The Birds & Bees- Part 2

In this podcast, Deacon Tim digs deeper into the Theology of the Body, the series of talks and writings by Pope John Paul II.  Last week, we introduced the idea that sex is meant to be holy, a gift that mirrors the total gift of Himself that Jesus gave us.  Christ's love for us can be characterized by the 5 "F's," and every sexual act should be measured by this same standard:

Free: In this act, how much am I giving of myself, and how much am I taking from my spouse?  How much am I focused on my own desire for pleasure?  Is this act, which is supposed to communicate the gift of self, consistent with the way I am treating my spouse in other aspects of our relationship, such as the way we handle our daily responsibilities?

 

Full: Am I giving myself fully and unconditionally to my spouse, not just in the sexual act but in every aspect of our marriage?  Or are there strings attached?  Am I thinking of what I can do for my spouse, or am I thinking of what he or she can do for me?  What am I holding back?

 

Fruitful: Are my spouse and I respectful of the creative power of God which He brings to our sexual relationship?  Are we generous with respect to our fertility, or do we tend to distrust the adequacy of God's grace and our own capacity to love and care for another child?  If we are not open to having another child, do we have serious reasons for our decision in this regard?  Is my relationship with my spouse life-giving in general, in the sense that our relationship nurtures and inspires others?

 

Faithful: Do I say or think negative things about my spouse that are inconsistent with my obligation of fidelity?  Am I committing in the act of sex that I will be true to my spouse in all that I say and do?

 

Forever: Am I consciously committing in the sexual act to love my spouse and sacrifice for him or her for the rest of my life?  In what ways am I communicating to my spouse more of a "maybe" than a lifetime commitment?

Click the link below for a discussion that could change the way you think about sex - for the better!

To play the podcast click here and select "030 Birds & Bees- part 2"

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Comments

[Bob Cleveland]

I haven't listened yet but I'll say this first: you have my admiration for even posting on these matters. These ideas need to be heard, and that requires someone to say them.

And THAT is one of the big shortcomings of the churches today, IMO.

[Bob Cleveland]

Another aspect of this that may not be apparent to young whippersnappers is this: how you view sexual interaction with your spouse may well hint at your relationship with your spouse in your older age, when sex plays a less dominant role in the marriage.

I'm still contemplating the thoughts expressed, but as a Baptist, I'm not under the paradigm of merely accepting ideas put forth from the Vatican, so I might well view some of the thoughts quite differently.

[Cyndi]

Bob,
Now you've piqued my curiosity - tell me how your thoughts differ from the Catholic viewpoint!

Everyone,
I've actually had an interesting series of emails from a Jewish listener, and apparently, these ideas line up quite nicely with the Jewish view of sexuality. Here's an link she gave me - fascinating!

http://www.hanefesh.com:80/edu/Kosher_Sex.htm

[Barb]

I think this is one podcast I need to listen to over and over, alone and with my husband. There is a lot of uncomfortable-ness with what you talk about, specially in regard to the controls we put before God. I know I must think and pray through this thoroughly.
Thank you for presenting it so well, but I wish the podcast wouldn't end at 16-17 minutes. I could listen for much longer.

[Bob Cleveland]

Cyndi: Some of my differences might be in opinions differing with what the Pope expressed. Knowing (what the Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists say is) the Catholic position re: the Pope, I wouldn't want to say anything disrespectful of that.

I'll see.

[Miz Booshay]

Tim and Cyndi,
Thank you for sharing the greatness and beauty of God's plan for us in this context.

It is so beautiful and full...and it is making me cry.

I think I need to ponder what the tears are about.

God bless you both and thank you.

[Cyndi]

You guys are a real boost - it's so encouraging that Deacon Tim and I are offering something that makes people take stock of some of these issues - neat!