step 1: Watch Episode 1

Step 2: Read and Meditate on Scripture

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
(James 1:17)

Step 3: Ponder These Discussion Questions

In the video, Dr. Slattery says there was a time when she “could barely say the word ‘sex’ without turning red.” Can you relate? Was sex an off-limits topic when you were growing up?
Does it make you uncomfortable to consider that sexual intimacy between a husband and wife somehow points to the intimacy that God desires with each of us? Explain your answer.
A sacrament is defined as “a religious ceremony or ritual regarded as imparting divine grace.” With this in mind, would you consider sex within marriage as sacramental? Why or why not?

Step 4: Take Time in Prayer

Dear Father,
As we engage with this series on sexuality, help us move past shame, embarrassment,
or past mistakes or trauma to embrace sex as a gift from Your hand and by Your divine design.
Help us grasp the bigger picture of sex as a form of intimacy that gives us a glimpse of what it means to be made in Your image
and that points to the perfect, spiritual intimacy that You desire with each one of us.
Amen

Step 5: Check Out These Additional Resources

Sex as a Picture of the Inner Life of God

God creates man and woman as reflections of the image of the Trinity.

Why I Care About Your Sex Life ... And So Should You

Healthy sexual intimacy correlates with an overall strong relationship. But it's about more than you and your spouse having a good time in bed. It is a central aspect of a holy metaphor.

Rethinking Sexuality

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