Read Along: Chapter 14—Is Christianity the Cause of Dangerous Sexual Repression?

Today we continue with Chapter Fourteen in the Read Along with Apologetics 315 project. This is a chapter-by-chapter study through the book Is God Just a Human Invention? And Seventeen Other Questions Raised by the New Atheists by Sean McDowell and Jonathan Morrow. (Hear an interview about the book here.) Below you will find an audio intro for Chapter Fourteen, a brief summary of the chapter, a PDF workbook with questions for the chapter, and some notable quotes. You’re also encouraged to share your comments and feedback for each chapter in the comment section below. Feel free to interact!  Index page here.

[Audio Intro] – Jonathan Morrow introduces this chapter.
[Chapter 14 Study Questions] (with kindle locations) – PDF study guide.
[Podcast Feed RSS | Podcast in iTunes] – Click to subscribe to the audio.

Summary
Chapter Fourteen: Is Christianity the Cause of Dangerous Sexual Repression?
(pages 185-196]
Chapter 14 looks at the subject of sex. Is Christianity sexually repressive as the new atheists would suggest? The authors make a biblical case for sex, showing God’s three purposes for sex and showing the benefit and need of proper boundaries. They also explore some of the scientific findings about sex and how they line up with the biblical view on the subject. Four reasons are given for why Christian couples were found to have the best sex lives.

Kerby Anderson contributes an essay on the right view of sex. He shows the benefits of abstinence, and cites study after study of its benefits. This short essay is packed with statistical data that shows the positive effects of the biblical view of sex.

Notable quotes:

Let us make one thing unmistakably clear from the start. God is pro sex! That’s right, God created sex and thinks it’s beautiful when enjoyed within the proper context. (p. 185)

We agree with the New Atheists that some religions have been the source of sexual repression and harm. But we vehemently disagree that this criticism applies particularly to Christianity. (p. 187)

Following the biblical pattern would not increase harm, as Dawkins and Harris suggest, but would clearly result in fewer STDs, unwanted pregnancies, and abortions. (p. 188)

Scripture condemns the misuse of sex-sexual activity expressed outside a lifelong, committed marriage between one man and one woman. (p. 188)

Discuss

1. Why do you think the new atheists are so negative about the Christian view of sex?
2. How would you respond to the claim that Christianity is sexually repressive?
3. How many kinds of known STDs are there now compared to the the 1960s?