Sex Out of Order
Episode Description:
Shawn McCraney discusses the concept that while humans cannot comprehend God's intentions or reasons, believers are said to possess the mind of Christ, which doesn't equate to understanding the mind of God completely. Additionally, he introduces Soren Kierkegaard's idea of absurdism, emphasizing that belief in God requires a "leap of faith" beyond human reason, acknowledging the infinite gap between God's nature and human understanding.
Kierkegaard emphasizes that humans cannot fully know God's mind and encourages believers to trust in God's mysterious ways despite the absurdity of life's events, which contrasts with secular adaptations of his philosophy that often divorce faith from reason. In contemporary Christian life, discussing topics like sexuality openly is important for living authentically and moving away from rigid religious traditions, acknowledging that in the modern era, faith is a personal journey guided by the Spirit rather than dictated by external authorities.
Recognize that humans inherently possess corrupted hearts and minds, yet through faith, the sacrifice of Christ offers cleansing and connection with God, eliminating the need for religious pretense or persistent guilt. Embrace authenticity and freedom in spiritual life, acknowledging Christ’s completed work and allowing the Spirit to lead rather than adhering to outdated religious rituals.
Love originates from God and humans are like mirrors, reflecting love, but must allow a spiritual transformation to effectively mirror divine love rather than their worldly desires. Embracing this transformation and aligning human sexuality with God's intended order are crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding harm, as sexual relations are designed for pleasure within the right context.
Shawn's teaching suggests that sin is outdated and everyone is reconciled to the Father through Jesus, dismissing the traditional view of sin and salvation. Critics argue that Shawn's approach deviates from historical Christianity by prioritizing personal revelation over Scripture, urging a return to traditional beliefs and repentance.