The Book of Genesis features 7 kinds of intimacy in chapters 1-4. Before sexual intercourse appears in Scripture the author of Genesis crafts the neural architecture of sexual arousal and long term relationships with the intimacies of: Spirituality, beauty, rest/regulation, pleasure, compassionate presence, reconciliation, and sexual intimacy.
7 Types of Intimacy Assessment: Parts 1 and 2
In the following assessment please write down one of three options for each question. 1 means low importance, 2 is moderate significance, and 3 means very important. Noble will then connect you to other clients based on similar intimacy traits.
7 Types of Intimacy Assessment: Part 1
1.The Intimacy of Spirituality
Spiritual connection with a higher power is the core of my important relationships.
2. The Intimacy of Beauty
I enjoy beauty in nature, humanity, and art.
3. The Intimacy of Leisure and Rest
Leisure and rest are a high value for me in a long term relationship.
4. The Intimacy of Pleasure
I am satisfied with my life and simple pleasures.
5. The Intimacy of Compassionate Presence
Being with a partner in compassionate awareness is a value to me.
6. The Intimacy of Sexual Health
Sexual health with a long term partner is essential.
7. The Intimacy of Conflict Resolution
Healthy conflict resolution is key for my long term relationships.
7 Types of Intimacy Assessment: Part 2
Part 2 takes a deeper dive for a couple seeking intimacy. In the following assessment please select one of three options for each question. 1 means low importance, 2 is moderate significance, and 3 means very important. This may help you strengthen a connection.
I find myself praying several times a day other than at mealtime.
My social media posts have many pics of beautiful images.
I took a vacation last year.
I take pleasure in delicious food.
My friends report that I show them compassion when they feel trauma.
Sharing private parts without shame in a long term committed relationship is important.
I made valid amends with my exes.
Last year I attended my house of worship in person or online for more than holy days.
I find joy in the precision and balance of nature.
I get at least 6 hours of sleep each night and feel rested in the morning.
I am grateful for health, my home, my friends.
When my partner is hurting, I want to give comfort.
I feel no shame about my sexuality.
My partners report that I need to win every argument.
I feel comfort sharing the story of my higher power to others.
I have art pieces in my home.
Planning fun and recreation was part of my routine last week.
I enjoy hobbies like reading, gardening, fishing or golfing without feeling guilt.
I am aware when my partner is sad and I try to meet the need.
Sexual health conversations with my partner including boundaries with consent are easy for me.
I forgive and forget past hurts with my partner.
I give money and time serving spiritual causes.
Watching a sunset, smelling Spring flowers, sitting still listening to birds make me happy.
I calmed myself by resting last week.
I enjoy sexual feelings without acting upon them.
I have compassion for my partner and my own personal sexual trauma history.
I take responsibility for my own orgasm.
I can receive refusals for sexual intimacy without anger or hostility.
I reflect upon sacred texts of my faith and apply them to my life.
I enjoy blue cloudless skies and the beauty of a baby’s toothless grin.
I took time off from work without guilt last year.
Last week I took pleasure in reading, crafting, listening to music, or a simple inexpensive hobby.
Though painful, I willingly attend funerals to bring comfort to the grieving.
Awareness of my partner’s sexual arousal during intercourse is important for sexual health.
My belief helps me to mitigate guilt and shame.
Add up the 7 colors representing the intimacies. Then compare with your partner. This can help with compatibility, and visioning for the future.
Age Appropriate Sexual Health and Safety Education
Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………2-3
Genesis 1-5
Ages 1-5………………………………………………………………….………………4-5
Genesis 6-11
Ages 6-11…………………………………………………………………….…………..6-8
Genesis 12-50
Ages 12-18……………………………………………………………………………….9-19
Key Vocabulary…………………………………………………………………………20-40
Biblical Index of Sexual Health and Safety Terms……………………………………..41-70
Introduction
Welcome to Training Day at Evergreen Bible Church. This workshop focuses on age-appropriate health and safety content for children ages 1-18. Three developmental stages are covered: ages 1-5, 6-11, and 12-18. The life and ethics of Christ as reflected in the Book of Genesis, is the foundation for this work. Genesis 1-5 provides content for teaching young children about the goodness of God in Creation and human sexuality. Chapters 6-11 address health and safety for pre-teens, and Genesis 12-50 educates adolescent children on comprehensive sexual health topics, preparing them for covenantal marriage.
My passion is to present a Biblical Christlike conversation to assist parents. As a Christian sex therapist, I neither prescribe sexual behaviors nor promote sexual politics. The Bible mandates 7 times that parents are the primary teachers for their children, not institutional professionals. The following Scriptures specifically direct parents to educate their children. Hover your cursor over these references and you will be directed to the Blue Letter Bible for deeper study. (Deuteronomy 4:9-10; 6:4-10; 11:19; Psalm 34:11; 78:5-6) My dream is to help restore this beautiful and sacred responsibility to parents.
Each age-appropriate term we examine connects to a Biblical Sexual Health Index I created for richer study and reflection. If you enjoy the Biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek, you can access these tools with the index linking to the Blue Letter Bible. For example:
3H. Parental Affection, Sexual Connection, dah-BACH (Gen 2:24) Strong, h1692
“3H” is the index number showing the third health positive term in Genesis. “H” stands for the Hebrew language. The definition follows next, “parental affection or sexual connection”. The Hebrew pronunciation, dah-BACH, emphasizes the second syllable, BACH, which sounds like the last name of the great composer, Johann Sebastian BACH. Hover your cursor over (Genesis 2:24), and a hyperlink takes you to the Blue Letter Bible so you can study this verse in context. Hover over the concordance number, Strong, h1692, and you will connect to exhaustive definitions from multiple sources. And if you are passionate, you can examine every passage in the entire Bible where the word, parental affection or sexual connection, occurs using the Blue Letter Bible.
The Hebrew word for parental affection also appears in the New Testament.
3G. Parental Affection, Sexual Connection, kah-LA-oh (Mat 19:5) Strong, g2853
“3G” identifies this as the New Testament Greek term for the Hebrew counterpart, “3H” dah-BACH. The Greek word is pronounced with the emphasis on the “LA”, kah-LA-oh. Hover your cursor over the Scripture or the concordance number Strong, g2853, and you will be directed to the Blue Letter Bible.
All citations come from the New International Version. WLC is the abbreviation for the Westminster Leningrad Codex, the oldest and most complete scholarly Hebrew Bible. GNT stands for the Greek Morphological New Testament. Both of these texts are standards in advanced studies.
In addition, you will find a Key Vocabulary with current neuroscience to understand the developmental processes of your children as you teach them about sexual health and safety. As an application, I will show you how to enjoy this content through Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk. This evidence-based discipline is the most pleasurable practice I have ever known. You may enjoy taking your family into the forest or on the beach to illustrate these great Biblical health and safety truths.
Finally, I believe a benevolent Father-God inspired the Bible through His Spirit, without error in the original texts, authoritative for all matters of life, and incapable of failing our families. My dream is to give to the next generation a Godly-sane vision of the first theology of Scripture: the goodness and beauty of creation with sexual health, and safety for our children. What if, Scripture and the life of Jesus become the primary sexual health educator for our children rather than the pornography industry? I believe this is possible in our lifetime. I pray you will join me.
The Author
Rev. Dr. Glen Maiden is a 40-year pastor and sexual health educator serving interdenominational Bible believing churches. Dr. Glen planted a church in the Pine Street Drug Corridor of western Michigan, pastoring and counseling addicts and trauma survivors for 12 years. He studied Bible, Greek, and Hebrew at Asbury University, ground zero for the 1971 and 2023 revivals. Glen received a Master of Theological Studies with dual majors in New Testament and Christian Education from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He completed a Doctor of Ministry at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, focusing on the treatment of addiction and trauma in the church. Glen earned a PhD in Clinical Sexology from the International Institute of Clinical Sexology in Miami, Florida. This doctoral project focused on the Book of Genesis as an age-appropriate sexual health primer for faith-based families. He holds certifications in sex addiction and multi-addiction therapy through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals. Glen is a board-certified Christian Sex Therapist through the Therapist Certification Association, and is a certified Forest Therapy Guide by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Dr. Glen has full Washington State Department of Health licensure as a Mental Health Counselor.
Jesus and the Book of Genesis on Health and Safety for Children
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Between the ages of 0-5, children neurologically wire to form attachments, express emotions, and interact with others. This wiring sprouts 1million new connections a second, 60 million a minute, or 86.4 trillion new connections a day. How humans connect relationally and affectionately begins in the first five years. Based on parental care, these styles of connecting shape the brain, forming the neural architecture for future romantic relationships. During this developmental stage, children can be taught healthy affection, that God created the human body without shame, and anatomically correct terminology.
One barrier to communicating sexual health and safety content:_____________________
Treating Shutdown: ______________ shame for both parents and the child.
Teaching Health and Safety to Children Ages 1-5
Health Terms in Genesis 1-5
1-2. Be Fruitful and _____________, pah-RAH rah-BAH (Gen 1:22) Strong, h6509 and h7235
Teaching and Learning Using Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk
Pine Cones:
Moss:
Mushrooms:
Animals: Fish, Frogs, Squirrels
Sexual Health Positive Terms in Genesis 6-11
Children between the ages of 6 and 11 show remarkable development in spiritual, physical, cognitive, social, and emotional areas, becoming more coordinated and active while developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills. 18 months after a child needs deodorant for body odor, they will most likely go through puberty. They increasingly rely on peer relationships, learn to understand others’ perspectives, and develop a greater sense of spirituality and morality. The average age of child sexual abuse and first-time use of pornography is 9 years of age. It is essential that children understand appropriate boundaries for touch before this era with internet safety protocols. The Noah and the Ark snapshot can be helpful to teach both the redemption of God and protect children from abuse.
But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered (kah-SAH) their father’s naked body (ahr-VAH). Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked.
Unhealthy Sexuality Terms
64H. Sexual Safety ____________, chah-LAWL (Gen 6:1) Strong, h2490
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation, (bah-DEH-loog-ma)’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate (chah-LAWL) the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
65. Coercive Sexual Intercourse, BO (Gen 6:4) Strong, h935
The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went (BO) to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
66. Sexual Nihilism, Evil, RA (Gen 6:5) Strong, h7451
The LORD saw how great the wickedness (RA) of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil (RA) all the time.
Teaching and Learning Using Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk
In the forest or on the beach, can you make a twig raft and place created beings on the “ark”? Tell the story of how the world became unhealthy and humans were hurting each other? God saved Noah’s family with the animals. Then can you link the intoxication of Noah with unhealthy sexuality and inappropriate touching? Perhaps, you can help your children with boundaries about touching the private parts of others, specifically family members? You may use the video of Tubseday, the Native American girl, to define outside parts, inside parts, and private parts.
Click on this link to view Tubseday (TUBE-seh-day), The Native American girl, teaching children about consent.
The making of a raft with created beings and water play can assist to decrease anxiety for a child so she can hear the boundaries of “not touching the private parts” of family members. If the conversation becomes awkward, resume the water play.
Click on the link below to view how to make a stick raft.
Health and Safety for Children Ages 12-18
Genesis 12-50
Adolescents aged 12-18 experience the greatest sexual wiring in life. Testosterone and estrogen neuropathways contribute to the most powerful network in the human body, the sexual system. This wiring impacts spiritual, cognitive, social, and physical domains. Much of the wiring of adolescence is called pruning, disconnecting wiring no longer used from childhood. Key traits include the ability to think about their own spirituality, long-term goals, increased self-consciousness, emotional and sexual regulation. This period involves forming a personal spiritual identity and navigating a shift in priorities from family to God and peers. Benevolent Creator has shaped our children to begin “leaving their parents and cleaving” to a lifetime partner”.
The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law (chah-THAWN), sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here,
8. Genital Sexual Intercourse, Kah-RAV (Gen 20:4) Strong, h7126
The woman was very beautiful, a virgin (buh-TWO-lah); no man had ever slept (yah-DAH, sexual intimacy) with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.
Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved (ah-HAWV) her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
11. ______________ to Intercourse, yih-TSACH (Gen 26:8) Strong, h6711
When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelek, king of the Philistines, looked down from a window and saw Isaac (yih-TSACH) caressing (yih-TSACH) his wife Rebekah.
During wheat harvest, Reuben went out into the fields and found some mandrakes (doo-DAI) plants, which he brought to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” But she said to her, “Wasn’t it enough that you took away my husband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI) too?” “Very well,” Rachel said, “he can sleep with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” So when Jacob came in from the fields that evening, Leah went out to meet him. “You must sleep with me,” she said. “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” So he slept with her that night. God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son.
14. Fall in Love, chah-SHAWK (Gen 34:8) Strong, h2836
…because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast (SHAWD) and womb.
Rachel said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my period (DEH-rek nah-SHEEM).” So he searched but could not find the household gods.
But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled (shah-CHAWT) his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother.
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (par-NAY-ah, sex trafficking), makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
73. Sacred Sex Trafficked Female and Sacred Sex Trafficked Male, kah-day-SHAW, kah-DEISH (Gen 38:21) Strong, h6948 and h6945
He asked the men who lived there, “Where is the shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW, sacred sex trafficked female )who was beside the road at Enaim?” “There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW, sacred sex trafficked female) here,” they said.
So he went back to Judah and said, “I didn’t find her. Besides, the men who lived there said, ‘There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW, sacred sex trafficked female) here.’ ”
Teaching Children Ages 12-18
Sexual Neutrality without Negativity
Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
What do we teach our beautiful adolescents about health and safety during the most profound sexual wiring of their lives? The main focus of this era removes barriers to educating our children about sexuality. We can do this by using the Genesis 12-50 health and safety content. The specific application piece is called, sexual neutrality without sex negativity.
Sexual neutrality is a state of health and wholeness without intercourse or sex negativity. Jesus modeled this great truth.
The foundation of our work relies on the person and work of Jesus based on Scripture. Jesus practiced sexual neutrality with his first-century followers. At the same time, Jesus was single and celibate, he affirmed the Gospel of Health and Safety in Genesis.
Matthew 19:4-6
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator made them ‘male and female,’and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united (Sexual Connection, kah-LA-oh, Strong, g2853) to his wife, and the two will become one flesh (Genital Tissue, The Human Body, SARKS, Strong, g4561).’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh (Strong, g4561). Therefore, what God has joined (yoke together, Strong, g4801) together, let no one separate.”
Jesus quotes the Book of Genesis using sexual-health positive terms. Please see the Biblical Index for a fuller treatment. (3H and 3G, 39H and 39G)
Christ affirmed the marriage covenant, spoke positively about sexual intercourse as ontological oneness and at the same time practiced sexual neutrality with the men and women who followed him. His first miracle was performed while celebrating the image of God in marriage at Cana of Galilee. (John 2) Without condemnation, Jesus, the author of human sexuality, educated the early church on health and safety. The teachings of Christ changed history. (Matthew 5-7, John 4, and John 7-8)
Then Jesus speaks to sexual neutrality in Matthew 19.
The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”
Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. (Matthew 19:10-13)
After Jesus affirms the sexual health positive message of Genesis, he states, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only to whom it has been given…there are those who choose to live like eunuchs (without genital sexual intercourse) for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Christ casts a vision of intimacy with God and one another. First, Jesus affirms sexual intimacy in the marriage covenant with God. Second, he states that sexual neutrality for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven/God is an acceptable practice as well. Both states are founded on the awareness to “see” God and the people we love. Many are called by God to prepare the bride of Christ for the King without intercourse or abuse. Perhaps this may be the teaching point for our adolescents? In this season before covenant marriage, could the calling of our children be the intimacy of sexual neutrality? Our focus in adolescence then becomes the teaching of the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4: the spirituality of beauty, self-regulation, healthy pleasure, compassionate presence, relational wholeness, and sexual intimacy within lifetime covenant. Can this be communicated without sex negativity?
Finally, Jesus closes this section by once again elevating the value of children, “Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.” (Matthew 19:13)
The primary sexual neuro pathway is the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Sexual neutrality proposes that an adolescent can have sexual sensations, including attraction and desire, without genital sexual intercourse. The PFC can be non-condemning of sexual feelings, and at the same time, compassionate for others, and aware that intimacy, not intercourse, is the greatest value in life. For the adolescent, sexual feelings reflect the image of God, and intimacy with God and others can be a Christian’s greatest passion. Teaching our children sexual neutrality without negativity as opposed to immediate gratification may be one of the greatest gifts we give them.
The snap shot of Joseph in Egypt is one example of sexual neutrality in the Bible. Joseph displays a connection with God that allows him to choose intimacy rather than immediacy of intercourse.
Joseph, single and celibate, faces the greatest sexual challenge of his young adulthood…seduction by his employer’s wife. Potiphar’s unnamed marriage partner pursues Joseph for taboo adulterous sex. Joseph resists the advances of the executioner’s wife. In this Scriptural piece, note that the word for intercourse is not the sexual intimacy term of Genesis 4:1, yah-DAH, but rather shah-KAWV which always means unhealthy coercive-sex in Genesis.
After a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed (shah-KAWV) with me.” But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; and everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked (RA, sexual nihilism) thing and sin against God.” (Genesis 39:7-9)
After serial sexual harassment, the boss’s wife attempts to rape Joseph in a scene of erotic rage. He flees, leaving his coat as circumstantial evidence. Potiphar, executioner for the king, commutes the death sentence and imprisons the falsely accused Joseph. The text states that, “while Joseph was in prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Genesis 39:20-21).
Joseph regulated sexual neural pathways with intimacy. He affirmed the trust of his employer, and appealed to intimacy with God. The snapshot transitions to the compassionate presence of God with Joseph in prison. He regulated sexual sensations with gratitude for his employer, and intimacy with God, both PFC functions. Some neuroscientists agree with the ability of the PFC to regulate. Please see the Key Vocabulary definition for “Sexual Neutrality”.
“Neuroscientists like Schore (1999), have reflected on the ability of PFC to regulate affect and sexual neural pathways. This sexual neutrality through PFC regulation can be seen in the Joseph sexual harassment snapshot. The PFC regulatory mechanism Joseph accessed appears to be spiritual intimacy with God and empathy for his employer, Potiphar.”-Glen Maiden
Now, let’s look at how we can apply this to the children we love.
There are 7 intimacies in Genesis 1-4. Rather than sex negative conversations with our children, it is possible to educate them about intimacy with God and one another without intercourse in healthy sexual health-positive ways.
Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk is the most beautiful practice I have ever known to connect with the Creator God and teach children about intimacy with Christ in nature. What this means is that as parents we can focus on the Spirit in nature’s beauty, regulation of sexual neuro pathways, healthy pleasure, compassionate presence, relational wholeness with reconcilition, and sexual neutrality as preparation for intercourse in covenantal marriage. Following is an example of the Nature Immersion: Creation Walk in nature.
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture and smell?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you? What do you sense about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.
Creation: Do you see any created beings/non-artificial that touch your heart? What gratitude do you feel for The Creation? Can you collect as many as you want and share at communion?
At the end of the Creation Walk, we receive communion and talk about what we noticed on the Immersion, and what gratitude we see. Can you share the created beings you collected and perhaps make an art project?
Key Vocabulary
Child Development Ages 0-18
Ages 0-5
The first five years are a critical period for child development, characterized by rapid brain growth where up to 90% of brain development occurs by age five. 75% of children die if they do not have good enough care in these years. During this time, children form key neural connections through their experiences, which lay the foundation for future learning, health, and behavior. Key areas of development include brain development, physical and motor skills, and social-emotional and cognitive abilities.
Key developmental areas
Brain Development: The brain develops faster than at any other time in life, forming over one million new neural connections every second. These connections are built through experiences like positive interactions with caregivers and exploring the world through senses. Seeing parents show healthy affection (dah-BACH) can literally shape the brain with trillions of connections for sexual health processing later in life.
Cognitive Development: This area involves learning, problem-solving, and memory. Children develop through identifying objects, following simple directions, and engaging in imaginative play. Learning anatomically accurate words is appropriate and can assist later in reporting abuse.
Spirtual and Social Development: Children learn to form attachments, express emotions, and interact with others. They develop skills like mirroring parents praying, smiling, and eventually learn to play cooperatively, and use words to express feelings. How an adult connects relationally and romantically begins in the first five years of life. Her brain shape can be secure in relationships, preoccupied, or fearful/avoidant. Dismissive means that I want you, but I may push you away. These styles of connecting are formed in the brain before the age of 5 and form the neural architecture of relationships.
Provide a healthy environment where appropriate touch is non-threatening, affection is welcome, and the human body is treated with respect and honor. A child’s experiences during these years are crucial for shaping their future sexual health behaviors.
Engage in positive interactions: Talk, sing, and read to your child the first 5 chapters of Genesis to build connections and encourage language development about essential Biblical themes.
Respond to their needs: Providing warm and dependable adult interactions is vital for building a secure foundation. One aspect of sex addiction in North America is that addicts report they grew up in deprivation households. They were never taught how to care for the image of God in them or show compassion by expressing valid needs.
Encourage play: Play is a primary way children learn and develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Using Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk can be an excellent method of teaching children about creation in an enjoyable non-shaming way.
Ages 6-11
Children between the ages of 6 and 11 show significant development in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional areas, becoming more coordinated and active while developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills. 18 months after a child needs deodorant for body odor, they will most likely go through puberty. They increasingly rely on peer relationships, learn to understand others’ perspectives, and develop a greater sense of self and morality. Emotionally, they manage feelings better than in earlier years, although they can still experience jealousy and mood swings. The average age of child sexual abuse is 9 years of age. It is essential children understand appropriate touch and boundaries before age 9.
Physical development
Motor skills: Greater strength and coordination allow for more complex activities like dancing, playing a musical instrument, or riding a bike. They develop finer motor skills for tasks like tying shoelaces and using tools.
Physical activity: They have high energy levels and enjoy active play, team sports, and using their bodies for creative expression, like drawing or painting.
Spiritual development
Children can pray and help read Scripture at meals.
Thinking skills: They move from magical to concrete logical thinking, allowing them to solve problems, understand concepts like time and fractions, and grasp that objects can be categorized. Children can be taught how to regulate their emotions. This is essential foundation for regulating sexual neuro pathways in adolescence.
Problem-solving and memory: They improve their ability to focus, organize, and plan ahead. They can also remember information for longer periods and use strategies to help them learn.
Language: Their speech is nearly adult-level, and they can read and understand more complex sentences. They read for pleasure and to learn new things.
Curiosity and questioning: They ask “why and where do babies come from”, question things they don’t understand, and seek justifications for how things are. This is an excellent time to talk through the non-shaming images and terms of Genesis 1-5. Reading through the Noah snap shot on sexual safety is also appropriate.
Social development
Friendships: Friends become increasingly important, and they may have several close friends, often playing with same-gender groups.
Social skills: They learn to cooperate and share, but also experience jealousy. They become more aware of social group dynamics and may use language to include or exclude others.
Role models: They admire and imitate older youth and adults, sometimes questioning authority as they get older.
Emotional development
Self-Regulation: They are better at managing emotions like anger than before, though temper tantrums can still occur. Teaching children how to regulate their anxiety with emotions can assist in regulating sexual neural pathways during puberty.
Empathy: They develop a stronger sense of empathy and can better understand and consider the feelings of others. Introd
Decreasing Shame: They are developing a sense of body image and can be sensitive about being compared to peers. When sexual health and safety are spoken of, it is important to do so without shame.
Values: They begin to develop their own set of sexual health values and a personal worldview, understanding concepts like fairness and sexual mores.
Ages 12-18
Adolescents aged 12-18 experience the most profound sexual system wiring of their lives. Testosterone, estrogen, dopamine, peptides, and adrenaline neuropathways form the most powerful network in the human body. This wiring impacts cognitive, spiritual, and physical domains, including sexual behaviors, abstract thinking, a stronger reliance on peer groups, and physical maturation through puberty. Key traits include the ability to think about spirituality and long-term goals, increased self-consciousness with emotional and sexual regulation, and physical changes like growth and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This period involves forming a personal spiritual identity and navigating a shift in priorities from family to peers. God has shaped our children to begin “leaving their parents and cleaving to a lifetime partner”.
Cognitive development
Abstract thinking: The ability to think about abstract concepts, such as spirituality, the Bible, philosophy, politics, and sexuality, develops significantly.
Long-term planning: Adolescents begin to set long-term goals and think about their future.
Reasoning and debate: They can reason from general principles and start to form their own ideas, question authority, and debate different points of view.
Self-awareness: They become more aware of their own thought processes and become more self-conscious.
Social and emotional development
Independence: A strong drive for independence emerges, with adolescents often turning to friends for support rather than parents.
Peer relationships: Fitting in with a chosen peer group becomes a major focus, influencing spiritual values, interests, sexuality, and appearance.
Identity formation: They begin to form their own spiritual identity, which can involve questioning old values and exploring new roles and interests.
Emotional swings: They may experience strong emotional swings, increased self-consciousness, and moodiness due to hormonal changes and identity struggles.
Physical development
Puberty: Boys and girls go through puberty, which involves the development of secondary sexual characteristics like pubic and underarm hair, with significant growth. This is the age when intersex traits may appear.
Growth spurts: A rapid increase in height and weight is common during this stage.
Body image: Physical attractiveness becomes very important, and adolescents are often more self-conscious about their changing bodies.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to physical changes like acne, as well as emotional outbursts and mood swings.
Coitus Interruptus, birth control: Coitus interruptus, or the withdrawal birth control method, is a form of contraception where the male partner withdraws before ejaculatory inevitability to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. It is free and always available, with no associated health risks or side effects. However, coitus interruptus is considered one of the least effective methods of birth control. Pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. This form of birth control also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Effectiveness
High failure rate: Coitus interruptus has a high failure rate, even with “typical use,” which includes accidental or incorrect use.
“Perfect use” vs. “typical use”: A large-scale study in England and Scotland found a typical use failure rate of 6.7 per 100 woman-years of use, while perfect use rates are significantly better but still carry risks.
Pre-ejaculatory fluid: Pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain sperm, and this fluid can be released before ejaculation, potentially leading to pregnancy.
Eunuchism and Intersexuality: Genesis Chapter 39 features the term eunuch for the first time in the Bible. Bitter brothers sell Joseph into slavery to Ishmaelite investors. The descendants of Ishmael trafficked Joseph to Potiphar, an elite royal military captain. Described in two ways, Potiphar is the guardian, SAR, of Pharaoh and identified as a eunuch, sah-REECE (Genesis 37:26, Strong, h5631, g2135). The reader may note that the terms guardian, SAR, and eunuch, sah-REECE , sound similar but have different spellings.
Eunuchs have been employed by royalty for millennia to oversee harems. The eunuch was unable to impregnate royal consorts because of either intersex traits at birth or surgical removal of genitalia. Eunuchism includes those born with intersex traits incapable of heterosexual intercourse. Clinicians use the term intersex for variations in sexually reproducing organisms. Intersex births feature characteristics between typical males and typical females. Intersex genitals differ in numerous ways with wide diversity. Many intersexual traits never appear outwardly. Some variations present when the intersex child reaches puberty, and still others at adulthood. Again, some intersexual traits never appear physically (Fausto-Sterling, 2000).
Fausto-Sterling (2000) examined clinical intersex data from 1955 to 1999. She stated, “We surveyed the medical literature from 1955 to the present for studies of the frequency of deviation from the ideal male or female. We conclude that this frequency may be as high as 2% of live births” (pp. 151–166). Genetics governing growth and development cause most intersex variations. Hormones underlie the most frequent variations among the intersexual population. Numerous eunuch snapshots appear in both the Old and New Testament records. The Hebrew Bible (WLC) uses the terms sah-REECE and eunuch in New Testament Greek (Strong, H5631, G2135).
Royalty concerned for DNA purity of heirs chose staff members incapable of reproduction to oversee harems. The eunuch lacked the ability for genital sexual intercourse with the king’s wives whether by intersexual traits or surgical castration. The sah-REECE served as a nonthreatening caregiver, ensuring royal blood lines with unbroken succession to the throne.
The fifth century AD Etymologicon by Orion of Thebes cites an early definition for the eunuch: guarding the bed and being deprived of male to female sexual intercourse.
The historian Lucian states two criteria for vetting a eunuch: physical inspection of genitalia while examining the candidate during a sexual act with females. This vetting process proved the sah-REECE/eunuch posed no threat to infiltrate royal DNA (Sturz, p. 58).
Many cultures record surgical castration to prevent sexual intercourse with royal consorts. Vietnamese eunuchism removed both testicles and penis of male staff members to ensure the progeny of the Emperor. The duties of Vietnamese eunuchs primarily maintained the harem for sexual intercourse with the Emperor (Taylor, 2013).
The Biblical Hebrew word for eunuch is sah-REECE, (Strong, H5631). Potiphar in the Joseph snapshot circa 12th Dynasty BCE is called Pharaoh’s sah-REECE (BLB, Genesis 37:36, Strong, H5631). Daniel of the Babylonian Exile 8th century BCE served under a sah-REECE and is assumed to be part of the eunuch culture to secure the purity of heir making. The Book of Isaiah 56:1–5 uses the term sah-REECE in a blessing piece.
And let no eunuch (sah-REECE) complain,
“I am only a dry tree.”
For this is what the Lord says:
“To the eunuchs (sah-REECE) who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose what pleases me
and hold fast to my covenant—
to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will endure forever.
Other eunuchs are named specifically, such as, Hegai and Shashgaz, Hatach, Harbonah, Bigthan, and Teresh. The sarisim, the plural of sah-REECE, were potential threats to impregnate the harem of the king and therefore chosen because of the inability for intercourse with royalty.
The New Testament uses the term eunuch in two narratives, Mathew 19 and Acts 8. Jesus speaks of eunuchs in Matthew 19 stating that some eunuchs are born, some eunuchs are made (surgically), and others choose to be eunuchs (Matthew 19:1–12).
Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matthew 19:1–12)
The eunuchs Jesus described may include those who were born with intersex variations and could not have heterosexual genital sexual intercourse. The second snapshot appears in Acts 8:26–39. In this piece the apostle Phillip interprets Isaiah 53 for an, “ Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians.’” (Acts 8:27) The reader can note that the Ethiopian eunuch served a royal consort, a queen. In addition the term eunuch separates from the words, an important official in charge. This supports the context of the sah-REECE of the Old Testament who guards the harem of the king.
Intersex-eunuch passages in Matthew 19 and perhaps Acts 8 appear without condemnation as well. The Acts snapshot with the Ethiopian eunuch and Phillip communicates honor and dignity.
Euphemism: The term euphemism is composed of two Greek words, eu meaning well and pheme, meaning to speak. Euphemisms decrease trauma shutdown by using gentle, indirect language to reframe sensitive matters. This can help families to be more comfortable discussing delicate topics. The technique, sometimes called “shame attenuation,” allows for a less traumatic conversation of direct sexual content. One example can be seen in Biblical sexual health narratives using the phrase, “uncovering the nakedness of”. Rather than using the phrase, “sexual contact between family members,” the writer of Genesis uses a softer nuance, perhaps for younger ears. (Leviticus 18 and Deuteronomy 23) This may help families decrease potential shame in these conversations and increase learning.
How euphemisms decrease shame
Softens harsh realities: Euphemisms replace blunt words with gentler ones. For example, saying someone “passed away” instead of “died” reduces the immediate shock and discomfort.
Encourages truthfulness: By creating a less confrontational atmosphere, euphemisms can encourage a hesitant person to share the truth, such as using “missed work unexpectedly” instead of “called in sick” to ask about absenteeism. In the same way “uncover the nakedness of” is a euphemism lowering shame to prevent sexual contact within families.
You must not do as they do in Egypt (incest), where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.
“ ‘No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations (uncover the nakedness of). I am the LORD.
Mandrakes: In the Bible, mandrakes are an anesthetic-hallucinogenic plant associated with fertility featured in the story of Jacob’s wives, Rachel and Leah. Rachel, sought a solution to her infertility by making a sex for drugs deal with her sister Leah. Reuben, Leah’s son, harvested mandrakes, an over-the-counter aphrodesiac and infertility remedy. Rachel coerced Jacob to sleep with Leah in exchange for the mandrakes. Ironically, the drug failed, but instead Leah became pregnant with her fifth son, Issachar. The mandrake is also mentioned in the Song of Solomon for its fragrant fruit, suggesting a romantic and intimate setting.
Mandrakes possess hallucinogenic properties due to potent tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine, which can induce delirium and hallucinations. The plant is also highly toxic, and its use can be very dangerous.
Effects and Dangers
Hallucinogenic & Deliriant: Mandrake can cause vivid hallucinations and a state of delirium, which in large doses may lead to madness.
Narcotic & Sedative: Historically, it was used as an anesthetic for surgery in ancient times because it induces a state of unconsciousness and indifference to pain.
Highly Poisonous: All parts of the Mandragora plant are poisonous. The concentration of alkaloids varies between individual plants, making safe dosing nearly impossible and accidental poisoning a significant risk.
Physical Symptoms of Poisoning: Ingestion can lead to severe symptoms including blurred vision, dilated pupils, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, dizziness, headache, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and vomiting.
Risk of Death: In sufficient quantities, the plant can cause respiratory arrest, coma, and death due to its anticholinergic properties.
Masturbation Theology:The word masturbation did not appear in print until the 17th century AD. The Latin word masturbation means “destruction by the hand” (Etymologygeek, 2021; Etymonline, 2021). Theologians began to connect the term masturbation to Onan’s act and the death sentence for birth control, coitus interruptus. The context of the passage, however, appears to be another lesson reinforcing the evil of coercive sexuality and abuse. The Onan incident is not a genital self-stimulation narrative. In addition, there exists no support from other Biblical passages that God killed Onan for coitus interruptus. The judgment against Er and Onan has clear textual support on the basis of coercive sexuality and or violent abuse. No Biblical evidence supports the death sentence for coitus interruptus or genital self-stimulation. The 17th century word masturbation does not appear in or reflect the authoritative text of the Bible anywhere.
The translation method this work uses is called Biblical theology. This time-tested process uses Scripture to interpret Scripture. When a passage requires clarity, other relevant texts are compared for meaning. Biblical theology can be thought of as a scientific method for studying sacred literature with integrity. The tension in this passage focuses on the interpretation that God put Onan to death because he practiced birth control during intercourse through coitus interruptus. Therefore according to many authors any transmission of semen except for procreation is condemned by God.
The circumstance of Onan’s death appears four times in the Old Testament (Genesis 38:9–10; 46:12; Numbers 26:19; 1 Chronicles 2:3). Two of the passages state that Onan simply died (Genesis 46:12; Numbers 26:19). The Hebrew verb form used in these two passages is called the Qal. This verb form shows that God did not act to end Onan’s life. The text of Genesis 38:10 states that someone or something killed Onan. The final Onan passage of 1 Chronicles 2:3 mentions Onan but does not state that the Lord killed him. Rather, Er his brother was terminated by God. The author of Chronicles omits Onan from the consequences of direct judgement by God. The four texts agree that God did not kill Onan due to birth control.
The one verse in question does not clearly state that Onan’s death was caused by God. The verse literally says in the Hebrew language, “He (Onan) did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and the thing which he did, killed him, even him.” Hebrew to English translators added “The Lord” as a subject to Verse 10 as the one doing the killing. The misuse of this passage began with the editing of the text by an unknown translator from the Hebrew to English who added “The Lord” as Onan’s executioner. No direct statements in the Bible support God putting Onan to death. All Biblical citations state that God did not terminate Onan because he withdrew before ejaculation.
The energy spent on this verse matters for billions of people who look to the Bible for sexual health education. What the reader will see in the following history of masturbation theology is the threat of divine death sentence for self-stimulation. Specifically, according to numerous religious writers, any sexual arousal or transfer of semen except for conception may bring the same consequences for death as Onan received. One misused verse of Scripture without support from the entirety of Biblical revelation created 3500 years of threat, violence, and sexual shame among people of faith.
The first part of the word masturbation derives from the Latin word, manus, meaning “hand.” The second part of the Latin term, disturbare, means to disturb, demolish, or destroy. Stupere connects to this word, meaning stupid or shameful. The Latin word masturbor then follows the meaning, “I shamefully defile myself, I masturbate.” The word masturbation appears in literature by 1711. First appearing in the 1620s, masturbation preceded the use of the term masturbation, (Etymonline, 2021, Etymologygeek, 2021).
The Evangelical Christian books Every Man’s Battle and Every Women’s Battle reflect thinking on genital self-stimulation from the 1990s. Arterburn (2001), the primary author for these books, reflects the cultural and Evangelical sexual politics of the era. Panic and crisis of the 1980s’ AIDS epidemic may have driven religious and political leaders to teach abstinence in favor of sexual health. Arterburn reflected, “Masturbation is a symptom of uncontrolled eyes and free racing thoughts” (Arterburn, p. 110). He counseled that masturbation ceases when a man can “bounce” his eyes and take his thoughts captive (Arterburn, p. 112). He stated that the only legitimate release from genital tension for a single man is the nocturnal emission. Arterburn did not permit men to masturbate, even though he admits the Bible does not speak to it. Ethridge, Arterburn’s female counterpart and coauthor of Every Woman’s Battle, too instructed her readers not to masturbate. She (2003) stated, “Believe it or not no one ever died from not having an orgasm…once the sin of masturbation does know you by name, it will call, and call and call” (Ethridge p. 40). Is it possible that Ethridge may have implied, “Believe it or not, some have died from an orgasm,” specifically Onan? Ethridge stated that treatment for masturbation is to “starve it to death” (Ethridge, p. 41). Neither Arterburn nor Ethridge believed genital self-stimulation was an acceptable practice, even though both admit the Bible gives no direction on the matter.
The 19th and 20 centuries featured religious and medical practitioners contributing to the conversation of genital self-stimulation. Doctor John Harvey Kellogg of the Battle Creek Corn Flakes fame (February 26, 1852–December 14, 1943) passionately campaigned against genital self-stimulation. Kellogg legitimized his views by using medical language with citations proclaiming, “neither the plague, nor war, nor small pox, nor similar diseases, have produced results so disastrous to humanity as the pernicious habit of onanism,” according to his source Dr. Adam Clarke. Kellogg made strong warnings against masturbation claiming genital self-stimulation could be fatal, “such a victim literally dies by his own hand.” Kellogg believed the “solitary-vice” caused uterine cancer, urinary diseases, nocturnal emissions, impotence, epilepsy, insanity, mental and physical pathologies, and dimness of vision. In Plain Facts for Old and Young, Kellogg warns of the evils of sex perhaps believing sexuality itself to be evil. He crafted treatment plans to cure children from acting out in the “solitary vice”. Kellogg prescribed as means of masturbation prevention: restraining a child’s hands, protecting the genitals with patented cages preventing sexual contact, stitching the foreskin shut with wire, electrical shock, and circumcision without anesthesia. Kellogg himself underwent circumcision at the age of 37 (Kellogg, 1888). Kellogg presented detailed treatment plans to prevent genital self-stimulation.
A remedy which is almost always successful in small boys is circumcision, especially when there is any degree of phimosis. The operation should be performed by a surgeon without administering an anesthetic, as the brief pain attending the operation will have a salutary effect upon the mind, especially if it be connected with the idea of punishment, as it may well be in some cases. The soreness which continues for several weeks interrupts the practice, and if it had not previously become too firmly fixed, it may be forgotten and not resumed. Further, a method of treatment [to prevent masturbation] … and we have employed it with entire satisfaction. It consists in the application of one or more silver sutures in such a way as to prevent erection. The prepuce, or foreskin, is drawn forward over the glans, and the needle to which the wire is attached is passed through from one side to the other. After drawing the wire through, the ends are twisted together, and cut off close. It is now impossible for an erection to occur, and the slight irritation thus produced acts as a most powerful means of overcoming the disposition to resort to the practice. In females, the author has found the application of pure carbolic acid (phenol) to the clitoris an excellent means of allaying the abnormal excitement (pp. 294-296).
In Kellogg’s Ladies’ Guide in Health and Disease for nymphomania, he recommended “Cool baths; the cool enema; a spare diet; the application of blisters and other irritants to the sensitive parts of the sexual organs, the removal of the clitoris and nymphae” (Markel, p. 215).
Swiss physician Samuel-Auguste Tissot published L’Onanisme in 1760, a comprehensive medical treatise on the negative effects of genital self-stimulation to orgasm with ejaculation. Tissot believed that seminal fluid was an “essential oil” and “stimulus.” According to Tissot, the loss of semen in large amounts could cause,
a perceptible reduction of strength, of memory and even of reason; blurred vision, all the nervous disorders, all types of gout and rheumatism, weakening of the organs of generation, blood in the urine, disturbance of the appetite, headaches and a great number of other disorders. (Stolberg, 2000)
In the 17 century, masturbation became synonymous with Onan in Genesis 38. Although different behaviors, coitus interruptus and genital self-stimulation now become one idea (Etymonline, 2021). A 17th-century Puritan law code for the colonies of New Haven, Connecticut outlawed blasphemy, homosexuality, and genital self-stimulation. The consequence for offenders? The death penalty (Lawrence, p. 41).
Before masturbation terminology appeared in the 17th century early Christian church fathers contributed volumes of commentary. Many church authorities taught that genital self-stimulation was a secret sin, injurious, prohibited, and corrupt. In the 14th century AD, Jean Gerson, crafted a confessional manual entitled, On the Confession of Masturbation. Gerson’s manual directs clergy to, “insist that (male) penitents admit to the sin of masturbation, which…was deemed…even more serious sin than raping a nun, incest, or abducting and raping virgins and wives” (Chloe, 2010).
Thomas Aquinas, 1225–1274 AD, scholastic of the Catholic Church authored the Summa
Theologiae or Summa Theologica, The Summary of Theology. “
The “Summa” intended to instruct seminarians and literate church members. In Article 5,
Aquinas argues for the sinfulness of dreams producing nocturnal emissions.
“Objection 1. It would seem that nocturnal pollution is a sin. For the same things are the matter of merit and demerit. Now a man may merit while he sleeps, as was the case with Solomon, who while asleep obtained the gift of wisdom from the Lord“ (1 Samuel 3:5). Therefore a man may demerit while asleep; and thus nocturnal pollution would seem to be a sin“ (Summa Theologica, 2021).
Beginning in the 11th century Pope Leo IX regarded genital self-stimulation as, “unnatural sex, murder, a diabolical practice, and the cause of two-thirds of all diseases and disorders including insanity, neurosis, and neurasthenia” (Patton, 1985).
Epiphanius of Salamis in 375 AD stated that certain Egyptian heretics “exercise genital acts, yet prevent the conceiving of children. Not in order to produce offspring, but to satisfy lust, are they eager for corruption” (Medicine Chest Against Heresies 26:5:2, 375 AD). Lactantius, advisor to Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, in the fourth century AD added, “God gave us eyes not to see and desire pleasure, but to see acts to be performed for the needs of life; so too, the genital [‘generating’] part of the body, as the name itself teaches, has been received by us for no other purpose than the generation of offspring” (Medicine Chest Against Heresies, 6:23:18). Clement of Alexandria in 191 AD stated that, “Because of its divine institution for the propagation of man, the seed is not to be vainly ejaculated, nor is it to be damaged, nor is it to be wasted, “ and, “To have coitus other than to procreate children is to do injury to nature” (The Instructor of Children 2:10:91:2; 2:10:95:3, 375 AD).
Christ does not speak on the matter of genital self-stimulation. Neither New Testament writers nor Old Testament authors comment. Again, the primary Christian authoritative sources and accepted body of sacred literature do not regulate genital self-stimulation. The Old Testament passages connecting to transmission of seminal fluids can be found in the Levitical sexual hygiene code.
When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Any clothing or leather that has semen on it must be washed with water, and it will be unclean till evening…When a man has sexual relations with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both of them must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening…These are the regulations for a man with a discharge, for anyone made unclean by an emission of semen. (Leviticus 15:16,17,18, 32)
Neither mandate nor commentary exists for genital self-stimulation in the entire Bible. The focus of transmission of fluids in Leviticus falls under the heading of hygiene and in this case sexual health hygiene. There are no death penalties in the Leviticus sexual hygiene code for the transmission of seminal fluids by any means.
Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk- Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk is an evidence-based therapeutic exercise founded on Scripture and the life of Christ.
Nature Immersion reflects a health and wellness initiative called Forest Bathing. Forest Therapy, founded by Amos Clifford, of the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy, is the next generation of this treatment. Nature Immersion builds upon this evidence-based research using Scripture and prayer for faith based participants.
Forest Therapy with its Biblically-based counterpart, Nature Immersion, features an age appropriate gentle wander connecting to the image of God in nature. Participants will find this powerful stress management down regulates anxiety establishing prayer with reflection as transformational Christian disciplines. Studies show neurological effects are not only immediate, but also endure from one to 30 days.
Today, Forest Bathing is embraced as a global disease-prevention phenomenon, with many organizations and practitioners offering guided experiences focusing on polyvagal sensory engagement within natural settings. This movement continues to highlight the importance of spending time in nature as a means to promote health and spiritual wholeness.
Over 2000 years ago, Jesus first modeled prayer and reflection in nature. Christ, baptized in the Jordan river by desert prophet, prayed and relied on Scripture while tested in the wilderness, transfigured on mountain summit, and then surrendered to divine will in an olive grove. Jesus then atoned for humankind’s sin by crucifixion on a tree. After three days, Christ rose from death in a garden for grieving loved ones. Do you see connections to the Genesis Creation and the life of Christ?
Scripture reflects the premier pleasure of God at Creation in the forest of Eden. The final scene in the Book of Revelation restores these same beautiful images to post-apocalypse survivors. The forests of Genesis and Revelation both border crystal waters healing humanity broken by trauma. Life-giving light radiates from the Creator of all things without whom only darkness reigns.
Could nature serve as a “container” for the God of Genesis to transform the human heart? In this place of Eden pleasure healing leaves sprout, nurtured by life-giving waters, birthed in light created from the heart of God. Does it seem intuitive that nature is the place where the Gospel was first declared to humankind?
Though the Bible does not teach that nature is deity, the forest does reflect the image of God. Could the Creator of Genesis and Book of Revelation reconnect the broken places of the heart within nature’s beauty?
The Holy Spirit connects to nature. The Spirit first appears in Genesis 1.1-2. The premier task…bring chaos-darkness to light. The beauty of this scene produces the forests to which is given the first commandment in Scripture, “sprout, grow, reproduce.… (Genesis 1:11)
What if the image of God within nature can assist to teach our children about health and safety? Is it possible to connect to the Spirit of God among healing leaves and forest splendor?
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)
Does the Creation still pour forth the speech of God? Do the works of God in nature continue to speak today without words? Could it be nature is the Bible’s container for the Gospel?
Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk
The Creation Walk is a “container” for sharing the Gospel of Health and Safety to Children. This gentle “wander” connects faith-based parents and children to the God of Creation through His Word. Nature Immersion’s evidence-based techniques lower anxiety allowing the spiritual center of the brain to “come online” providing optimal teaching and learning experience for children.
Rape: Rape is sexual penetration without consent, often by force, coercion, or by taking advantage of an incapacitated person. Modern legal definitions have expanded to include various types of sexual penetration (oral, anal, and vaginal) and the use of objects, and are gender-neutral, recognizing both male and female victims and perpetrators.
Key aspects of the defining rape
Lack of consent: A person’s consent must be voluntary and can be negated by a lack of capacity to consent due to age, intoxication, or mental/physical incapacity.
Force or coercion: This includes physical force, threats, or psychological coercion to overcome someone’s will.
Incapacity: A person is unable to give consent if they are asleep, unconscious, drugged, or otherwise physically or mentally helpless.
Age of consent: Engaging in sexual activity with someone below the legal age of consent is considered statutory rape, even if the person agrees.
Broader scope: Updated definitions include various forms of sexual penetration, such as oral and anal sex, and the use of objects, not just penile-vaginal intercourse.
Gender-neutral: The modern definition includes both male and female victims and perpetrators, which was not always the case in older definitions.
Forced acts on others: Forcing someone else to penetrate a victim is also considered rape.
Seven Intimacies of Genesis 1-4: The 7 intimacies of Creation are: Spiritual, beauty of the created order, rest, pleasure, compassionate presence, reconciliation, and sexually healthy intimacy. (Genesis 1-4) The insular cortex located in the prefrontal cortex is responsible for intimacy in relationships and associating people, places, things, sights, sounds, and smells. Intimacy is essential to bring a dissociated state to an associated state. We call this associated state, “online”.
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? What do sense about your skin under your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you? What do you sense about your body’s motion? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity’s pull? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
(Please see “created being” in the Key Vocabulary.)
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation? Do you notice any shame in the Creation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings that touch your heart? Pick up as many as you wish.
Genesis 1:11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.
Gen 4:1 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
Sex Trafficking: Sex trafficking is the economically driven enslavery of men, women, and children for sexual gratification. The sex trade formed a major economic piece of ancient Near Eastern culture called, “sexeconomy”. In the Sumerian era 1750 BCE religious actors coerced children, men, and women into places of worship for “sacred sex trafficking”. The Old and New Testaments of the Bible feature extensive trafficking references over 1500 years of authorship. The sacred sex trade devoted food, human sacrifice, and money in places of worship to appease deities and fund institutions. The sex trade of the ancient Near East also involved secular sex workers many of whom were trafficked by slave owners.
Mt. Vesuvius entombed thousands of Pompeii’s residents in a pyroclastic cloud of debris in the first century CE. Thermal ash both buried and preserved the shapes of 1150 bodies and structures with their artwork in the apocalypse. 25 distinct brothels have been excavated in the ancient city of Pompeii’s 10,000-20,000 inhabitants. Inscriptions on buildings and streets reveal penises pointing potential customers to the largest brothel called, “The Wolf Den”. Two stories tall with ten rooms, frescoes featured erotic images and graffiti etched with customer reviews. Small windowless rooms painted with pornographic images offered menus of service with pricing for various forms of intercourse. Pompeii’s brothels prove the existence of the first-century secular sex trade distinct from temple cults.
Sex trade workers were often trafficked slaves or lower income women. 80% of female sex workers’ names inscribed on the Wolf Den’s walls appear to have been trafficked slaves. This means the ancient world consisted of at least two kinds of sex trafficking. The sacred sex trade involved religious institutions with religious worship. The secular sex industry featured brothels like the Wolf Den, distinct from temple cults. Both the religious and secular sex trades shared common ground of trafficking slaves and the very poor. The trade of selling humans founded the sexeconomy of both sacred priests and sex industry entrepreneurs. (Pompittours)
The Bible cites numerous citations for the sexual safety of children. Leviticus prohibits trafficking family members into the sex trade. Leviticus 19:29 commands parents not to traffic their daughters for sex. Tannehil makes the case that trafficking a child was more affordable than paying an expensive marriage dowry. (Note too the use of the trigger term, chaw-LAWL, often connecting a decline in sexual health and safety. Chaw-LAWL first appears in the sexual health decline snap shot of Genesis 6. The underlying reason for annihilation of humankind by flood in Genesis 7-9 is global sexual trauma.) (Gen 6:1; Strong, h2490) The prophets of both Old and New Testaments speak against trafficking boys, girls, and adults.
“ ‘Do not degrade (chaw-LAWL) your daughter by making her a prostitute (zah-NAH, sex traffic), or the land will turn to prostitution (sex trafficking) and be filled with wickedness.
Approximately 1000 years after Moses, the Prophet Joel speaks to the sexeconomy of trafficking children.
They cast lots for my people and traded boys for prostitutes (zah-NAH); they sold girls for wine to drink.
In the first century CE Paul the Apostle and John the scribe of Revelation repeat similar concern.
1Ti 1:10
..for the sexually immoral (POR-nos, male sex traffickers), for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders (human traffickers) and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine….
Rev 18:11-13
“The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore—…cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.
The phrase “human beings sold as slaves” literally means, “selling human flesh and the souls of men.”
Trafficking provided a sexeconomy not only for the secular sex trade, but also “substantial part of the temple’s income” (Tannehill, 1980, p. 79). The business of the sacred sex trade provided tremendous profit to religious institutions. The sexeconomy coerced sex workers to perform for more money. One sex worker named Metiche, with the stage name, Clepsydra-stop watch, streamlined length of customer intercourse for greater income. (Tannehill, 1980, p. 100). King Solomon posted the greatest economic growth in Israel’s history. The emperor also introduced the sexeconomy of Ashtoreth, known as Asherah, with its history of sex trafficking. 300 years after Solomon introduced Israel to the sacred sex trade of his wives, King Josiah’s reform removed the quarters for sex trafficked males from the temple in Jerusalem.
He (Solomon) followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done. On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods.
2Ki 23:7
He (Josiah) also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the temple of the LORD, the quarters where women did weaving for Asherah.
The Hebrew language uses gendered words for sex trade income. Female earnings are called eth-NAWN. (Strong, h868) The specific sex trade term for male income is meh-CHERE. (Strong, h4242)
You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute (eth-NAWN) or of a male prostitute (meh-CHERE) into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.
The majority use of the porn word group in the Bible points to trafficking of humans for the sexeconomy of religious cults. This may assist parents as they speak to their children about pornography. Restoring the image of God in Christ to human sexuality may treat human trafficking and erotic media of the porn industry. Is it possible objectification and dehumanization form the common ground of trafficking and pornography? Could the beauty of God’s image redeem dehumanization and objectification of erotic media? Can this conversation with our families begin to replace pornography as the primary educator for children’s sexual health?
Sexual Neuropathways: There are 5 neuropathways wiring the most powerful network in human anatomy, the sexual system. The Prefrontal Cortex regulates sexuality with reason, compassion, awareness, and spirituality. The second pathway transfers dopamine in the attraction system. The third neuropathway connects through oxytocin and vasopressin. Oxytocin is responsible for bonding sensations. Vasopressin assists with long-term relationships. The fourth neuropathway transfers hormones of testosterone and estrogen. These transfers can last over a week. The fifth pathway is the adrenaline network. Adrenaline transfers during orgasm and is responsible for ejaculatory inevitability.
Sexual Neutrality: Sexual neutrality is a state of health and wholeness without sex negativity. Jesus modeled this great truth. The primary sexual neuro pathway is the prefrontal cortex. Sexual neutrality proposes that one can have sexual feelings, including romantic attraction and desire, without genital sexual intercourse. The prefrontal cortex can be nonjudgmental of sexual feelings, and at the same time, compassionate for others, aware that intercourse is not the greatest value in life. For the adolescent, sexual feelings reflect the image of God, and intimacy with God and others can be our greatest passion without intercourse. A neuroscientist named, Schore, writes:
“In a seminal article in the clinical psychology literature, Leslie Greenberg described a ‘self-control’ form of emotion regulation involving higher levels of cognitive executive function that allows individuals ‘to change the way they feel by consciously changing the way they think’ (2007, p. 415). He [Greenberg] proposed that this explicit form of affect regulation is performed by the verbal left hemisphere, and unconscious bodily-based emotion is usually not addressed. This regulatory mechanism is at the core of verbal-analytic understanding and controlled reasoning and is heavily emphasized in models of cognitive behavioral therapy.” (p. 37)
Paul the Apostle too speaks of emotional regulation in Galatians 5:22-23.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
This fruit of the Spirit is set in opposition to the “flesh”.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factionsand envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Note that the Spirit of God regulates the limbic system actions of “the flesh” with the PFC functions of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-regulation. Neuroscientists like Greenberg will agree with Paul the Apostle after 2000 years of scientific research.
Sexual Nihilism: Sexual nihilism is the philosophy that sexuality has no values and nothing can be truthfully known or communicated. Nihilism connects with extreme pessimism and radical skepticism condemning existence. A true nihilist believes in nothing, has no loyalties, and whose purpose and impulse is to destroy. Nihilism is associated with Friedrich Nietzsche who projected its destructive effects would undermine moral, religious, and metaphysical convictions thus creating the greatest crisis in human history. In the 20th century, nihilistic value destruction, and purposelessness have preoccupied arts and media. By the end of the 20th century, existential despair transitioned to indifference, as seen in increased suicide statistics across all age groups, school shootings without national prevention policies, and increasing opioid fatalities. A sexual nihilist would then have no sexual boundaries, no loyalties, no purpose, and present a destructive pattern in sexual relationships (Pratt, 2021).
Sexually Transmitted Infections: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and sometimes via blood or from parent to baby; common examples are HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, HIV, and Syphilis, often showing symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, pain, or itching, but many have no symptoms, requiring testing for diagnosis, with bacterial STIs curable but viral ones manageable with medication, emphasizing prevention through sexual neutrality, condoms, mutual monogamy, and regular testing for sexual health.
Sexual Neutrality: The only 100% effective method.
Condoms: Reduce risk but don’t eliminate it, especially for skin-to-skin infections like herpes/HPV.
Testing: Regular testing with partners is key; many STIs have no symptoms.
Treatment: Get treated with a partner simultaneously; bacterial STIs curable, viral ones managed.
Vaccination: Available for some like HPV. The local economy impacting Abraham suffers downturn. Anxious, Abraham moves his family south to recession resistant Egypt. Abraham feels the immediate threat of Egyptian sexual politics. He states to his wife, Sarah, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you” (Genesis 12:11–13).
Abraham understood the sexual politics of Pharaoh. Egyptian royalty operated sovereignly, holding themselves as deities. Forcefully taking eligible child-bearing women for the royal harem was not unknown. One common thread in unhealthy sexuality snapshots is the consequences of infidelity, which may be a teaching illustration for children about sexually transmitted infections. The ancient Near Eastern explanation of sexually transmitted infections assigned divine punishment for sexual misconduct. Pharaoh takes Sarah as a sexual partner for his harem. The royal household immediately suffers disease, “But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharoah and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarah” (Genesis 12:17). Ancient Egyptian medical papyri describe numerous disorders, including sexually transmitted infections. The Kahun papyri of 1900 BCE lists impotence, irritated genitals, the labia being “ill”, prolapsed uterus, and venereal disease. Although ancient physicians did not comprehend the science of sexual transmitted infections, the Akkadians assessed that testicular abscesses originated from “being in bed with a woman” (Tannahil, p. 65).
The Biblical writer charges God as the source of the disease because Pharaoh took Sarah, a married woman, as royal consort. Ascribing natural consequences to God is a frequent literary device called a causation idiom. Humankind in the ancient Near East interpreted all disasters and disease as originating from deities. After perhaps suffering a sexually transmitted infection, Pharaoh releases Sarah, and Abraham returns to his homeland richer. Abraham uses this method of self-preservation again, resulting in sexual disease of another royal, King Abimelek, in Genesis 20:2.
Shutdown: PTSD literature has long identified the parasympathetic response to trauma called “shutdown”. Porge uses the term polyvagal theory to describe this phenomenon in the human system.
Polyvagal shutdown is a state of prefrontal cortex disabling triggered by the dorsal vagal nerve when the body experiences real or perceived threat. This protective mechanism, acts as last resort when fight-or-flight responses are insufficient. It’s characterized by a drop in heart rate, respiration, low energy, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection or numbness.
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, outlines a hierarchy of nervous system states:
Ventral Vagal State: . This is a state of prefrontal cortex activity is characterized by calm, relaxed breathing, and a sense of connection to oneself and others.
Sympathetic State: . The fight-or-flight response, triggers by perceived danger followed by increased heart rate, breathing, and alertness.
Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown): . When fight-or-flight is not possible, the dorsal vagal nerve activates, leading to shutdown or immobilization.
In dorsal vagal shutdown, the body conserves energy and reduces pain perception by:
Decreasing heart rate and breathing thus reducing the body’s metabolic demands.
Dissociation involves a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings. When sexual trauma triggers shutdown, the brain is unable to process sexual health content.
Numbness and emotional detachment manifest as a lack of feeling or a sense of disconnection from awareness, compassion, and reason relating to sexual health content.
The body conserves energy by reducing activity levels with feelings of fatigue.
Digestive problems, nausea, or changes in pain perception may occur.
In this work the disabling of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in shutdown, prevents processing of sexual health content.
Index of Health Terms For The Book of Genesis
Sexual Health Positive Terms
1-2. Be Fruitful and Increase, pah-RAH rah-BAH (Gen 1:22) Strong, h6509 and h7235
God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.”
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number on it.”
And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants.
Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased (pah-RAH rah-BAH) greatly in number.
I am going to make you fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’
but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful (pah-RAH); they multiplied greatly, increased (rah-BAH) in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.
“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number.
I will increase (rah-BAH) the number of people and animals living on you, and they will be fruitful (pah-RAH) and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
28 times in 14 WLC verses
3H. Sexual Connection, dah-BACH (Gen 2:24) Strong, h1692
They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast (dah-BACH) to them in love.
3 times in 3 WLC verses
3G. Sexual Connection, kah-LA-oh (Mat 19:5) Strong, g2853
Adam made love to (yah-DAH) his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
Cain made love to (yah-DAH) his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.
Adam made love to (yah-DAH) his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”
Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with (yah-DAH) a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”
But the men would not listen to him. So the man took his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped (yah-DAH) her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go.
While they were enjoying themselves, some of the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they shouted to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have sex (yah-DAH) with him.”
They found among the people living in Jabesh Gilead four hundred young women who had never slept with (yah-DAH) a man, and they took them to the camp at Shiloh in Canaan.
But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered (kah-SAH) their father’s naked body (ehr-VAH). Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked.
Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered (kah-SAH) your naked body (ehr-VAH). I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.
“Therefore I will take away my grain when it ripens, and my new wine when it is ready. I will take back my wool and my linen, intended to cover (kah-SAH) her naked body (ehr-VAH).
The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law (chah-THAWN), sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here,
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom (NOOM-phone) will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Appearing 3 times in 3 GNT verses
Total 23 times in 21 WLC and GNT verses
8. Genital Sexual Intercourse, Kah-RAV (Gen 20:4) Strong, h7126
He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations (kah-RAV) with a woman during her period.
Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved (ah-HAWV) her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
Jacob made love (BO) to Rachel also, and his love (ah-HAWV) for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years.
Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love (ah-HAWV) me now.”
If a man has two wives, and he loves (ah-HAWV) one but not the other, and both bear him sons but the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love,
47 times in 42 WLC verses
11. Foreplay to Intercourse, yih-TSACH (Gen 26:8) Strong, h6711
When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelek, king of the Philistines, looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing (yih-TSACH) his wife Rebekah.
She called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport (yih-TSACH) of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed.
During wheat harvest, Reuben went out into the fields and found some mandrakes (doo-DAI) plants, which he brought to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” But she said to her, “Wasn’t it enough that you took away my husband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI) too?” “Very well,” Rachel said, “he can sleep with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” So when Jacob came in from the fields that evening, Leah went out to meet him. “You must sleep with me,” she said. “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” So he slept with her that night. God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son.
Appearing 7 times in 3 WLC verses
14. Fall in Love, chah-SHAWK (Gen 34:8) Strong, h2836
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them (in the flesh (bah-SAR) of the foreskin), as God told him.
The priest shall then put on his linen clothes, with linen undergarments next to his body (bah-SAR), and shall remove the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed on the altar and place them beside the altar.
When a woman has her regular flow of blood (in her flesh (bah-SAR), the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening.
But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life (SARKS), and I want to spare you this.
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality (sex trafficking) and perversion (SARKS). They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies (SARKS), reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring (SPER-ma)—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing (heh-rey-OWN) very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
For it is written: “Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor (oh-DEE-no); because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”
Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant (hah-RAH) and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
43 times in 42 WLC verses
47G. Conceive, (hold in the abdomen), EH-cho en gah-STREE (Mat 1:23) Strong, g2192 and g1064
Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (peh-ree-TEM-no) (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise (peh-ree-TEM-no) a boy on the Sabbath.
Because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast (SHAWD) and womb.
24 times in 24 WLC verses
56. Menstruation: The Way of Women, DEH-rek nah-SHEEM (Gen 31:35) Strong, h1870 and h802
Rachel said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my period (DEH-rek nah-SHEEM).” So he searched but could not find the household gods.
But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled (shah-CHAWT) his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother.
1 time in 1 WLC verse
Total Genesis 1069 Occurrences in 912 verses. REDO
Unhealthy Sexuality Terms
64H. Sexual Safety Decline, chah-LAWL (Gen 6:1) Strong, h2490
I myself will set my face against him and will cut him off from his people; for by sacrificing his children to Molek, he has defiled my sanctuary and profaned (chah-LAWL) my holy name.
You will be pledged to be married to a woman, but another will take her and rape her. You will build a house, but you will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin (chah-LAWL) to enjoy its fruit.
You will become (chah-LAWL) pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”
After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began (chah-LAWL) to subdue him. And his strength left him.
The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled (chah-LAWL) his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright,
because they had not obeyed my laws but had rejected my decrees and desecrated (chah-LAWL) my Sabbaths, and their eyes lusted after their parents’ idols.
As for you, people of Israel, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward you will surely listen to me and no longer profane (chah-LAWL) my holy name with your gifts and idols.
On the very day they sacrificed their children to their idols, they entered my sanctuary and desecrated (chah-LAWL) it. That is what they did in my house.
In addition to all your other detestable practices, you brought foreigners uncircumcised in heart and flesh into my sanctuary, desecrating (chah-LAWL) my temple while you offered me food, fat and blood, and you broke my covenant.
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate (chah-LAWL) the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
Judah has been unfaithful. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecrated (chah-LAWL) the sanctuary the LORD loves by marrying women who worship a foreign god.
20 times in 20 WLC verses
64G. Sexual Safety Decline, bah-DEH-loog-ma (Mat 24:15) Strong, g946
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation, (bah-DEH-loog-ma)’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate (chah-LAWL) the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
6 times in 6 GNT verses
65. Coercive Sexual Intercourse, BO (Gen 6:4) Strong, h935
The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went (BO) to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in (BO) and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.”
But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with (BO) his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother.
Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, “Come now (BO), let me sleep with you.” “And what will you give me to sleep with (BO) you?” she asked.
29 times in 29 WLC verses
66. Sexual Nihilism, Evil, RA (Gen 6:5) Strong, h7451
The LORD saw how great the wickedness (RA) of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil (RA) all the time.
The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil (RA) from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
They shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given an Israelite virgin a bad (RA) name. She shall continue to be his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.
…she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done an outrageous thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father’s house. You must purge the evil (RA) from among you.
…you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death—the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man’s wife. You must purge the evil (RA) from among you.
Again the Israelites did evil (RA) in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him,
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity (RA) on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight.’”
They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil (RA) in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.
And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers (RA), so that not one of them turns from their wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
He shall pay her father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated (ah-NAH shah-KAWV) her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives.
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (par-NAY-ah), makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
88 times in 76 verses GNT
Total 181 times in 157 WLC and GNT verses
73. Sex Trafficked Female and Sex Trafficked Male, kah-day-SHAW, kah-DEISH (Gen 38:21) Strong, h6948 and h6945
He asked the men who lived there, “Where is the shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) who was beside the road at Enaim?” “There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) here,” they said.
So he went back to Judah and said, “I didn’t find her. Besides, the men who lived there said, ‘There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) here.’ ”
“I will not punish your daughters when they turn to prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery, because the men themselves consort with harlots and sacrifice with shrine prostitutes (kah-day-SHAW)— a people without understanding will come to ruin!
God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.”
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number on it.”
And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants.
Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased (pah-RAH rah-BAH) greatly in number.
I am going to make you fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’
but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful (pah-RAH); they multiplied greatly, increased (rah-BAH) in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.
“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number.
I will increase (rah-BAH) the number of people and animals living on you, and they will be fruitful (pah-RAH) and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
28 times in 14 WLC verses
3H. Sexual Connection, dah-BACH (Gen 2:24) Strong, h1692
They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast (dah-BACH) to them in love.
3 times in 3 WLC verses
3G. Sexual Connection, kah-LA-oh (Mat 19:5) Strong, g2853
Adam made love to (yah-DAH) his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
Cain made love to (yah-DAH) his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.
Adam made love to (yah-DAH) his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”
Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with (yah-DAH) a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”
But the men would not listen to him. So the man took his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped (yah-DAH) her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go.
While they were enjoying themselves, some of the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they shouted to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have sex (yah-DAH) with him.”
They found among the people living in Jabesh Gilead four hundred young women who had never slept with (yah-DAH) a man, and they took them to the camp at Shiloh in Canaan.
But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered (kah-SAH) their father’s naked body (ehr-VAH). Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked.
Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered (kah-SAH) your naked body (ehr-VAH). I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.
“Therefore I will take away my grain when it ripens, and my new wine when it is ready. I will take back my wool and my linen, intended to cover (kah-SAH) her naked body (ehr-VAH).
The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law (chah-THAWN), sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here,
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom (NOOM-phone) will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Appearing 3 times in 3 GNT verses
Total 23 times in 21 WLC and GNT verses
8. Genital Sexual Intercourse, Kah-RAV (Gen 20:4) Strong, h7126
He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations (kah-RAV) with a woman during her period.
Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved (ah-HAWV) her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
Jacob made love (BO) to Rachel also, and his love (ah-HAWV) for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years.
Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love (ah-HAWV) me now.”
If a man has two wives, and he loves (ah-HAWV) one but not the other, and both bear him sons but the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love,
47 times in 42 WLC verses
11. Foreplay to Intercourse, yih-TSACH (Gen 26:8) Strong, h6711
When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelek, king of the Philistines, looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing (yih-TSACH) his wife Rebekah.
She called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport (yih-TSACH) of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed.
During wheat harvest, Reuben went out into the fields and found some mandrakes (doo-DAI) plants, which he brought to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” But she said to her, “Wasn’t it enough that you took away my husband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI) too?” “Very well,” Rachel said, “he can sleep with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” So when Jacob came in from the fields that evening, Leah went out to meet him. “You must sleep with me,” she said. “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” So he slept with her that night. God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son.
Appearing 7 times in 3 WLC verses
14. Fall in Love, chah-SHAWK (Gen 34:8) Strong, h2836
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them (in the flesh (bah-SAR) of the foreskin), as God told him.
The priest shall then put on his linen clothes, with linen undergarments next to his body (bah-SAR), and shall remove the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed on the altar and place them beside the altar.
When a woman has her regular flow of blood (in her flesh (bah-SAR), the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening.
But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life (SARKS), and I want to spare you this.
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality (sex trafficking) and perversion (SARKS). They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies (SARKS), reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring (SPER-ma)—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing (heh-rey-OWN) very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
For it is written: “Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor (oh-DEE-no); because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”
Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant (hah-RAH) and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
43 times in 42 WLC verses
47G. Conceive, (hold in the abdomen), EH-cho en gah-STREE (Mat 1:23) Strong, g2192 and g1064
Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (peh-ree-TEM-no) (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise (peh-ree-TEM-no) a boy on the Sabbath.
Because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast (SHAWD) and womb.
24 times in 24 WLC verses
56. Menstruation: The Way of Women, DEH-rek nah-SHEEM (Gen 31:35) Strong, h1870 and h802
Rachel said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my period (DEH-rek nah-SHEEM).” So he searched but could not find the household gods.
But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled (shah-CHAWT) his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother.
1 time in 1 WLC verse
Total Genesis 1069 Occurrences in 912 verses. REDO
Unhealthy Sexuality Terms
64H. Sexual Safety Decline, chah-LAWL (Gen 6:1) Strong, h2490
I myself will set my face against him and will cut him off from his people; for by sacrificing his children to Molek, he has defiled my sanctuary and profaned (chah-LAWL) my holy name.
You will be pledged to be married to a woman, but another will take her and rape her. You will build a house, but you will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin (chah-LAWL) to enjoy its fruit.
You will become (chah-LAWL) pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”
After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began (chah-LAWL) to subdue him. And his strength left him.
The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled (chah-LAWL) his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright,
because they had not obeyed my laws but had rejected my decrees and desecrated (chah-LAWL) my Sabbaths, and their eyes lusted after their parents’ idols.
As for you, people of Israel, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward you will surely listen to me and no longer profane (chah-LAWL) my holy name with your gifts and idols.
On the very day they sacrificed their children to their idols, they entered my sanctuary and desecrated (chah-LAWL) it. That is what they did in my house.
In addition to all your other detestable practices, you brought foreigners uncircumcised in heart and flesh into my sanctuary, desecrating (chah-LAWL) my temple while you offered me food, fat and blood, and you broke my covenant.
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate (chah-LAWL) the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
Judah has been unfaithful. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecrated (chah-LAWL) the sanctuary the LORD loves by marrying women who worship a foreign god.
20 times in 20 WLC verses
64G. Sexual Safety Decline, bah-DEH-loog-ma (Mat 24:15) Strong, g946
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation, (bah-DEH-loog-ma)’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate (chah-LAWL) the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
6 times in 6 GNT verses
65. Coercive Sexual Intercourse, BO (Gen 6:4) Strong, h935
The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went (BO) to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in (BO) and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.”
But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with (BO) his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother.
Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, “Come now (BO), let me sleep with you.” “And what will you give me to sleep with (BO) you?” she asked.
29 times in 29 WLC verses
66. Sexual Nihilism, Evil, RA (Gen 6:5) Strong, h7451
The LORD saw how great the wickedness (RA) of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil (RA) all the time.
The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil (RA) from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
They shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given an Israelite virgin a bad (RA) name. She shall continue to be his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.
…she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done an outrageous thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father’s house. You must purge the evil (RA) from among you.
…you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death—the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man’s wife. You must purge the evil (RA) from among you.
Again the Israelites did evil (RA) in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him,
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity (RA) on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight.’”
They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil (RA) in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.
And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers (RA), so that not one of them turns from their wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
He shall pay her father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated (ah-NAH shah-KAWV) her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives.
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (par-NAY-ah), makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
88 times in 76 verses GNT
Total 181 times in 157 WLC and GNT verses
73. Sex Trafficked Female and Sex Trafficked Male, kah-day-SHAW, kah-DEISH (Gen 38:21) Strong, h6948 and h6945
He asked the men who lived there, “Where is the shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) who was beside the road at Enaim?” “There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) here,” they said.
So he went back to Judah and said, “I didn’t find her. Besides, the men who lived there said, ‘There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) here.’ ”
“I will not punish your daughters when they turn to prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery, because the men themselves consort with harlots and sacrifice with shrine prostitutes (kah-day-SHAW)— a people without understanding will come to ruin!
The first five years are a critical period for child development, characterized by rapid brain growth where up to 90% of brain development occurs by age five. 75% of children die if they do not have good enough care in these years. During this time, children form key neural connections through their experiences, which lay the foundation for future learning, health, and behavior. Key areas of development include brain development, physical and motor skills, and social-emotional and cognitive abilities.
Key developmental areas
Brain Development: The brain develops faster than at any other time in life, forming over one million new neural connections every second. These connections are built through experiences like positive interactions with caregivers and exploring the world through senses. Seeing parents show healthy affection (dah-BACH) can literally shape the brain with trillions of connections for sexual health processing later in life.
Cognitive Development: This area involves learning, problem-solving, and memory. Children develop through identifying objects, following simple directions, and engaging in imaginative play. Learning anatomically accurate words is appropriate and can assist later in reporting abuse.
Spirtual and Social Development: Children learn to form attachments, express emotions, and interact with others. They develop skills like mirroring parents praying, smiling, and eventually learn to play cooperatively, and use words to express feelings. How an adult connects relationally and romantically begins in the first five years of life. Her brain shape can be secure in relationships, preoccupied, or fearful/avoidant. Dismissive means that I want you, but I may push you away. These styles of connecting are formed in the brain before the age of 5 and form the neural architecture of relationships.
Provide a healthy environment where appropriate touch is non-threatening, affection is welcome, and the human body is treated with respect and honor. A child’s experiences during these years are crucial for shaping their future sexual health behaviors.
Engage in positive interactions: Talk, sing, and read to your child the first 5 chapters of Genesis to build connections and encourage language development about essential Biblical themes.
Respond to their needs: Providing warm and dependable adult interactions is vital for building a secure foundation. One aspect of sex addiction in North America is that addicts report they grew up in deprivation households. They were never taught how to care for the image of God in them or show compassion by expressing valid needs.
Encourage play: Play is a primary way children learn and develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Using Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk can be an excellent method of teaching children about creation in an enjoyable non-shaming way.
Ages 6-11
Children between the ages of 6 and 11 show significant development in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional areas, becoming more coordinated and active while developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills. 18 months after a child needs deodorant for body odor, they will most likely go through puberty. They increasingly rely on peer relationships, learn to understand others’ perspectives, and develop a greater sense of self and morality. Emotionally, they manage feelings better than in earlier years, although they can still experience jealousy and mood swings. The average age of child sexual abuse is 9 years of age. It is essential children understand appropriate touch and boundaries before age 9.
Physical development
Motor skills: Greater strength and coordination allow for more complex activities like dancing, playing a musical instrument, or riding a bike. They develop finer motor skills for tasks like tying shoelaces and using tools.
Physical activity: They have high energy levels and enjoy active play, team sports, and using their bodies for creative expression, like drawing or painting.
Spiritual development
Children can pray and help read Scripture at meals.
Thinking skills: They move from magical to concrete logical thinking, allowing them to solve problems, understand concepts like time and fractions, and grasp that objects can be categorized. Children can be taught how to regulate their emotions. This is essential foundation for regulating sexual neuro pathways in adolescence.
Problem-solving and memory: They improve their ability to focus, organize, and plan ahead. They can also remember information for longer periods and use strategies to help them learn.
Language: Their speech is nearly adult-level, and they can read and understand more complex sentences. They read for pleasure and to learn new things.
Curiosity and questioning: They ask “why and where do babies come from”, question things they don’t understand, and seek justifications for how things are. This is an excellent time to talk through the non-shaming images and terms of Genesis 1-5. Reading through the Noah snap shot on sexual safety is also appropriate.
Social development
Friendships: Friends become increasingly important, and they may have several close friends, often playing with same-gender groups.
Social skills: They learn to cooperate and share, but also experience jealousy. They become more aware of social group dynamics and may use language to include or exclude others.
Role models: They admire and imitate older youth and adults, sometimes questioning authority as they get older.
Emotional development
Self-Regulation: They are better at managing emotions like anger than before, though temper tantrums can still occur. Teaching children how to regulate their anxiety with emotions can assist in regulating sexual neural pathways during puberty.
Empathy: They develop a stronger sense of empathy and can better understand and consider the feelings of others. Introd
Decreasing Shame: They are developing a sense of body image and can be sensitive about being compared to peers. When sexual health and safety are spoken of, it is important to do so without shame.
Values: They begin to develop their own set of sexual health values and a personal worldview, understanding concepts like fairness and sexual mores.
Ages 12-18
Adolescents aged 12-18 experience the most profound sexual system wiring of their lives. Testosterone, estrogen, dopamine, peptides, and adrenaline neuropathways form the most powerful network in the human body. This wiring impacts cognitive, spiritual, and physical domains, including sexual behaviors, abstract thinking, a stronger reliance on peer groups, and physical maturation through puberty. Key traits include the ability to think about spirituality and long-term goals, increased self-consciousness with emotional and sexual regulation, and physical changes like growth and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This period involves forming a personal spiritual identity and navigating a shift in priorities from family to peers. God has shaped our children to begin “leaving their parents and cleaving to a lifetime partner”.
Cognitive development
Abstract thinking: The ability to think about abstract concepts, such as spirituality, the Bible, philosophy, politics, and sexuality, develops significantly.
Long-term planning: Adolescents begin to set long-term goals and think about their future.
Reasoning and debate: They can reason from general principles and start to form their own ideas, question authority, and debate different points of view.
Self-awareness: They become more aware of their own thought processes and become more self-conscious.
Social and emotional development
Independence: A strong drive for independence emerges, with adolescents often turning to friends for support rather than parents.
Peer relationships: Fitting in with a chosen peer group becomes a major focus, influencing spiritual values, interests, sexuality, and appearance.
Identity formation: They begin to form their own spiritual identity, which can involve questioning old values and exploring new roles and interests.
Emotional swings: They may experience strong emotional swings, increased self-consciousness, and moodiness due to hormonal changes and identity struggles.
Physical development
Puberty: Boys and girls go through puberty, which involves the development of secondary sexual characteristics like pubic and underarm hair, with significant growth. This is the age when intersex traits may appear.
Growth spurts: A rapid increase in height and weight is common during this stage.
Body image: Physical attractiveness becomes very important, and adolescents are often more self-conscious about their changing bodies.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to physical changes like acne, as well as emotional outbursts and mood swings.
Coitus Interruptus, birth control: Coitus interruptus, or the withdrawal birth control method, is a form of contraception where the male partner withdraws before ejaculatory inevitability to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. It is free and always available, with no associated health risks or side effects. However, coitus interruptus is considered one of the least effective methods of birth control. Pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain sperm. This form of birth control also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Effectiveness
High failure rate: Coitus interruptus has a high failure rate, even with “typical use,” which includes accidental or incorrect use.
“Perfect use” vs. “typical use”: A large-scale study in England and Scotland found a typical use failure rate of 6.7 per 100 woman-years of use, while perfect use rates are significantly better but still carry risks.
Pre-ejaculatory fluid: Pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain sperm, and this fluid can be released before ejaculation, potentially leading to pregnancy.
Eunuchism and Intersexuality: Genesis Chapter 39 features the term eunuch for the first time in the Bible. Bitter brothers sell Joseph into slavery to Ishmaelite investors. The descendants of Ishmael trafficked Joseph to Potiphar, an elite royal military captain. Described in two ways, Potiphar is the guardian, SAR, of Pharaoh and identified as a eunuch, sah-REECE (Genesis 37:26, Strong, h5631, g2135). The reader may note that the terms guardian, SAR, and eunuch, sah-REECE , sound similar but have different spellings.
Eunuchs have been employed by royalty for millennia to oversee harems. The eunuch was unable to impregnate royal consorts because of either intersex traits at birth or surgical removal of genitalia. Eunuchism includes those born with intersex traits incapable of heterosexual intercourse. Clinicians use the term intersex for variations in sexually reproducing organisms. Intersex births feature characteristics between typical males and typical females. Intersex genitals differ in numerous ways with wide diversity. Many intersexual traits never appear outwardly. Some variations present when the intersex child reaches puberty, and still others at adulthood. Again, some intersexual traits never appear physically (Fausto-Sterling, 2000).
Fausto-Sterling (2000) examined clinical intersex data from 1955 to 1999. She stated, “We surveyed the medical literature from 1955 to the present for studies of the frequency of deviation from the ideal male or female. We conclude that this frequency may be as high as 2% of live births” (pp. 151–166). Genetics governing growth and development cause most intersex variations. Hormones underlie the most frequent variations among the intersexual population. Numerous eunuch snapshots appear in both the Old and New Testament records. The Hebrew Bible (WLC) uses the terms sah-REECE and eunuch in New Testament Greek (Strong, H5631, G2135).
Royalty concerned for DNA purity of heirs chose staff members incapable of reproduction to oversee harems. The eunuch lacked the ability for genital sexual intercourse with the king’s wives whether by intersexual traits or surgical castration. The sah-REECE served as a nonthreatening caregiver, ensuring royal blood lines with unbroken succession to the throne.
The fifth century AD Etymologicon by Orion of Thebes cites an early definition for the eunuch: guarding the bed and being deprived of male to female sexual intercourse.
The historian Lucian states two criteria for vetting a eunuch: physical inspection of genitalia while examining the candidate during a sexual act with females. This vetting process proved the sah-REECE/eunuch posed no threat to infiltrate royal DNA (Sturz, p. 58).
Many cultures record surgical castration to prevent sexual intercourse with royal consorts. Vietnamese eunuchism removed both testicles and penis of male staff members to ensure the progeny of the Emperor. The duties of Vietnamese eunuchs primarily maintained the harem for sexual intercourse with the Emperor (Taylor, 2013).
The Biblical Hebrew word for eunuch is sah-REECE, (Strong, H5631). Potiphar in the Joseph snapshot circa 12th Dynasty BCE is called Pharaoh’s sah-REECE (BLB, Genesis 37:36, Strong, H5631). Daniel of the Babylonian Exile 8th century BCE served under a sah-REECE and is assumed to be part of the eunuch culture to secure the purity of heir making. The Book of Isaiah 56:1–5 uses the term sah-REECE in a blessing piece.
And let no eunuch (sah-REECE) complain,
“I am only a dry tree.”
For this is what the Lord says:
“To the eunuchs (sah-REECE) who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose what pleases me
and hold fast to my covenant—
to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will endure forever.
Other eunuchs are named specifically, such as, Hegai and Shashgaz, Hatach, Harbonah, Bigthan, and Teresh. The sarisim, the plural of sah-REECE, were potential threats to impregnate the harem of the king and therefore chosen because of the inability for intercourse with royalty.
The New Testament uses the term eunuch in two narratives, Mathew 19 and Acts 8. Jesus speaks of eunuchs in Matthew 19 stating that some eunuchs are born, some eunuchs are made (surgically), and others choose to be eunuchs (Matthew 19:1–12).
Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matthew 19:1–12)
The eunuchs Jesus described may include those who were born with intersex variations and could not have heterosexual genital sexual intercourse. The second snapshot appears in Acts 8:26–39. In this piece the apostle Phillip interprets Isaiah 53 for an, “ Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians.’” (Acts 8:27) The reader can note that the Ethiopian eunuch served a royal consort, a queen. In addition the term eunuch separates from the words, an important official in charge. This supports the context of the sah-REECE of the Old Testament who guards the harem of the king.
Intersex-eunuch passages in Matthew 19 and perhaps Acts 8 appear without condemnation as well. The Acts snapshot with the Ethiopian eunuch and Phillip communicates honor and dignity.
Euphemism: The term euphemism is composed of two Greek words, eu meaning well and pheme, meaning to speak. Euphemisms decrease trauma shutdown by using gentle, indirect language to reframe sensitive matters. This can help families to be more comfortable discussing delicate topics. The technique, sometimes called “shame attenuation,” allows for a less traumatic conversation of direct sexual content. One example can be seen in Biblical sexual health narratives using the phrase, “uncovering the nakedness of”. Rather than using the phrase, “sexual contact between family members,” the writer of Genesis uses a softer nuance, perhaps for younger ears. (Leviticus 18 and Deuteronomy 23) This may help families decrease potential shame in these conversations and increase learning.
How euphemisms decrease shame
Softens harsh realities: Euphemisms replace blunt words with gentler ones. For example, saying someone “passed away” instead of “died” reduces the immediate shock and discomfort.
Encourages truthfulness: By creating a less confrontational atmosphere, euphemisms can encourage a hesitant person to share the truth, such as using “missed work unexpectedly” instead of “called in sick” to ask about absenteeism. In the same way “uncover the nakedness of” is a euphemism lowering shame to prevent sexual contact within families.
You must not do as they do in Egypt (incest), where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.
“ ‘No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations (uncover the nakedness of). I am the LORD.
Mandrakes: In the Bible, mandrakes are an anesthetic-hallucinogenic plant associated with fertility featured in the story of Jacob’s wives, Rachel and Leah. Rachel, sought a solution to her infertility by making a sex for drugs deal with her sister Leah. Reuben, Leah’s son, harvested mandrakes, an over-the-counter aphrodesiac and infertility remedy. Rachel coerced Jacob to sleep with Leah in exchange for the mandrakes. Ironically, the drug failed, but instead Leah became pregnant with her fifth son, Issachar. The mandrake is also mentioned in the Song of Solomon for its fragrant fruit, suggesting a romantic and intimate setting.
Mandrakes possess hallucinogenic properties due to potent tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine, which can induce delirium and hallucinations. The plant is also highly toxic, and its use can be very dangerous.
Effects and Dangers
Hallucinogenic & Deliriant: Mandrake can cause vivid hallucinations and a state of delirium, which in large doses may lead to madness.
Narcotic & Sedative: Historically, it was used as an anesthetic for surgery in ancient times because it induces a state of unconsciousness and indifference to pain.
Highly Poisonous: All parts of the Mandragora plant are poisonous. The concentration of alkaloids varies between individual plants, making safe dosing nearly impossible and accidental poisoning a significant risk.
Physical Symptoms of Poisoning: Ingestion can lead to severe symptoms including blurred vision, dilated pupils, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, dizziness, headache, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and vomiting.
Risk of Death: In sufficient quantities, the plant can cause respiratory arrest, coma, and death due to its anticholinergic properties.
Masturbation Theology:The word masturbation did not appear in print until the 17th century AD. The Latin word masturbation means “destruction by the hand” (Etymologygeek, 2021; Etymonline, 2021). Theologians began to connect the term masturbation to Onan’s act and the death sentence for birth control, coitus interruptus. The context of the passage, however, appears to be another lesson reinforcing the evil of coercive sexuality and abuse. The Onan incident is not a genital self-stimulation narrative. In addition, there exists no support from other Biblical passages that God killed Onan for coitus interruptus. The judgment against Er and Onan has clear textual support on the basis of coercive sexuality and or violent abuse. No Biblical evidence supports the death sentence for coitus interruptus or genital self-stimulation. The 17th century word masturbation does not appear in or reflect the authoritative text of the Bible anywhere.
The translation method this work uses is called Biblical theology. This time-tested process uses Scripture to interpret Scripture. When a passage requires clarity, other relevant texts are compared for meaning. Biblical theology can be thought of as a scientific method for studying sacred literature with integrity. The tension in this passage focuses on the interpretation that God put Onan to death because he practiced birth control during intercourse through coitus interruptus. Therefore according to many authors any transmission of semen except for procreation is condemned by God.
The circumstance of Onan’s death appears four times in the Old Testament (Genesis 38:9–10; 46:12; Numbers 26:19; 1 Chronicles 2:3). Two of the passages state that Onan simply died (Genesis 46:12; Numbers 26:19). The Hebrew verb form used in these two passages is called the Qal. This verb form shows that God did not act to end Onan’s life. The text of Genesis 38:10 states that someone or something killed Onan. The final Onan passage of 1 Chronicles 2:3 mentions Onan but does not state that the Lord killed him. Rather, Er his brother was terminated by God. The author of Chronicles omits Onan from the consequences of direct judgement by God. The four texts agree that God did not kill Onan due to birth control.
The one verse in question does not clearly state that Onan’s death was caused by God. The verse literally says in the Hebrew language, “He (Onan) did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and the thing which he did, killed him, even him.” Hebrew to English translators added “The Lord” as a subject to Verse 10 as the one doing the killing. The misuse of this passage began with the editing of the text by an unknown translator from the Hebrew to English who added “The Lord” as Onan’s executioner. No direct statements in the Bible support God putting Onan to death. All Biblical citations state that God did not terminate Onan because he withdrew before ejaculation.
The energy spent on this verse matters for billions of people who look to the Bible for sexual health education. What the reader will see in the following history of masturbation theology is the threat of divine death sentence for self-stimulation. Specifically, according to numerous religious writers, any sexual arousal or transfer of semen except for conception may bring the same consequences for death as Onan received. One misused verse of Scripture without support from the entirety of Biblical revelation created 3500 years of threat, violence, and sexual shame among people of faith.
The first part of the word masturbation derives from the Latin word, manus, meaning “hand.” The second part of the Latin term, disturbare, means to disturb, demolish, or destroy. Stupere connects to this word, meaning stupid or shameful. The Latin word masturbor then follows the meaning, “I shamefully defile myself, I masturbate.” The word masturbation appears in literature by 1711. First appearing in the 1620s, masturbation preceded the use of the term masturbation, (Etymonline, 2021, Etymologygeek, 2021).
The Evangelical Christian books Every Man’s Battle and Every Women’s Battle reflect thinking on genital self-stimulation from the 1990s. Arterburn (2001), the primary author for these books, reflects the cultural and Evangelical sexual politics of the era. Panic and crisis of the 1980s’ AIDS epidemic may have driven religious and political leaders to teach abstinence in favor of sexual health. Arterburn reflected, “Masturbation is a symptom of uncontrolled eyes and free racing thoughts” (Arterburn, p. 110). He counseled that masturbation ceases when a man can “bounce” his eyes and take his thoughts captive (Arterburn, p. 112). He stated that the only legitimate release from genital tension for a single man is the nocturnal emission. Arterburn did not permit men to masturbate, even though he admits the Bible does not speak to it. Ethridge, Arterburn’s female counterpart and coauthor of Every Woman’s Battle, too instructed her readers not to masturbate. She (2003) stated, “Believe it or not no one ever died from not having an orgasm…once the sin of masturbation does know you by name, it will call, and call and call” (Ethridge p. 40). Is it possible that Ethridge may have implied, “Believe it or not, some have died from an orgasm,” specifically Onan? Ethridge stated that treatment for masturbation is to “starve it to death” (Ethridge, p. 41). Neither Arterburn nor Ethridge believed genital self-stimulation was an acceptable practice, even though both admit the Bible gives no direction on the matter.
The 19th and 20 centuries featured religious and medical practitioners contributing to the conversation of genital self-stimulation. Doctor John Harvey Kellogg of the Battle Creek Corn Flakes fame (February 26, 1852–December 14, 1943) passionately campaigned against genital self-stimulation. Kellogg legitimized his views by using medical language with citations proclaiming, “neither the plague, nor war, nor small pox, nor similar diseases, have produced results so disastrous to humanity as the pernicious habit of onanism,” according to his source Dr. Adam Clarke. Kellogg made strong warnings against masturbation claiming genital self-stimulation could be fatal, “such a victim literally dies by his own hand.” Kellogg believed the “solitary-vice” caused uterine cancer, urinary diseases, nocturnal emissions, impotence, epilepsy, insanity, mental and physical pathologies, and dimness of vision. In Plain Facts for Old and Young, Kellogg warns of the evils of sex perhaps believing sexuality itself to be evil. He crafted treatment plans to cure children from acting out in the “solitary vice”. Kellogg prescribed as means of masturbation prevention: restraining a child’s hands, protecting the genitals with patented cages preventing sexual contact, stitching the foreskin shut with wire, electrical shock, and circumcision without anesthesia. Kellogg himself underwent circumcision at the age of 37 (Kellogg, 1888). Kellogg presented detailed treatment plans to prevent genital self-stimulation.
A remedy which is almost always successful in small boys is circumcision, especially when there is any degree of phimosis. The operation should be performed by a surgeon without administering an anesthetic, as the brief pain attending the operation will have a salutary effect upon the mind, especially if it be connected with the idea of punishment, as it may well be in some cases. The soreness which continues for several weeks interrupts the practice, and if it had not previously become too firmly fixed, it may be forgotten and not resumed. Further, a method of treatment [to prevent masturbation] … and we have employed it with entire satisfaction. It consists in the application of one or more silver sutures in such a way as to prevent erection. The prepuce, or foreskin, is drawn forward over the glans, and the needle to which the wire is attached is passed through from one side to the other. After drawing the wire through, the ends are twisted together, and cut off close. It is now impossible for an erection to occur, and the slight irritation thus produced acts as a most powerful means of overcoming the disposition to resort to the practice. In females, the author has found the application of pure carbolic acid (phenol) to the clitoris an excellent means of allaying the abnormal excitement (pp. 294-296).
In Kellogg’s Ladies’ Guide in Health and Disease for nymphomania, he recommended “Cool baths; the cool enema; a spare diet; the application of blisters and other irritants to the sensitive parts of the sexual organs, the removal of the clitoris and nymphae” (Markel, p. 215).
Swiss physician Samuel-Auguste Tissot published L’Onanisme in 1760, a comprehensive medical treatise on the negative effects of genital self-stimulation to orgasm with ejaculation. Tissot believed that seminal fluid was an “essential oil” and “stimulus.” According to Tissot, the loss of semen in large amounts could cause,
a perceptible reduction of strength, of memory and even of reason; blurred vision, all the nervous disorders, all types of gout and rheumatism, weakening of the organs of generation, blood in the urine, disturbance of the appetite, headaches and a great number of other disorders. (Stolberg, 2000)
In the 17 century, masturbation became synonymous with Onan in Genesis 38. Although different behaviors, coitus interruptus and genital self-stimulation now become one idea (Etymonline, 2021). A 17th-century Puritan law code for the colonies of New Haven, Connecticut outlawed blasphemy, homosexuality, and genital self-stimulation. The consequence for offenders? The death penalty (Lawrence, p. 41).
Before masturbation terminology appeared in the 17th century early Christian church fathers contributed volumes of commentary. Many church authorities taught that genital self-stimulation was a secret sin, injurious, prohibited, and corrupt. In the 14th century AD, Jean Gerson, crafted a confessional manual entitled, On the Confession of Masturbation. Gerson’s manual directs clergy to, “insist that (male) penitents admit to the sin of masturbation, which…was deemed…even more serious sin than raping a nun, incest, or abducting and raping virgins and wives” (Chloe, 2010).
Thomas Aquinas, 1225–1274 AD, scholastic of the Catholic Church authored the Summa
Theologiae or Summa Theologica, The Summary of Theology. “
The “Summa” intended to instruct seminarians and literate church members. In Article 5,
Aquinas argues for the sinfulness of dreams producing nocturnal emissions.
“Objection 1. It would seem that nocturnal pollution is a sin. For the same things are the matter of merit and demerit. Now a man may merit while he sleeps, as was the case with Solomon, who while asleep obtained the gift of wisdom from the Lord“ (1 Samuel 3:5). Therefore a man may demerit while asleep; and thus nocturnal pollution would seem to be a sin“ (Summa Theologica, 2021).
Beginning in the 11th century Pope Leo IX regarded genital self-stimulation as, “unnatural sex, murder, a diabolical practice, and the cause of two-thirds of all diseases and disorders including insanity, neurosis, and neurasthenia” (Patton, 1985).
Epiphanius of Salamis in 375 AD stated that certain Egyptian heretics “exercise genital acts, yet prevent the conceiving of children. Not in order to produce offspring, but to satisfy lust, are they eager for corruption” (Medicine Chest Against Heresies 26:5:2, 375 AD). Lactantius, advisor to Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, in the fourth century AD added, “God gave us eyes not to see and desire pleasure, but to see acts to be performed for the needs of life; so too, the genital [‘generating’] part of the body, as the name itself teaches, has been received by us for no other purpose than the generation of offspring” (Medicine Chest Against Heresies, 6:23:18). Clement of Alexandria in 191 AD stated that, “Because of its divine institution for the propagation of man, the seed is not to be vainly ejaculated, nor is it to be damaged, nor is it to be wasted, “ and, “To have coitus other than to procreate children is to do injury to nature” (The Instructor of Children 2:10:91:2; 2:10:95:3, 375 AD).
Christ does not speak on the matter of genital self-stimulation. Neither New Testament writers nor Old Testament authors comment. Again, the primary Christian authoritative sources and accepted body of sacred literature do not regulate genital self-stimulation. The Old Testament passages connecting to transmission of seminal fluids can be found in the Levitical sexual hygiene code.
When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Any clothing or leather that has semen on it must be washed with water, and it will be unclean till evening…When a man has sexual relations with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both of them must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening…These are the regulations for a man with a discharge, for anyone made unclean by an emission of semen. (Leviticus 15:16,17,18, 32)
Neither mandate nor commentary exists for genital self-stimulation in the entire Bible. The focus of transmission of fluids in Leviticus falls under the heading of hygiene and in this case sexual health hygiene. There are no death penalties in the Leviticus sexual hygiene code for the transmission of seminal fluids by any means.
Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk- Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk is an evidence-based therapeutic exercise founded on Scripture and the life of Christ.
Nature Immersion reflects a health and wellness initiative called Forest Bathing. Forest Therapy, founded by Amos Clifford, of the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy, is the next generation of this treatment. Nature Immersion builds upon this evidence-based research using Scripture and prayer for faith based participants.
Forest Therapy with its Biblically-based counterpart, Nature Immersion, features an age appropriate gentle wander connecting to the image of God in nature. Participants will find this powerful stress management down regulates anxiety establishing prayer with reflection as transformational Christian disciplines. Studies show neurological effects are not only immediate, but also endure from one to 30 days.
Today, Forest Bathing is embraced as a global disease-prevention phenomenon, with many organizations and practitioners offering guided experiences focusing on polyvagal sensory engagement within natural settings. This movement continues to highlight the importance of spending time in nature as a means to promote health and spiritual wholeness.
Over 2000 years ago, Jesus first modeled prayer and reflection in nature. Christ, baptized in the Jordan river by desert prophet, prayed and relied on Scripture while tested in the wilderness, transfigured on mountain summit, and then surrendered to divine will in an olive grove. Jesus then atoned for humankind’s sin by crucifixion on a tree. After three days, Christ rose from death in a garden for grieving loved ones. Do you see connections to the Genesis Creation and the life of Christ?
Scripture reflects the premier pleasure of God at Creation in the forest of Eden. The final scene in the Book of Revelation restores these same beautiful images to post-apocalypse survivors. The forests of Genesis and Revelation both border crystal waters healing humanity broken by trauma. Life-giving light radiates from the Creator of all things without whom only darkness reigns.
Could nature serve as a “container” for the God of Genesis to transform the human heart? In this place of Eden pleasure healing leaves sprout, nurtured by life-giving waters, birthed in light created from the heart of God. Does it seem intuitive that nature is the place where the Gospel was first declared to humankind?
Though the Bible does not teach that nature is deity, the forest does reflect the image of God. Could the Creator of Genesis and Book of Revelation reconnect the broken places of the heart within nature’s beauty?
The Holy Spirit connects to nature. The Spirit first appears in Genesis 1.1-2. The premier task…bring chaos-darkness to light. The beauty of this scene produces the forests to which is given the first commandment in Scripture, “sprout, grow, reproduce.… (Genesis 1:11)
What if the image of God within nature can assist to teach our children about health and safety? Is it possible to connect to the Spirit of God among healing leaves and forest splendor?
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)
Does the Creation still pour forth the speech of God? Do the works of God in nature continue to speak today without words? Could it be nature is the Bible’s container for the Gospel?
Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk
The Creation Walk is a “container” for sharing the Gospel of Health and Safety to Children. This gentle “wander” connects faith-based parents and children to the God of Creation through His Word. Nature Immersion’s evidence-based techniques lower anxiety allowing the spiritual center of the brain to “come online” providing optimal teaching and learning experience for children.
Rape: Rape is sexual penetration without consent, often by force, coercion, or by taking advantage of an incapacitated person. Modern legal definitions have expanded to include various types of sexual penetration (oral, anal, and vaginal) and the use of objects, and are gender-neutral, recognizing both male and female victims and perpetrators.
Key aspects of the defining rape
Lack of consent: A person’s consent must be voluntary and can be negated by a lack of capacity to consent due to age, intoxication, or mental/physical incapacity.
Force or coercion: This includes physical force, threats, or psychological coercion to overcome someone’s will.
Incapacity: A person is unable to give consent if they are asleep, unconscious, drugged, or otherwise physically or mentally helpless.
Age of consent: Engaging in sexual activity with someone below the legal age of consent is considered statutory rape, even if the person agrees.
Broader scope: Updated definitions include various forms of sexual penetration, such as oral and anal sex, and the use of objects, not just penile-vaginal intercourse.
Gender-neutral: The modern definition includes both male and female victims and perpetrators, which was not always the case in older definitions.
Forced acts on others: Forcing someone else to penetrate a victim is also considered rape.
Seven Intimacies of Genesis 1-4: The 7 intimacies of Creation are: Spiritual, beauty of the created order, rest, pleasure, compassionate presence, reconciliation, and sexually healthy intimacy. (Genesis 1-4) The insular cortex located in the prefrontal cortex is responsible for intimacy in relationships and associating people, places, things, sights, sounds, and smells. Intimacy is essential to bring a dissociated state to an associated state. We call this associated state, “online”.
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? What do sense about your skin under your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you? What do you sense about your body’s motion? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity’s pull? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
(Please see “created being” in the Key Vocabulary.)
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation? Do you notice any shame in the Creation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings that touch your heart? Pick up as many as you wish.
Genesis 1:11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.
Gen 4:1 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
Sex Trafficking: Sex trafficking is the economically driven enslavery of men, women, and children for sexual gratification. The sex trade formed a major economic piece of ancient Near Eastern culture called, “sexeconomy”. In the Sumerian era 1750 BCE religious actors coerced children, men, and women into places of worship for “sacred sex trafficking”. The Old and New Testaments of the Bible feature extensive trafficking references over 1500 years of authorship. The sacred sex trade devoted food, human sacrifice, and money in places of worship to appease deities and fund institutions. The sex trade of the ancient Near East also involved secular sex workers many of whom were trafficked by slave owners.
Mt. Vesuvius entombed thousands of Pompeii’s residents in a pyroclastic cloud of debris in the first century CE. Thermal ash both buried and preserved the shapes of 1150 bodies and structures with their artwork in the apocalypse. 25 distinct brothels have been excavated in the ancient city of Pompeii’s 10,000-20,000 inhabitants. Inscriptions on buildings and streets reveal penises pointing potential customers to the largest brothel called, “The Wolf Den”. Two stories tall with ten rooms, frescoes featured erotic images and graffiti etched with customer reviews. Small windowless rooms painted with pornographic images offered menus of service with pricing for various forms of intercourse. Pompeii’s brothels prove the existence of the first-century secular sex trade distinct from temple cults.
Sex trade workers were often trafficked slaves or lower income women. 80% of female sex workers’ names inscribed on the Wolf Den’s walls appear to have been trafficked slaves. This means the ancient world consisted of at least two kinds of sex trafficking. The sacred sex trade involved religious institutions with religious worship. The secular sex industry featured brothels like the Wolf Den, distinct from temple cults. Both the religious and secular sex trades shared common ground of trafficking slaves and the very poor. The trade of selling humans founded the sexeconomy of both sacred priests and sex industry entrepreneurs. (Pompittours)
The Bible cites numerous citations for the sexual safety of children. Leviticus prohibits trafficking family members into the sex trade. Leviticus 19:29 commands parents not to traffic their daughters for sex. Tannehil makes the case that trafficking a child was more affordable than paying an expensive marriage dowry. (Note too the use of the trigger term, chaw-LAWL, often connecting a decline in sexual health and safety. Chaw-LAWL first appears in the sexual health decline snap shot of Genesis 6. The underlying reason for annihilation of humankind by flood in Genesis 7-9 is global sexual trauma.) (Gen 6:1; Strong, h2490) The prophets of both Old and New Testaments speak against trafficking boys, girls, and adults.
“ ‘Do not degrade (chaw-LAWL) your daughter by making her a prostitute (zah-NAH, sex traffic), or the land will turn to prostitution (sex trafficking) and be filled with wickedness.
Approximately 1000 years after Moses, the Prophet Joel speaks to the sexeconomy of trafficking children.
They cast lots for my people and traded boys for prostitutes (zah-NAH); they sold girls for wine to drink.
In the first century CE Paul the Apostle and John the scribe of Revelation repeat similar concern.
1Ti 1:10
..for the sexually immoral (POR-nos, male sex traffickers), for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders (human traffickers) and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine….
Rev 18:11-13
“The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore—…cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.
The phrase “human beings sold as slaves” literally means, “selling human flesh and the souls of men.”
Trafficking provided a sexeconomy not only for the secular sex trade, but also “substantial part of the temple’s income” (Tannehill, 1980, p. 79). The business of the sacred sex trade provided tremendous profit to religious institutions. The sexeconomy coerced sex workers to perform for more money. One sex worker named Metiche, with the stage name, Clepsydra-stop watch, streamlined length of customer intercourse for greater income. (Tannehill, 1980, p. 100). King Solomon posted the greatest economic growth in Israel’s history. The emperor also introduced the sexeconomy of Ashtoreth, known as Asherah, with its history of sex trafficking. 300 years after Solomon introduced Israel to the sacred sex trade of his wives, King Josiah’s reform removed the quarters for sex trafficked males from the temple in Jerusalem.
He (Solomon) followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done. On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods.
2Ki 23:7
He (Josiah) also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the temple of the LORD, the quarters where women did weaving for Asherah.
The Hebrew language uses gendered words for sex trade income. Female earnings are called eth-NAWN. (Strong, h868) The specific sex trade term for male income is meh-CHERE. (Strong, h4242)
You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute (eth-NAWN) or of a male prostitute (meh-CHERE) into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.
The majority use of the porn word group in the Bible points to trafficking of humans for the sexeconomy of religious cults. This may assist parents as they speak to their children about pornography. Restoring the image of God in Christ to human sexuality may treat human trafficking and erotic media of the porn industry. Is it possible objectification and dehumanization form the common ground of trafficking and pornography? Could the beauty of God’s image redeem dehumanization and objectification of erotic media? Can this conversation with our families begin to replace pornography as the primary educator for children’s sexual health?
Sexual Neuropathways: There are 5 neuropathways wiring the most powerful network in human anatomy, the sexual system. The Prefrontal Cortex regulates sexuality with reason, compassion, awareness, and spirituality. The second pathway transfers dopamine in the attraction system. The third neuropathway connects through oxytocin and vasopressin. Oxytocin is responsible for bonding sensations. Vasopressin assists with long-term relationships. The fourth neuropathway transfers hormones of testosterone and estrogen. These transfers can last over a week. The fifth pathway is the adrenaline network. Adrenaline transfers during orgasm and is responsible for ejaculatory inevitability.
Sexual Neutrality: Sexual neutrality is a state of health and wholeness without sex negativity. Jesus modeled this great truth. The primary sexual neuro pathway is the prefrontal cortex. Sexual neutrality proposes that one can have sexual feelings, including romantic attraction and desire, without genital sexual intercourse. The prefrontal cortex can be nonjudgmental of sexual feelings, and at the same time, compassionate for others, aware that intercourse is not the greatest value in life. For the adolescent, sexual feelings reflect the image of God, and intimacy with God and others can be our greatest passion without intercourse. A neuroscientist named, Schore, writes:
“In a seminal article in the clinical psychology literature, Leslie Greenberg described a ‘self-control’ form of emotion regulation involving higher levels of cognitive executive function that allows individuals ‘to change the way they feel by consciously changing the way they think’ (2007, p. 415). He [Greenberg] proposed that this explicit form of affect regulation is performed by the verbal left hemisphere, and unconscious bodily-based emotion is usually not addressed. This regulatory mechanism is at the core of verbal-analytic understanding and controlled reasoning and is heavily emphasized in models of cognitive behavioral therapy.” (p. 37)
Paul the Apostle too speaks of emotional regulation in Galatians 5:22-23.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
This fruit of the Spirit is set in opposition to the “flesh”.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factionsand envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Note that the Spirit of God regulates the limbic system actions of “the flesh” with the PFC functions of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-regulation. Neuroscientists like Greenberg will agree with Paul the Apostle after 2000 years of scientific research.
Sexual Nihilism: Sexual nihilism is the philosophy that sexuality has no values and nothing can be truthfully known or communicated. Nihilism connects with extreme pessimism and radical skepticism condemning existence. A true nihilist believes in nothing, has no loyalties, and whose purpose and impulse is to destroy. Nihilism is associated with Friedrich Nietzsche who projected its destructive effects would undermine moral, religious, and metaphysical convictions thus creating the greatest crisis in human history. In the 20th century, nihilistic value destruction, and purposelessness have preoccupied arts and media. By the end of the 20th century, existential despair transitioned to indifference, as seen in increased suicide statistics across all age groups, school shootings without national prevention policies, and increasing opioid fatalities. A sexual nihilist would then have no sexual boundaries, no loyalties, no purpose, and present a destructive pattern in sexual relationships (Pratt, 2021).
Sexually Transmitted Infections: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and sometimes via blood or from parent to baby; common examples are HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, HIV, and Syphilis, often showing symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, pain, or itching, but many have no symptoms, requiring testing for diagnosis, with bacterial STIs curable but viral ones manageable with medication, emphasizing prevention through sexual neutrality, condoms, mutual monogamy, and regular testing for sexual health.
Sexual Neutrality: The only 100% effective method.
Condoms: Reduce risk but don’t eliminate it, especially for skin-to-skin infections like herpes/HPV.
Testing: Regular testing with partners is key; many STIs have no symptoms.
Treatment: Get treated with a partner simultaneously; bacterial STIs curable, viral ones managed.
Vaccination: Available for some like HPV. The local economy impacting Abraham suffers downturn. Anxious, Abraham moves his family south to recession resistant Egypt. Abraham feels the immediate threat of Egyptian sexual politics. He states to his wife, Sarah, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you” (Genesis 12:11–13).
Abraham understood the sexual politics of Pharaoh. Egyptian royalty operated sovereignly, holding themselves as deities. Forcefully taking eligible child-bearing women for the royal harem was not unknown. One common thread in unhealthy sexuality snapshots is the consequences of infidelity, which may be a teaching illustration for children about sexually transmitted infections. The ancient Near Eastern explanation of sexually transmitted infections assigned divine punishment for sexual misconduct. Pharaoh takes Sarah as a sexual partner for his harem. The royal household immediately suffers disease, “But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharoah and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarah” (Genesis 12:17). Ancient Egyptian medical papyri describe numerous disorders, including sexually transmitted infections. The Kahun papyri of 1900 BCE lists impotence, irritated genitals, the labia being “ill”, prolapsed uterus, and venereal disease. Although ancient physicians did not comprehend the science of sexual transmitted infections, the Akkadians assessed that testicular abscesses originated from “being in bed with a woman” (Tannahil, p. 65).
The Biblical writer charges God as the source of the disease because Pharaoh took Sarah, a married woman, as royal consort. Ascribing natural consequences to God is a frequent literary device called a causation idiom. Humankind in the ancient Near East interpreted all disasters and disease as originating from deities. After perhaps suffering a sexually transmitted infection, Pharaoh releases Sarah, and Abraham returns to his homeland richer. Abraham uses this method of self-preservation again, resulting in sexual disease of another royal, King Abimelek, in Genesis 20:2.
Shutdown: PTSD literature has long identified the parasympathetic response to trauma called “shutdown”. Porge uses the term polyvagal theory to describe this phenomenon in the human system.
Polyvagal shutdown is a state of prefrontal cortex disabling triggered by the dorsal vagal nerve when the body experiences real or perceived threat. This protective mechanism, acts as last resort when fight-or-flight responses are insufficient. It’s characterized by a drop in heart rate, respiration, low energy, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection or numbness.
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, outlines a hierarchy of nervous system states:
Ventral Vagal State: . This is a state of prefrontal cortex activity is characterized by calm, relaxed breathing, and a sense of connection to oneself and others.
Sympathetic State: . The fight-or-flight response, triggers by perceived danger followed by increased heart rate, breathing, and alertness.
Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown): . When fight-or-flight is not possible, the dorsal vagal nerve activates, leading to shutdown or immobilization.
In dorsal vagal shutdown, the body conserves energy and reduces pain perception by:
Decreasing heart rate and breathing thus reducing the body’s metabolic demands.
Dissociation involves a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings. When sexual trauma triggers shutdown, the brain is unable to process sexual health content.
Numbness and emotional detachment manifest as a lack of feeling or a sense of disconnection from awareness, compassion, and reason relating to sexual health content.
The body conserves energy by reducing activity levels with feelings of fatigue.
Digestive problems, nausea, or changes in pain perception may occur.
In this work the disabling of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in shutdown, prevents processing of sexual health content.
God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.”
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number on it.”
And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants.
Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased (pah-RAH rah-BAH) greatly in number.
and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’
but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful (pah-RAH); they multiplied greatly, increased (rah-BAH) in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.
“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase (pah-RAH rah-BAH) in number.
I will increase (rah-BAH) the number of people and animals living on you, and they will be fruitful (pah-RAH) and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
28 times in 14 WLC verses
3H. Sexual Connection, dah-BACH (Gen 2:24) Strong, h1692
They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast (dah-BACH) to them in love.
3 times in 3 WLC verses
3G. Sexual Connection, kah-LA-oh (Mat 19:5) Strong, g2853
Adam made love to (yah-DAH) his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
Cain made love to (yah-DAH) his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.
Adam made love to (yah-DAH) his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”
Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with (yah-DAH) a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”
But the men would not listen to him. So the man took his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped (yah-DAH) her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go.
While they were enjoying themselves, some of the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they shouted to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have sex (yah-DAH) with him.”
They found among the people living in Jabesh Gilead four hundred young women who had never slept with (yah-DAH) a man, and they took them to the camp at Shiloh in Canaan.
But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered (kah-SAH) their father’s naked body (ehr-VAH). Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked.
Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered (kah-SAH) your naked body (ehr-VAH). I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.
“Therefore I will take away my grain when it ripens, and my new wine when it is ready. I will take back my wool and my linen, intended to cover (kah-SAH) her naked body (ehr-VAH).
The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law (chah-THAWN), sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here,
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom (NOOM-phone) will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Appearing 3 times in 3 GNT verses
Total 23 times in 21 WLC and GNT verses
8. Genital Sexual Intercourse, Kah-RAV (Gen 20:4) Strong, h7126
He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations (kah-RAV) with a woman during her period.
Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved (ah-HAWV) her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love (ah-HAWV) me now.”
If a man has two wives, and he loves (ah-HAWV) one but not the other, and both bear him sons but the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love,
47 times in 42 WLC verses
11. Foreplay to Intercourse, yih-TSACH (Gen 26:8) Strong, h6711
When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelek, king of the Philistines, looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing (yih-TSACH) his wife Rebekah.
She called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport (yih-TSACH) of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed.
During wheat harvest, Reuben went out into the fields and found some mandrakes (doo-DAI)plants, which he brought to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” But she said to her, “Wasn’t it enough that you took away my husband? Will you take my son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI) too?” “Very well,” Rachel said, “he can sleep with you tonight in return for your son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” So when Jacob came in from the fields that evening, Leah went out to meet him. “You must sleep with me,” she said. “I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes (doo-DAI).” So he slept with her that night. God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son.
Appearing 7 times in 3 WLC verses
14. Fall in Love, chah-SHAWK (Gen 34:8) Strong, h2836
“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers (ray-AH)— would you now return to me?”
The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man (ray-AH) and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”
4 times in 4 WLC verses
19. Heavy Breathing Lover, ah-GAWV (Jer 4:30) Strong, h5689
What are you doing, you devastated one? Why dress yourself in scarlet and put on jewels of gold? Why highlight your eyes with makeup? You adorn yourself in vain. Your lovers (ah-GAWV) despise you; they want to kill you.
7 times in 7 WLC verses
20. Romance or Romantic Partner, DODE (Eze 16:8) Strong, h1730
“ ‘Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love (DODE), I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.
Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread (pah-RAWSH) the corner of my garment (kah-NAWF) over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine.
“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread (pah-RAWSH) the corner of your garment (kah-NAWF) over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
2 times in 2 WLC verses
23. Pleasure of Romance, ah-RAWV (Eze 16:37) Strong, h6149
Therefore I am going to gather all your lovers, with whom you found pleasure (ah-RAWV), those you loved as well as those you hated. I will gather them against you from all around and will strip you in front of them, and they will see you stark naked.
Then, when I make atonement (kah-PHAR) for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation (sexual shame), declares the Sovereign LORD.
God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement (he-la-STAY-ree-on), through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after (nah-TAH) other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.
3 times in 3 WLC verses
31-32. Sexual Intercourse, Uncover the Feet, gah-LAH REH-ghel (Rth 3:4) Strong, h1540 and h4772
When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet (gah-LAH REH-ghel) and lay down.
2 times in 2 WLC verses
33. Sexual Intimacy, kah-RAH (Job 31:10) Strong, h3766
In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations (phu-sih-KOS CHREI-sis) with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
2 times in 2 GNT verses
36. Sexual Intimacy, geh-NAY-then (Rom 7:3) Strong, g1096
So then, if she has sexual relations (geh-NAY-then) with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries (geh-NAY-then) another man.
2 times in 1 GNT verse
37. Genital Sexual Intercourse, KOI-tay, (Rom 9:10) Strong, g2845
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality (KOI-tay) and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed (KOI-tay) kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral (PAR-nos, male sex traffickers).
3 times in 3 GNT verses
38. New Birth, ah-na-gen-NAH-oh (1Pe 1:3) Strong, g313
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth (ah-na-gen-NAH-oh) into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 time in 1 GNT verse
Total Sexual Health Positive Terms 790 times in 719 verses of the WLC and GNT
On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them (in the flesh (bah-SAR) of the foreskin), as God told him.
The priest shall then put on his linen clothes, with linen undergarments next to his body (bah-SAR), and shall remove the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed on the altar and place them beside the altar.
When a woman has her regular flow of blood (in her flesh (bah-SAR), the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening.
But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life (SARKS), and I want to spare you this.
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion (SARKS). They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies (SARKS), reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring (SPER-ma)—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing (heh-rey-OWN) very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
For it is written: “Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor (oh-DEE-no); because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”
Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant (hah-RAH) and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
43 times in 42 WLC verses
47G. Conceive, (hold in the abdomen), EH-cho en gah-STREE (Mat 1:23) Strong, g2192 and g1064
Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (peh-ree-TEM-no) (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise (peh-ree-TEM-no) a boy on the Sabbath.
Rachel said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my period (DEH-rek nah-SHEEM).” So he searched but could not find the household gods.
But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled (shah-CHAWT) his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother.
1 time in 1 WLC verse
Total Genesis 1069 Occurrences in 912 verses. REDO
But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet (REH-gehl) with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said.
the afterbirth from her womb (from between her feet, REH-gehl) and the children she bears. For in her dire need she intends to eat them secretly because of the suffering your enemy will inflict on you during the siege of your cities.
After he had gone, the servants came and found the doors of the upper room locked. They said, “He must be relieving himself (covering his feet, REH-gehl) in the inner room of the palace.”
He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself (covering his feet, REH-gehl). David and his men were far back in the cave.
In that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria—to shave your heads and private parts (REH-gehl), and to cut off your beards also.
At every street corner you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty, spreading your legs (REH-gehl) with increasing promiscuity to anyone who passed by.
6 times in 6 WLC verses
59. Miscarry or Abort, shah-KAWL (Exo 23:26) Strong, h7921
…for a woman in her monthly period (dah-WHEY), for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations with a woman who is ceremonially unclean.
I myself will set my face against him and will cut him off from his people; for by sacrificing his children to Molek, he has d my sanctuary and profaned (chah-LAWL) my holy name.
You will be pledged to be married to a woman, but another will take her and rape her. You will build a house, but you will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin (chah-LAWL) to enjoy its fruit.
You will become (chah-LAWL) pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”
After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began (chah-LAWL) to subdue him. And his strength left him.
The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled (chah-LAWL) his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright,
because they had not obeyed my laws but had rejected my decrees and desecrated (chah-LAWL) my Sabbaths, and their eyes lusted after their parents’ idols.
“ ‘As for you, people of Israel, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward you will surely listen to me and no longer profane (chah-LAWL) my holy name with your gifts and idols.
On the very day they sacrificed their children to their idols, they entered my sanctuary and desecrated (chah-LAWL) it. That is what they did in my house.
In addition to all your other detestable practices, you brought foreigners uncircumcised in heart and flesh into my sanctuary, desecrating (chah-LAWL) my temple while you offered me food, fat and blood, and you broke my covenant.
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate (chah-LAWL) the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
Judah has been unfaithful. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecrated (chah-LAWL) the sanctuary the LORD loves by marrying women who worship a foreign god.
20 times in 20 WLC verses
64G. Sexual Safety Decline, bah-DEH-loog-ma (Mat 24:15) Strong, g946
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation, (bah-DEH-loog-ma)’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate (chah-LAWL) the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
6 times in 6 GNT verses
65. Coercive Sexual Intercourse, BO (Gen 6:4) Strong, h935
The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went (BO) to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in (BO) and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.”
But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with (BO) his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother.
Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, “Come now (BO), let me sleep with you.” “And what will you give me to sleep with (BO) you?” she asked.
29 times in 29 WLC verses
66. Sexual Nihilism, Evil, RA (Gen 6:5) Strong, h7451
The LORD saw how great the wickedness (RA) of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil (RA) all the time.
The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil (RA) from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
They shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given an Israelite virgin a bad (RA) name. She shall continue to be his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.
…she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done an outrageous thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father’s house. You must purge the evil (RA) from among you.
…you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death—the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man’s wife. You must purge the evil (RA) from among you.
Again the Israelites did evil (RA) in the eyes of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him,
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity (RA) on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight.’”
They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil (RA) in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.
And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers (RA), so that not one of them turns from their wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
He shall pay her father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated (ah-NAH shah-KAWV) her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives.
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (par-NAY-ah), makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
88 times in 76 verses GNT
Total 181 times in 157 WLC and GNT verses
73. Sex Trafficked Female and Sex Trafficked Male, kah-day-SHAW, kah-DEISH (Gen 38:21) Strong, h6948 and h6945
He asked the men who lived there, “Where is the shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW)who was beside the road at Enaim?” “There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) here,” they said.
So he went back to Judah and said, “I didn’t find her. Besides, the men who lived there said, ‘There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) here.’ ”
“I will not punish your daughters when they turn to prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery, because the men themselves consort with harlots and sacrifice with shrine prostitutes (kah-day-SHAW)— a people without understanding will come to ruin!
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your territory, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the LORD your God.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire (aw-VAW, howl like a dog, Strong, h183) on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God.
When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels,I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.
She: Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision:
He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”
Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.
They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob ( extort, coerce, threaten, intimidate, aw-SHAWK, Strong, h6231) them of their inheritance.
What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”
The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so you are not to do whatever you want.
You desire but do not have, so you kill. Youcovet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
“ ‘Do not have sexual relations (gah-LAH ahr-VAH) with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.’ “
“ ‘Do not have sexual relations (gah-LAH ahr-VAH) with both a woman and her daughter. Do not have sexual relations with either her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter; they are her close relatives. That is wickedness.’ “
“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (gah-LAH ahr-VAH) with his father’s wife, he has dishonored his father. Both the man and the woman are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’ “
“ ‘If a man marries his sister, the daughter of either his father or his mother, and they have sexual relations (gah-LAH ahr-VAH) , it is a disgrace. They are to be publicly removed from their people. He has dishonored his sister and will be held responsible.’ “
“ ‘Do not have sexual relations (gah-LAH ahr-VAH) with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; both of you would be held responsible.’ “
“ ‘If a man has sexual relations (gah-LAH ahr-VAH) with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die childless.’ “
In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful (ah-sche-mah-SUE-nay) acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully (ah-sche-mah-SUE-nay) exposed.”
Sexual abuse or sexual shame is the Greek term ah-sche-mah-SUE-nay Strong, g808 for the incest prohibitions of Leviticus 18:18.
“ ‘Do not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. Do not have sexual relations with either her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter; they are her close relatives. That is wickedness (zee-MAH).’ “
“ ‘If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is wicked. Both he and they must be burned in the fire, so that no wickedness (zee-MAH) will be among you.’ “
I took my concubine, cut her into pieces and sent one piece to each region of Israel’s inheritance, because they committed this lewd (zee-MAH) and outrageous act in Israel.
They will deal with you in hatred and take away everything you have worked for. They will leave you stark naked, and the shame of your prostitution will be exposed. Your lewdness (zee-MAH) and promiscuity….
“Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Since you have forgotten me and turned your back on me, you must bear the consequences of your lewdness (zee-MAH) and prostitution.”
29 times in 27 WLC verses
78G. Unhealthy Sexual Behaviors, toe-eh-VAH (Lev 18:22) Strong, h8441
“ ‘Do not have sexual relations (rah-BAGH) with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion.’ “
“ ‘If a woman approaches an animal to have sexual relations (rah-BAGH) with it, kill both the woman and the animal. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.
2 times in 2 WLC verses
80-81H. Trafficking Humans in the Sex Trade, chah-LAWL zah-NAH (Lev 21:9)
After you have had children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time—if you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the LORD your God and arousing his anger,
You must not bring the earnings (eth-NAWN) of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.
11 times in 8 WLC verses
87. Male Sex Trafficking Income, meh-CHERE (Deu 23:18) Strong, h4242
You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute (eth-NAWN) or of a male prostitute (meh-CHERE) into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.
1 time in 1 WLC verse
88. Sex Trafficked Male, Dog, kah-LEIV (Deu 23:18) Strong, h3611
You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute (kah-LEIV) into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.
You will be pledged to be married to a woman, but another will take her and rape (shah-GAWL) her. You will build a house, but you will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin to enjoy its fruit.
“Look up to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been ravished (shah-GAWL)? By the roadside you sat waiting for lovers, sat like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.
I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped (shah-GAWL). Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city.
4 times in 4 WLC verses
90H. Sacred Sex Trade Idols, shaw-KOOTS ( Deu 29:17) Strong, h8251
He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination (shaw-KOOTS) that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
28 times in 26 WLC verses
90G. Sacred Sex Trade Idols, bah-DEH-loog-ma (Rev 17:4) Strong, g946
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things (bah-DEH-loog-ma) and the filth of her adulteries.
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination (bah-DEH-loog-ma) that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—.
6 times in 6 GNT verses
91. Burn with Lust, chah-MAWM, (Isa 57:5) Strong, h2552
You burn with lust (chah-MAWM) among the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags.
1 time in 1 WLC verse
92-93. The Sound of Sex Trafficking, COLE zah-NOOT (Jer 3:9) Strong, h6963 and h2184
And if you ask yourself, “Why has this happened to me?”— it is because of your many sins that your skirts have been torn off (gah-LAH SHOOL) and your body mistreated.
“I am against you,” declares the LORD Almighty. “I will lift your skirts (gah-LAH SHOOL) over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame.
2 times in 2 WLC verses
98-99. Pull up your skirts, chah-SAWF SHOOL (Jer 13:26) Strong, h2834 and
At every street corner, you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty, spreading your legs (pah-SHAWK REH-gel) with increasing promiscuity to anyone who passed by.
1 time in 1 WLC verse
102-103. Increase (rah-BAH) Trafficking for sex (zah-NAH) (Eze 16:25) Strong, h7235 and
At every street corner you built your lofty shrines and degraded your beauty, spreading your legs with increasing promiscuity (rah-BAH zah-NAH) to anyone who passed by.
You engaged in prostitution with the Egyptians, your neighbors with large genitals, and aroused my anger with your increasing promiscuity (rah-BAH zah-NAH).
“Rebuke your mother, rebuke her, for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband. Let her remove the adulterous look from her face and the unfaithfulness from between her breasts (nah-AWF SHAWD).
My people consult a wooden idol, and a diviner’s rod speaks to them. A spirit of prostitution (roo-AUCH zah-NAH) leads them astray; they are unfaithful to their God.
1 time in 1 WLC verse
110. Sexual Abuse, yah-LAWK (Amo 2:7) Strong, h3212
They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use (yah-LAWK) the same girl and so profane (chah-LAWL) my holy name.
Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults (on-ei-DI-dzo) on him.
In the same way the men (AH-rain) also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men (AH-rain) committed shameful acts with other men (AH-rain in AH-rain), and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
One Old Testament term for AH-rain is zah-KAR, Strong, h2145.
In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful (ah-sche-mah-SUE-nay) acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully (ah-sche-mah-SUE-nay) exposed.”
2 times in 2 GNT verses
115. Sex Trafficking Exploitation, ma-LEW-no (1Co 8:7) Strong, g3435
But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled (ma-LEW-no).
These are those who did not defile (ma-LEW-no) themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
3 times in 3 GNT verses
116. Sexual Trauma, a-KA-thar-tos (Eph 5:5) Strong, g169
For of this you can be sure: No immoral (POR-nos-male sex trafficker), impure (a-KA-thar-tos) or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Then I saw three impure (a-KA-thar-tos) spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth (a-KA-thar-tos) of her adulteries.
With a mighty voice he shouted: “ ‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure (a-KA-thar-tos) spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.’”
4 total in 4 GNT verses
The General Epistles and Revelation
117. Compulsive Sex Trafficking, ek-por-NEW-oh (Jde 1:7) Strong, g1608
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality (ek-par-NEW-oh) and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
1 time in 1 GNT verse
118-119. Other Flesh, HEH-tew-ross SARKS (Jde 1:7) Strong, g2087 and g4561
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion (HEH-tew-ross SARKS) . They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
1 time in 1 GNT verse
120. Sexual Violence Image-Aphrodite, eh-paw-FRIH-dzoh (Jde 1:13) Strong, g1890 (possible)
Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones (mah-tseh-VAH) to pieces.
He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast (mah-seh-KAH) in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”
I will destroy your high places (bah-MAH), cut down your incense altars and pile your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols, and I will abhor you.
53 times in 53 WLC verses
141. Idols and Idolatry, ghih-LOOL (Lev 26:30) Strong, h1544
I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars and pile your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols (ghih-LOOL), and I will abhor you.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.
…sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the Euphrates River, in his native land. Balak said: “A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.”
Woe to you, Moab! You are destroyed, people of Chemosh! He has given up his sons as fugitives and his daughters as captives to Sihon king of the Amorites.
Drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols (tse-LEM), and demolish all their high places.
This was after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, and at Edrei had defeated Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.
This is what you are to do to them: Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles and burn their idols (PEH-sell) in the fire.
Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains (ROOM HAR), on the hills and under every spreading tree, where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods.
Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills and under every spreading tree (rah-ah-NAWN ATES), where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods.
They made me jealous by what is no god and angered me with their worthless idols (HEH-vell). I will make them envious by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation that has no understanding.
Then it ran up the Valley of Ben Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem). From there it climbed to the top of the hill west of the Hinnom Valley at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.
28 times in 11 WLC verses
153G. Gehenna, Valley of Hinnom (Mat 5:22) Strong, g1067
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell (Gehenna).
Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.”
They cut off his head and stripped off his armor, and they sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temple of their idols (ah-TSAV) and among their people.
He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying to them, “Go and consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury.”
It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
He did away with the idolatrous priests appointed by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the towns of Judah and on those around Jerusalem—those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations and to all the starry hosts.3 times in
3 times in 3 WLC verses
161-162. Houses (by-ITH) for Sex Trafficking zah-NAH (Jer 5:7) Strong, h1004 and h2181
“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes (by-ITH zah-NAH).
The women added, “When we burned incense to the Queen of Heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, did not our husbands know that we were making cakes impressed with her image (ah-TSAWV) and pouring out drink offerings to her?”
And they will know that I am the LORD, when their people lie slain among their idols around their altars, on every high hill (ROWSH HAR) and on all the mountaintops, under every spreading tree and every leafy oak—places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols.
They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills (ROWSH HAR), under oak, poplar and terebinth, where the shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery.
And they will know that I am the LORD, when their people lie slain among their idols around their altars, on every high hill and on all the mountaintops, under every spreading tree and every leafy oak (eh-LAH)—places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols.
They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar and terebinth (eh-LAH), where the shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery.
At every street corner you built your lofty shrines (rah-MAH) and degraded your beauty, spreading your legs with increasing promiscuity to anyone who passed by.
When you built your mounds at every street corner and made your lofty shrines (rah-MAH) in every public square, you were unlike a prostitute, because you scorned payment.
Then I will deliver you into the hands of your lovers, and they will tear down your mounds and destroy your lofty shrines (rah-MAH). They will strip you of your clothes and take your fine jewelry and leave you stark naked.
4 times in 4 WLC verses
168. Mountain Shrines Where Sacred Sex Trafficking is Practiced, HAR (Eze 18:6) Strong, h2022
He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations with a woman during her period.
The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.
They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak (ah-LOAN), poplar and terebinth, where the shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery.
They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar (lib-NEY) and terebinth, where the shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery.
The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”
The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven?
5 times in 5 GNT verses
Total 1927 occurrences in 1639 WLC verses
Total Occurrences
Total Sexual Health Positive Terms 790 times in 719 verses of the WLC and GNT
Total Reproductive and Anatomical Occurrences 1101 times in 963 WLC and GNT verses
Total Unhealthy Sexuality Terms 1955 occurrences in 1665 WLC verses
Jesus’ greatest message in my mind is the Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5-7. Overlooking the Sea of Galilee with its stunning panoramas, he tenderly touches on the most intimate concerns. Christ begins with what I call “judgment resistance.” Jesus does not hammer his listeners with prophetic intervention and condemnation. He speaks of God’s blessing for the grieving, isolated, and threatened. He gives assurance that the pure in heart will see God, and the broken are truly blessed by a loving father.
Jesus connects to the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting. He speaks to the greatest stressors of life, like money and the impact of worry. Christ outlines true faith.
In the climax of this mountain message looking over beautiful sand beaches, Jesus delivers a sexual health piece. He sets the tone by addressing anger and rage, moving into the most tender topic of life, sexual feelings.
You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery (moikeuo)”
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully (epithumeo)has already committed adultery (moikeuo) with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality (porneia), makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:32)
Adultery is the Greek word μοιχεύω, pronounced moi-KEU-oh, appearing 15 times in 12 verses in the Greek New Testament. (Strong, G3431) Adultery means consensual intercourse between two people who are married to other partners. The word lust is the Greek word ἐπιθυμέω pronounced epi-thu-MEH-oh. (Strong, G1937) Lust appears 17 times in the Greek New Testament. The meaning of epithumeo as intense negative emotion, rage or sexual violence occurs 8x’s. This same word appears 9x’s for non-violent longing or desire. (Strong, G1937)
Epithumeo, the Greek term for lust or longing, builds on two words, epi and thumeo. Epi pronounced eh-PEE is a preposition often added to words to increase the intensity of the meaning. Thumeo pronounced thoo-MEH-o has a range of meanings to be fierce, be in a heat, breathe violently, rage, and the intoxicating wine of passion driving the drinker to be insane, die by alcohol poisoning, or commit murder. The root of the word thumeo is the term thuo, meaning to slaughter. (Strong, G2372) Add the preposition epi to the term thumeo and the intensity of violence or rage escalates in meaning. Thumos, the noun meaning anger has no material difference to the term rage, orge, in the New Testament. Anger and rage often appear together. (Kittle Vol 3., p. 168) The following are the 8 occurrences of the word, lust, in the negative context of intensity. You may note that some of these passages point to problematic sexuality, premeditated murder, conflict, and death.
Unhealthy Sexuality or Violence Passages Connected to Epithumeo, Lust
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully (epithumeo, lust) has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)
So he went and hired (became sexually intimate with) himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed (epithumeo, lust) to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:15-16)
For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death… What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting (epithumeo, lust) really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet (epithumeo, lust).” (Romans 7:5-7)
The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” (epithumeo, lust) and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:9)
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on (epithumeo, lust) evil things as they did. (1Corinthians 10:6)
For the flesh desires (epithumeo, lust) what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Galatians 5:17)
You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet (epithumeo, lust) but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (James 4:2)
During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long (epithumeo, lust) to die, but death will elude them. (Revelation 9:6)
Non Sexual Longing or Desire Using the Word Epithumeo, Lust
For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed (epithumeo, lust) to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. (Matthew 13:17)
…and longing (epithumeo, lust) to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. (Luke 16:21)
Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long (epithumeo,lust) to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. (Luke 17:22)
And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired (epithumeo, lust) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. (Luke 22:15)
I have not coveted (epithumeo, lust) anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. (Acts 20:33)
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires (epithumeo, lust) a noble task. (1Timothy 3:1)
We want (epithumeo, lust) each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. (Hebrews 6:11)
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long (epithumeo, lust) look into these things. (1 Peter 1:12)
When linguists translate terms, they consider the range of meaning. On one end of the continuum, a word can have a soft, altruistic nuance. On the other extreme, the same word takes on a hardcore meaning like violence. In Ephesians 4:26 Paul exhorts the early church to be angry, but not sin. The word for anger can mean violent rage. Most likely, Paul is exhorting the Ephesians to avoid hostility in passionate matters. Epithumeo too has a wide range of meaning spanning strong, healthy desire to violent intention.
The point of this study is to highlight the anger and rage facets of epithumeo, or lust. When Jesus states that epithumeo (lust) of another human is the same as adultery, does he mean that God given attraction is taboo? Or is the case made that intentional conspiracy for angry, rage-filled sexual exploitation is equal to adultery? The Hebrew word for lust or covet is HMD. (Strong, H2530) An Arabic equivalent lends the meaning, “to loathe”. (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2530/niv/wlc/0-1/) This seems to support the idea of malevolent sexual rage rather than banning sexual attraction.
Linguists also examine the direct literary context of terms. Matthew 5:27-28 connects several points of anger and rage. Immediately preceding the lust passage Jesus speaks of murder and rage using the term orge. (Strong, G3709) The following piece, after the lust passage, covers the conflict of divorce. The context and use of the term epithumeo or lust can carry with it the nuance of erotic rage or violence. These are not new ideas in the Bible. Early teaching on sexual violence prevention begins with the Noah snap shot of Genesis 6-11 and the Sodom narratives of Genesis 19, King David’s affair with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11, the entire Book of Judges, and human trafficking in the Prophets, among many examples.
This article seeks to bring hope to the men I work with. They report occasional searching sensations and viewing of erotic images. These are sincere humans who desire to follow Christ, feeling conflicted and in pain. My passion is to bring hope and healing to these men I love.
You will find this piece builds upon what is called foundational theory. This means we examine underlying causes of searching and viewing behaviors with Biblical evidence based solutions in mind.
The foundational theory of this work is the person and work of Christ as reflected in the Scriptures. The solutions are not only rooted in Scripture but 40 years clinical practice with healthy results.
Specifically, there are two behaviors which are addressed: searching sensations for erotic content, and viewing. I have separated these actions to assist with helpful treatment. The goal is the ability to “log off” of erotic material with confidence and gratitude to God.
Searching sensations are what the Bible calls “temptation”. Jesus was tempted, yet without sin. He is our model and our guide. We will look at the grief, isolation, and threat triggers for these chemical reactions in the body. Secondly, we attend to a healthy process if erotic images are being viewed. The success of this treatment plan looks like “trigger awareness”, and the resilience to log off erotic image sites. Am I aware of the triggers for searching, and do I have the competence to log off from erotic content?
Perhaps the most tender topic in life, I believe, blends the Bible and human sexuality. After several decades of educating faith-based people on Biblical intimacy and safety, failure has taught many things. With great care and attention to the Scriptures, the life of Jesus, and the people we love, healing can happen. My passion seeks to bring a sense of calm and hope to sensitive conversations for families.
Teaching sexual health content can be thought of as a continuum. On one end lies “saying little to nothing” about the Bible, sexual intimacy, and safety. All my clients report a silence of healthy conversation from both the church and family. The other extreme on the spectrum misuses Biblical sexual content. Alleged experts proof-text by cherry-picking specific verses. This extreme on the continuum often projects the personal politics of celebrity speakers and authors. Both extremes share equally in the harm.
My prayer is to land in the middle of the spectrum. Is it possible that our families can embrace both the Scriptures we love with the life of Jesus? What if healthy Christlike conversations can speak to current sexual politics with neither neglect nor misuse, but rather compassionate truth?
As we begin, Jesus and Paul both spoke on sexual content using a practice I call, the spiritual discipline of “judgment resistance”. Please see Key Vocabulary. Christ’s messaging landed on wholeness and healing without unprocessed shame. Paul, too, practiced judgment resistance without condemning sincere Christians. Drawing healthy Biblical boundaries, Paul’s preaching never damned the infant church over sexual matters. This is what I call the spiritual discipline of judgment resistance. Originating with the life of Jesus and Paul, judgment resistance for sexual content is not new technology, but I find in my practice it can be transformational.
The Gospel’s judgment-resistant sexual health message very well may address a neurological phenomenon called “trauma shutdown.” This may in part explain sexual health education failures. Shutdown is a neurobiological process that experts assign to, the polyvagal system. Please see the key Vocabulary for trauma shutdown and the polyvagal system. When faith-based people experience omission of healthy content or celebrities inflict unscriptural propaganda, the brain wires to these injuries. Without intervention, the traumas of neglect and misuse of Scripture wire a neurological system unable to process sexual health content. When the anxiety of shame escalates, the prefrontal cortex begins to disable. This brain region, responsible for reason, compassion, and sexual awareness, becomes deprived of arterial blood flow and functionally goes “offline”. Judgment and condemnation with their shame can shut down the processing part of the brain. The result? The people we love cannot hear sexual content. The following are several examples of judgment resistance in Biblical sexual health narratives.
Adam and his wife were both naked and without shame…Adam made love to his wife, and she conceived…. (Genesis 2:25 and Genesis 4:1)
Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted…But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:1 and Matthew 5:32 )
Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes…I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children…It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality (mistranslation for sex trafficking, par-NAY-ah Strong, g4202) among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping (is having) with his father’s wife. (1 Corinthians 4:5,14 and 1 Corinthians 5:1)
The premier sexual health teachings of the Book of Genesis begin without shame. (Genesis 2:25 and Genesis 4:1) Before Jesus and Paul delivered sexual content, they practiced “judgment resistance”. First came compassionate truth and, in many cases, direct statements to reduce shame. Then after priming with judgment resistance, their first-century listeners were able to receive healthy content.
I wish to offer the same compassionate truth for this conversation. Without judgment, my prayer is that you may find freedom and wholeness. You will be safe. Feel free to challenge, explore, and hold me accountable to Scripture and the life of Jesus. Your participation is invited, and questions, expected.
My private practice comprises, in large part of faith-based males reporting occasional searching for erotic media, then viewing images of sexual acts. These episodes typically trigger by grief, isolation, or threat. The duration of these incidents lasts several minutes up to an hour or more. In this piece, these faith-based males are referred to as “clients”. In truth they are men God has blessed me with and whom I love.
My clients report profound spiritual guilt for searching and viewing sexual content. The injury they feel escalates to a debilitating sense of unprocessed shame. Like a software program operating in the background of a computer, the shame triggers easily. These searching and viewing behaviors repeat with an irregular, seemingly uncontrollable cycle. Experiences of grief, isolation, or threat, bring on unprocessed shame, acting out behaviors, followed by more sensations of shame. The result? My clients report they feel unable to stop these specific behaviors.
12-step sex addiction groups often categorize these searching and viewing events as relapse in recovery. Church and spiritual mentors assign the terms, “sin” or “backsliding” to these incidents. The shame from searching and viewing magnifies with threats from support networks. Consequences for this occasional behavior can result in church discipline with catastrophic loss of paid positions in ministry. Divorce with dissolution of family is not unheard of. Most female marriage partners I work with feel covenant betrayal due to searching, and viewing. Female spouses at times, finalize divorce based on Biblical grounds of covenant breaking due to these behaviors. The clients’ overall sense is failure, pain, threat, and despair.
Christian speaker and licensed mental health therapist, Andrea Jordan, MA, terms the effects of erotic image use, “ontological injury.” (Jordan, 2025) I agree with this definition and humbly add, “ontological injury originating from misuse of the image of God”. Please see the Key Vocabulary for ontological injury and misuse of God’s image. According to Carnes, when a male partner is caught or confesses to using erotic material, the act equals the trauma response of incest or rape for female spouses. (Carnes, 2012) The wounding of a female marital partner is complex. Some do not recover. Others require years to repair ontological injury.
My male clients report a profound threat for searching and viewing behaviors. Angst is not imaginary. These behaviors can accompany a catastrophic loss of marriage, family, church community, and career. If they survive these consequences, their marriage and children may suffer years of repair and trust building.
I would like to suggest an alternate assessment for these occasional searching and viewing episodes. Perhaps this conversation may help with higher success rates for clients?
Despite current sexual politics, behavioral dependency does exist, called process addiction. Process addictions include compulsive gambling, internet, erotic image use, and genital self-stimulation. These practices can become problematic, negatively impacting work and relationships. The gambler lies to his family, and gaming increases until perhaps catastrophic loss. Erotic image viewing can escalate, with increasing intensity of content. Once image use habituates brain structure, users may progress by connecting to sex traffickers through web cams and direct messaging. Sexting nude images and money may be exchanged for in-person sexual encounters. The child porn user views online, then escalates by downloading and transmitting criminal content. Genital self-stimulation can alter brain chemistry and structure, increasing duration and frequency, negatively impacting marriage, intimacy, and career. Physical damage to genitalia may result by compulsive stimulation. All of these behaviors can then wire together, called a constellation. Each piece depends on the other to function. Process addictions feed on the energy of the entire system. One component impacts another, cascading through trillions to quadrillions of interconnected neural pathways.
My clients report they need to know if their acting out behaviors are addiction. Most are convinced they are in the cycle on uncontrollable dependency. Process addictions can be assessed by increased rewarding behaviors. This neurological process is called habituation or tolerance. Please see Key Vocabulary. When the brain becomes accustomed to the chemical transfer from a behavior, neural pathways change in composition. Decreasing the behaviors causes withdrawal symptoms like heightened anxiety, physical pain, urges to use, restlessness, irritability, and depression. A clinical assessment requires escalation of behaviors to diagnose a sex addiction.
My clients who occasionally search and view erotic images do not experience the biological need for greater intensity or duration. Therefore, I propose that these specific clients do not assess with addictive erotic image use. Do these behaviors miss the mark, undermining the relationship with God and family? My clients emphatically report, “yes”. Are these occasional incidents sex addiction? Not without escalation.
Enter unprocessed shame. The client who searches, views, and occasionally self-stimulates confesses these acts to faith-based networks. This community comprises support groups, sponsor, spouse, and or clergy. The responses vary: “relapse, sin, backsliding or covenant breaking”. Failure to abstain brings escalating unprocessed shame, but clients report the occasional searching and viewing continue unchecked.
The brain can wire to the components of this system called the constellation. Please see Key Vocabulary. The unprocessed shame and threat from the support network, very well may become the addict system itself. The energy for this constellation feeds on condemnation and judgment. Remove sensations of shame, then withdrawal symptoms emerge, triggering searching, viewing, and self-stimulating behaviors. Shame becomes the underlying driver of the searching and viewing behaviors. The addict system now requires shame, judgment, and condemnation to function. The addict system is the sum of all the pieces of the constellation. Without treating each part including the unprocessed shame and judgment, the addict system continues.
Sex addiction can be assessed by the presence of unprocessed shame, escalating behaviors, then more shame, with the inability to cease searching and viewing. The cyclic condemnation of the support network now participates in the acting-out behaviors. The client, who on occasion searches and views erotic images, cannot escape because the system will not permit him. The more shame the client feels, the more susceptible he is to acting out. The shame-based thinking of the support network drives the addict system. The client may become, in fact, a victim of the addict constellation orbiting him. My clients feel they cannot escape. The energy of the system feeds from the unprocessed shame of judgment and condemnation.
The Biblical concept of sin is, “missing the mark.” Does sexual gratification apart from one’s spouse miss the mark? Yes. Can this behavior be called sin? Yes. Can covenants of marriage be broken? Yes. Are these specific practices addictive relapse? No. Addictive systems escalate by intensifying content and duration. My male clients report no increase in symptoms.
If not “addiction” then what is this apocalyptic alien beast bursting from the bowels of the Book of Revelation? Why have current recovery movements been unable to treat it? Why do the men I care for suffer such pain? Where is the Good News of our faith for this population?
The foundation for this conversation bases on the life of Christ and the Bible.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to first-century ontological injuries with the blessing of God. Christ comforts the grieving, the isolated, and those threatened by persecution. (Matthew 5:1-12) In Matthew 7:1-2 Jesus concludes this beautiful sermon by giving the early church the mandate for judgment resistance. “Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Apostle Paul mirrors the same judgment-resistant message in Romans 2:1, “You who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” Is it possible that judgment and condemnation inspire unprocessed shame? Could it be unprocessed shame is a misuse of God’s image? Is it reasonable the compassionate truth of God’s Spirit can heal the ontological injury of searching and viewing behaviors?
Jesus and the Apostle Paul participated in the healing of sin’s ontological injuries. The infant church thrived in a maelstrom of dehumanizing sexual violence. The early church achieved this remarkable outcome without condemnation. Is it possible that judgment resistance with compassionate truth can restore the image of God? Can compassionate truth heal ontological injury?
Here are some examples of judgment resistance with compassionate truth from the life of Jesus and Paul the Apostle.
Jesus is queried about a man born blind. “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus said. “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:2-3)
Jesus then spits into dirt and filth, smearing masticated mud onto sightless eyes. Christ kindly invites cleansing the mess in a communal pool. Myopia clears, the blind man “sees”. The ontological injury, the pain, the unprocessed shame, all blend for as Jesus says, “so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” The takeaway seems to be that injuries have the potential to reflect the glory of God and are not intrinsically sinful.
Religious elitists seduce an unsuspecting woman with a lurid tryst. During coitus illicitus, the perverse politicians violently arrest her on grounds of sexual misconduct and bring her to Jesus. The hostile ploy attempts to level an accusation against Jesus by betraying and dehumanizing this woman. First-century Bible scholars cherry-pick Scripture, demanding execution. If Jesus whinces, he invites liability. Once again, Christ trusts in dust and filth. He stoops to inscribe divine words with human fingers. He then delivers perhaps the most brilliant pensive response in history. Jesus halts the hostility, cold turkey. He interrupts the violence with, “Let any one of you who is without (sexual) sin, be the first to throw a stone.” All leave, except the victim. Could it be that Jesus’ response triggered a trauma shutdown in the politicians? Jesus tenderly practices judgment resistance with the survivor, “Has no one condemned you?” She responds with the only three words her heart can muster, “No one, sir.” Christ transforms tragedy with compassionate truth, “Then neither do I condemn you, from now on, do not miss the mark.” (John 8:3-11; Glen Maiden translation from NT Greek) Jesus is completely honest about the damage of sin. He does not deny, deflect, or shut down. Christ beautifully uses compassionate truth to redeem both perpetrator and victim. He does so without damning anyone. (John 8)
Paul speaks of intense, personal, chronic injury. Prayerfully pleading three times, pain gives the Apostle a beat down. A Good Father tenderly responds, “My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul reflects, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) Great men often possess powerful weaknesses. Paul has no immunity from human frailty. Pain with weakness is, in fact entry point for the dynamic grace of God. Is it possible, the searching and viewing sensations pinpoint the location of God’s healing grace? Are dirt and filth ground zero for hope?
Romans 7 relays the personal struggle of history’s second-greatest Christian celibate. The chapter begins with marriage and sexual intimacy. Paul’s personal angst ends the piece, “Although I want to do good, the evil is right there with me. …I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Romans 7:21-23). Does Paul reflect the ontological injury of the men I work with? They feel incarcerated by repeated cycles of unprocessed shame, acting out, followed by more unprocessed shame. The response from their support network? Condemnation. Could it be that Paul’s treatment for this misuse of God’s image begins in Romans 8:1? “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin nd death.” Judgment resistance may be the beginning of restoring the image of God to the clients I work with. Ontological injury can be healed by the God who sent, “his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh.” (Romans 8:3) Therefore, we do not judge, nor do we participate in damning the sexual sins of others. In doing so, perhaps condemnation contributes energy to the addict system with its acting out? Or, is compassionate truth the healing path for these good men?
The Prophet Isaiah foresees the messianic character of Jesus in Isaiah 53. Although unattractive to casual observers, rejected and shamed by humankind, Christ willfully took our pain. He bore our suffering pierced for our “missed mark” of unrighteous relationship. Though crushed for our failure, his punishment brought us ontological peace within. The wounds of Jesus healed the image of God within. (Isaiah 53:2-5) Can the ontological injuries of my clients whose trauma has never been defined, be the place of God’s healing presence? I wonder if that is why Jesus used dirt and filth as a healing balm? Perhaps the humble dust from which man came begins a new creation?
What if we participate in the healing of each step in the process of seeking and viewing? What might outcomes look like, if we address each piece of the constellation?
Seeking sensations reveal ontological injury. But is the searching sin? In Christian theology, we call this temptation or in counseling “pressure testing”. Please see Key Vocabulary. Jesus was tempted. Pressure testing in itself is not missing the mark of right living. In fact temptation is affirmation of sonship, the character of the Christian life. Enduring pressure is the example of Christ.
Where do these sensations come from if they are not personal sin? Every man I work with who on occasion searches for and views erotic images has a history of sexual trauma as a child. Every single one. Research suggests 80% of sex addicts have experienced sexual trauma. My clients are devout Christians who love God and their families. They feel passion to honor both faith and marriage vows. The clients also report they cannot overcome these searching and viewing episodes. It appears to them God refuses to answer pleas for relief. This may parallel Paul’s reflection on his ongoing, “thorn in the flesh.” But on the other side of the same coin, as Paul says, what if the seeking sensation is the entry point for grace and power? Could it be, this wound exists for the glory of God? Can Christ heal the abuse of the image of God to restore others?
Perhaps we have viewed these searching and viewing events from the constellation orbiting my clients? Could it be that the unprocessed shame of sexual trauma underlies the weakness to overcome?
Is it reasonable, that trauma shuts down the decision-making portion of the brain? Can the atonement of Jesus touch the core of this injury? What if the goodness of God can heal the trauma driving the searching sensations?
I would like to suggest that the focus on healing the ontological injury of searching and viewing erotic images begins with compassionate truth. As we move through healing these wounds, let’s process this with the spiritual discipline of judgment resistance.
Awareness of Searching Sensations
When you notice searching sensations, can you journal the grief, isolation, or threat you sense? Are you able to take your pulse rate and journal the level of your anxiety state, 0-10? 0 is no anxiety and 10 borders panic. Between 80-100 heartbeats a minute, the prefrontal cortex begins to disable. Can you practice your breathwork by inhaling 4 seconds and exhaling 8? The exhaling triggers a parasympathetic calming response. This meditation can assist to bring your prefrontal cortex back online, restoring the brain’s ability to choose. What value would you give your current sensation of shame on a scale of 0-10? Zero is none and 10 is extreme shame? When you sense your shame diminishing, lets take the next step. What is your anxiety state and heart rate now, and is decision-making online or offline?
Compassion for Trauma
If you are logged on and viewing images, do you see a connection between this erotic media and your personal history of sexual trauma? Are there specific triggers in the content? Can you name them in your journal? For example, “The images are specific to the trauma I experienced….” Can you do your breathwork of 4 seconds inhaling and 8 seconds exhaling until your heart rate decreases? As anxiety diminishes, blood flow returns to the brain region responsible for decision-making. While you exhale, can you log off within 8 seconds?
One of my clients asked this question: “Is the intention (of this treatment plan) to give permission to have slips or to bring God’s grace into the situation after a slip has happened?” I felt some anxiety about this, too, when crafting this treatment vision. This specific population are not addicts making excuses for acting out or giving permission to view erotic images. The target group is sincere Christian gentlemen who understand the threats of using sexual media. The treatment suggests, if grief, isolation, or threat disregulates the decision-making portion of the brain, it is possible to bring the prefrontal cortex back on line with awareness and prayer. The result? The underlying driver of erotic image use finds healing and wholeness.
Now, can you take pleasure in a nutritious beverage? Secure your electronic device with gratitude. Go for a walk? Call a trusted support person? I call this caring for the image of God within. After you log off, can you journal a prayer of gratitude for your awareness? Are you able to be grateful for connecting images to personal trauma? Thank Him for the newfound strength?
In reflection how long was the duration of this event? Was the screen time less than in the previous episodes? Did the content upgrade? What are the sensations in your body now? What is your level of shame? What gratitude do you notice?
Finally, are you comfortable reaching out to a safe person in your network and sharing your experience? Can you do this with compassion for yourself? The truth is, “you are not an addict”. You are a survivor overcoming deep wounds. Compassion gives this gift to others.
God is finishing the good work He began in you. (Philippians 1:6) The Spirit of God nurtures you to wholeness. (Genesis 1:2) He is making all things new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) As Joseph speaks about his trauma in Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Can searching and viewing become the entry point of God’s grace? For some of us, this amazing truth can be known only in saliva and dust.
Key Vocabulary
Addictive Process: An anxiety reaction begins the initial transfer of chemicals from neuron through axon to neuron, called feedback. If anxiety state continues at an elevated level, the brain adjusts to restore balance, by changing structure. In terms of alcohol addiction, the alcoholic drinks six beers. The ethyl alcohol metabolizes to dopamine and the result is the intoxicating feeling of euphoria. During the transfer of dopamine through axons, the tubes conducting the neural chemicals expand four to five times carrying the greater volume. The change in axon structure is called tolerance or habituation (May, 1988; Carnes, 2014). After chemical transfer, axon diameter decreases in size but not as small as the original. The axon is now larger in diameter and requires more dopamine to have the same euphoric feeling. The next time the alcoholic consumes six beers, she will need more ethyl alcohol to have the same soothing effects because the diameter of axons has increased. Since the axons have tolerated or changed in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect. If anxiety reaction continues, the brain achieves a state called adaptation (May, 1988). Brain cells transform in composition, personality alters, DNA changes. This addict state now depends on the substance or relationship which began the anxiety reaction whether chemicals, sex, erotic images, gambling, working, etc (May, 1988, Carnes, 2014).
Adaptation: When axons tolerate or change in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect. If anxiety reaction continues, the brain achieves a state called adaptation (May, 1988). Brain cells transform in composition, personality alters, DNA changes. This addict state now depends on the substance or relationship which began the anxiety reaction whether chemicals, sex, gambling, working, etc (May, 1988, Carnes, 2014).
Anxiety State: There are four anxiety states in the human body. 1-Homeostasis is a balanced state of awareness, The Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) is online with spiritual connection. 2-Striated muscle anxiety is a lower anxiety state in which hands and fingers move, eyes blink, facial muscles respond to emotion. This state means the brain is capable to process, be intimate. 3-Smooth muscle anxiety is an anxiety state in which deeper muscles are effected and the body seems stiffer. A person sits without expression or facial muscle movement. The subtle facial reactions of smiling, blinking, itching disappear. The brain is disabling and not able to process content in a compassionate, reasonable, aware state. 4-Cognitive perceptual distortion is a disabled state in which the mind cannot process information and in fact may distort input. Words can be misinterpreted, conspiracy thinking presents, sight and sound altered.
Assessment: The healthy process of gathering and discussing character and behavior from multiple and diverse sources to develop intimacy with God and others. Scripture uses the term “test”. (1 John 4:1) In the Old Testament, assessment is achieved by the “test”imony of 2-3 witnesses. (Deuteronomy 19:15 and 1 Timothy 5:19) Assessment is source driven without unhealthy judgment or condemnation. Traits of assessment are:
Provide accessible and actionable information supporting spiritual growth.
An aspect of intimacy in which we can understand authenticity and embrace value.
Align with Biblical purpose to support knowledge transfer.
Create opportunities to recover the image of God
Promote justice
Association and Dissociation: Association is a regulated brain state in which the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is engaged/online with awareness, intimacy, compassion, and reason. This state can be termed, spirituality-activated. Dissociation on the other hand is a dysregulated brain state in which the preftontal cortex (PFC) is disengaged/offline. The white matter wires connecting the hemispheres begin to separate due to elevated anxiety with loss of arterial blood flow to the PFC. This produces a dissociative brain state in which people, places, things, sights, sounds, smells may not be associated. The dissociative brain is now “unaware” and cannot be intimate. This spiritual state is deactivated or offline.
Cognitive Perceptual Disruption: Cognitive perceptual disruption refers to a disturbance or alteration in the way an individual processes thoughts, perceptions, and sensory information. This can manifest as difficulties in understanding, interpreting, or responding to stimuli from the environment. Such disruptions may affect attention, memory, decision-making, and overall cognitive function, leading to challenges in navigating daily activities and interactions. This phenomenon is caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, fatigue, or neurological conditions, impacting how one perceives the God of our understanding and engagement with the world around them.
Communion: The final act of the Nature Immersion Creation Walk is communion. The Greek term for communion, eucharist, means “giving thanks”. Sharing the cup and the bread of Christ gratefully celebrates the redemption of humankind from sin to intimacy with God through Christ by His Spirit.
Constellations of Addict Systems:The constellation model of addiction recovery views dependency as a symptom of a larger system including unresolved trauma. The goal is to reveal and treat these hidden dynamics to break the cycle of addiction. (metataos.org.) Constellation also refers to the neurology of complex and interconnected genetic and brain connections that contribute to addiction. Research suggests that individual differences in brain connectivity can make a person more vulnerable to addiction, a vulnerability shared with other brain-related disorders. This “constellation” of genetic and neurological factors is a key area of study for understanding and treating addiction. When a person replaces one addiction with another, or is struggling with two or more addictions, it is called Addiction Interaction Disorder. This phenomenon simply means that the individual in question is using one or more compulsive and obsessive behavioral patterns to get over another. These connections become components of the constellation, which can become dependent on one another.
Creation: The natural order of beings formed by the intentional will of a compassionate Creator God. Creation by God refers to the divine act of bringing the universe and all its beings into existence. It encompasses the intentional and compassionate will of God, who forms and shapes beings with purpose and meaning. According to theological beliefs, God’s creation is often viewed as not just a one-time event, but a continuous process of nurturing and sustaining life.
In many religious contexts, creation is celebrated as a reflection of God’s character, reflecting His creativity, power, and love. The natural world, with its intricate ecosystems and diverse forms of life, is seen as evidence of God’s glory and artistic expression.
Furthermore, the idea of being created in the image of God establishes a connection between humanity and the divine. This belief emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, suggesting that each person carries an aspect of the Creator’s character within them.
Ultimately, creation by God is viewed as an invitation for humanity to engage with the world, recognizing the sacredness of life and the importance of stewardship over the environment. Through this lens, all creation is a manifestation of God’s ongoing involvement in the world, encouraging believers to experience and reflect on the divine presence in every aspect of life.
Created Beings: The use of the term “being” affirms the image of God in the Creation. This moves meaning from an object or item only concept like a “rock” to a more accurate connection of a solid complex creation of essential minerals and compounds. This term can de-objectify the created order focusing rather on benevolent intention of God. Historically culture “objectifies” humans distancing them from the image of God to become items, commercial containers for economic gain, and or ultimately victims.
Creation Theology: God exists always creating, changing, restoring, redeeming, healing, and speaking. The Holy Spirit in Creation constantly nurtures the natural order as a mother cares for her young. (Genesis 1:1-2) The Created order “declares the glory of God”.
Feedback: Chemical transfer in the brain when anxiety reacts. The purpose of feedback brings balance or homeostasis. For example, when new prescription glasses are worn for several days the prescription may be uncomfortable until the brain responds chemically to reduce the anxiety. When walking on the beach, the brain responds to the sound of crashing waves with feedback to block the sound. Suddenly, attention is drawn to the sound of the waves breaking on the beach and awareness that the brain was blocking the sound. Dairy farms smell pungent. The farmer however no longer reacts to the smell because the brain has adjusted chemically to the acrid aroma bring system balance reducing anxiety.
God Speaks in Creation: The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal “intimacy with God”…their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)
Habituation (Also called Tolerance): The initial transfer of chemicals from neuron through axon to neuron is called feedback. If anxiety state continues at an elevated level, the brain adjusts to restore homeostasis or balance, by changing structure. In terms of alcohol addiction, the alcoholic drinks six beers. The ethyl alcohol metabolizes to dopamine and the result is the intoxicating feeling of euphoria. During the transfer of dopamine through axons, the tubes conducting the neural chemicals expand four to five times carrying the greater volume. The change in axon structure is called tolerance or habituation (May, 1988; Carnes, 2014). After chemical transfer, axon diameter decreases in size but not as small as the original. The axon is now larger in diameter and requires more dopamine to have the same euphoric feeling. The next time the alcoholic consumes six beers, she will need more ethyl alcohol to have the same soothing effects because the diameter of axons has increased. Since the axons have tolerated or changed in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect.
Homeostasis: Neurological homeostasis refers to the state of balance and stability in the brain’s functioning and processes. It involves the regulation of neurotransmitters, neural pathways, and overall brain activity to ensure optimal functioning. In a state of homeostasis, the brain is able to effectively process information, maintain emotional stability, and perform cognitive tasks efficiently. This state is characterized by a well-functioning prefrontal cortex, which is involved in reasoning, decision-making, and emotional regulation. When homeostasis is disrupted, it can lead to various issues, such as anxiety, stress, or other mental health conditions. Overall, achieving neurological homeostasis is crucial for maintaining mental and spiritual well-being.
Humility and Generosity: The PFC focus with Nature Immersion.
Image of God:The “image of God” (Latin: imago Dei) is a theological concept in Judaism and Christianity, originating from Genesis 1:26-27, which states that God created humanity in his own image and likeness. This concept signifies that humans possess a unique, God-given nature that distinguishes them from other creatures and involves capacities like reason, consciousness, creativity, and the ability to form relationships. It also implies that humans are meant to act as God’s representatives on Earth, ruling over creation and reflecting God’s attributes to the world.
Key aspects of the image of God
Human uniqueness: It is the foundation of human dignity and value, setting people apart from the rest of creation.
Innate value: All humans, regardless of status or accomplishment, have inherent worth because they bear this image, which is why some consider every human life to be sacred.
Representative role: Humans are seen as God’s representatives, or vice-regents, in the world, tasked with ruling over creation in God’s stead.
Relational and moral capacity: It includes the ability to have a relationship with God and to reflect divine attributes like love, creativity, and moral reasoning.
Biblical basis: The concept is rooted in the Genesis creation account, though its meaning is debated and interpreted in various ways across both Old and New Testament theology.
Restoration: Some Christian traditions believe that sin marred the image of God, but it can be restored through faith and the life of Jesus Christ.
Intimacy with God: The 7 intimacies of Creation are: Spiritual, beauty of the created order, rest, pleasure, compassionate presence, reconciliation, and sexually healthy intimacy. (Genesis 1-4) The insular cortex located in the pre frontal cortex is responsible for intimacy in relationships and associating people, places, things, sights, sounds, and smells. Intimacy is essential to bring a dissociated state to an associated state. We call this associated state, “online”.
Judgment Resistance: A spiritual discipline honoring the words of Jesus and Paul the Apostle to abstain from judgment and condemnation. (Matthew 7:1 and Romans 2:1) Judgment and condemnation are driven by unprocessed shame. When these behaviors react in trauma or addiction neuro pathways, they feed the energy of addict systems. Compassionate truth without judgment or con-damning clients can heal constellations of addiction.
Meditation: Intentional focus on the character of God in creation through sound, sight, somatic sensation, and movement for the purpose of spiritual growth. Meditation connects the neurology of the brain and body, specifically the prefrontal cortex responsible for spirituality. Blessed is the one whose…pleasure is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water…whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3) Meditation reconnects white matter wiring connecting left and right brain hemispheres producing an associated neurological state called interoception.
Meditation on Motion (MOM): A meditation technique to increase attentive prayer. MOM connects the neurology of the brain and body to movement. This activates the intimacy part of the prefrontal cortex called the insular cortex. Specifically, meditation activates the proprioception and enteroception system of the brain. This system enables the brain to process information externally called proprioception, and internally termed enteroception.
Nature: The word nature originates from the Latin, “natura” meaning birth, origin, natural constitution or quality. The verb form is “nasci” meaning “to be born”. Biblical theology makes a distinction between nature and deity. Although nature bears the image of God, the Bible does not equate nature’s essence to be divinity. Nature and the created order include land and wildlife. The term can also relate to inanimate beings and the processes effecting them. For example, a stone can be referred to as a being as opposed to a product made by conscious decision by humans we call, artificial.
Ontological Healing: Recovering purpose through restoring the image of God by grace through faith in Christ.
Ontological Injury: A neurological and spiritual wound to one’s central or eternal purpose and therefore sense of being or identity. (Andrea Jordan, 2025)
Pleasure: One of seven intimacies of Genesis 1-4. The word “Eden” as in Garden of Eden means, pleasure. The final images of the Book of Revelation 21-22 restore “Eden” to the earth for God and man to enjoy together.
Pleasure of Compassionate Presence (PCP): A meditation technique connecting the neurologcial circuitry of the brain to the body through sensing sight, sound, somatic information, and smell. The Pleasure of Compassionate Presence is a prayerful meditation on the benevolent presence of God in our being.
Polyvagal Theory: Polyvagal Theory, created by Dr. Stephen Porges, is all about understanding how our nervous system affects how we feel and interact with the world. This theory suggests that we have three main parts to our nervous system. First, there’s the sympathetic nervous system, which kicks in when we’re stressed or scared—think fight-or-flight. Then there’s the parasympathetic system, which helps us relax and feel calm. A key player in this is the vagus nerve, which helps us manage our emotional responses and social connections. One interesting concept from Polyvagal Theory is “neuroception,” which is how our body instinctively senses safety or danger around us. When we feel safe, we’re more likely to connect with others and enjoy our surroundings. But when danger looms, our body reacts to protect us—sometimes by revving up for action or, in other instances, winding down to conserve energy.
Prefrontal Cortex: In mammalian brain anatomy, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the cerebral cortex which covers the anterior part of the frontal lobe. Many scholars indicate a direct link between the will to live, personality, intimacy, and spirituality with the prefrontal cortex. This brain region is responsible for spirituality, planning complex cognitive behaviors, system homeostasis, decision making, regulating sexual neural pathways, awareness of social cues, and some aspects of language. The activity of this brain region is called executive function organizing thoughts and actions with meaning.
Executive function analyzes conflicting ideas, good, bad, better, best, same, different, future outcomes, working for goals, predicting results, expectation, and social control. One aspect of social control is regulation of sexual neural pathways. The frontal cortex forms boundaries, and moral code. More anterior regions of the frontal cortex support boundary formation at higher levels of abstract thinking (APA Dictionary, 2021).
Providence of God: The both historical and present care, guidance, nurture, and control of the creation by God moving in divine purpose. Providence refers to God’s ongoing involvement in the world and in the lives of individuals. It encompasses the belief that God not only created the universe but also continues to care for and sustain it. This divine guidance means that God is actively orchestrating events and circumstances to fulfill His purposes and plans.
Providence can be understood in various ways:
1. **Sustaining Power**: God’s providence involves maintaining the existence and order of creation. This includes the natural laws governing the universe, as well as the life and well-being of all created beings.
2. **Guidance and Direction**: Providence implies that God provides direction and guidance, leading people toward their destinies and helping them navigate life’s challenges. This can manifest through circumstances, wisdom, or a sense of peace regarding certain decisions.
3. **Care and Protection**: The concept of providence also emphasizes God’s care for humanity. This includes protecting individuals from harm and providing for their needs, even in times of hardship.
4. **Purpose and Redemption**: Ultimately, God’s providence aims toward the fulfillment of His redemptive plan for humanity. This culminates in the belief that God works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Understanding God’s providence can offer comfort and assurance, especially during difficult times, reinforcing faith in His loving and purposeful engagement with creation.
Sexual Trauma Shutdown: PTSD literature has long identified the parasympathetic response to trauma called “shutdown”.Porge uses the term polyvagal theory to describe this phenomenon in the human system. Polyvagal shutdown is a state of prefrontal cortex disabling triggered by the dorsal vagal nerve when the body experiences real or perceived threat. This protective mechanism, acts as last resort when fight-or-flight responses are insufficient. It’s characterized by a drop in heart rate, respiration, low energy, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection or numbness.
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, outlines a hierarchy of nervous system states:
Ventral Vagal State: . This is a state of prefrontal cortex activity is characterized by calm, relaxed breathing, and a sense of connection to oneself and others.
Sympathetic State: . The fight-or-flight response, triggers by perceived danger followed by increased heart rate, breathing, and alertness.
Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown): . When fight-or-flight is not possible, the dorsal vagal nerve activates, leading to shutdown or immobilization.
In dorsal vagal shutdown, the body conserves energy and reduces pain perception by:
Decreasing heart rate and breathing thus reducing the body’s metabolic demands.
Dissociation involves a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings. When sexual trauma triggers shutdown, the brain is unable to process sexual health content.
Numbness and emotional detachment manifest as a lack of feeling or a sense of disconnection from awareness, compassion, and reason relating to sexual health content.
The body conserves energy by reducing activity levels with feelings of fatigue.
Digestive problems, nausea, or changes in pain perception may occur.
In this work the disabling of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in shutdown, prevents processing of sexual health content.
Shalom Space: A place of prayer and reflection on the Genesis God of Creation, Jesus the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Shalom Space has limited artificial distractions, enhancing connection to God in Christ. Jesus speaks about prayer in private. His example often models intimate prayer in nature.
Shame: In this work two aspects of shame are addressed; processed and unprocessed shame: Processed shame involves acknowledging and working through the deep-seated feeling of being fundamentally flawed, often stemming from trauma, rather than just a single bad action. This process includes taking responsibility for past mistakes, talking about feelings, finding emotional outlets, changing self-talk, and in some cases, seeking professional help to overcome the disabling beliefs that give energy to addiction cycles.
What processed shame looks like
Distinguishing it from guilt: Guilt is about feeling bad for an action, while processed shame involves a belief that “I am bad” at your core.
Breaking the cycle: Unprocessed shame can lead to a cycle of self-destructive behaviors that only intensify the shame, while processing it helps break this cycle.
Overcoming self-blame: It involves recognizing that your shame is not a reflection of your inherent worth, but often a response to past experiences like childhood trauma or neglect.
Integrating the self: Processing shame is about coming to terms with the past and integrating the experiences into your identity, rather than being controlled by them.
Unprocessed Shame: The second aspect of shame in this work is called unprocessed shame. Shame can originate from childhood experiences, such as trauma, abuse, or neglect, where needs were unmet or the child was shamed for who they were.
Inherited: It can be passed down through generations, with children absorbing the unhealed emotional wounds of their ancestors.
Internalization: Unprocessed shame is internalized as a part of one’s identity, leading to a persistent feeling of “not being good enough”.
Avoidance: People often use defense mechanisms like hiding, avoiding, or distracting themselves to cope, but this doesn’t make the feeling go away; it just pushes it deeper.
Consequences: Unprocessed shame can lead to a range of problems, including:
Mental health: Depression, anxiety, and narcissistic adaptations.
Emotional: Low self-esteem, self-loathing, chronic guilt, and anger.
Physical: Somatic symptoms like headaches, back pain, or other chronic pain.
Relationships: Difficulty with intimacy, a fear of rejection, and perpetuating the cycle by passing shame onto others.
Shock-Biological circulatory shock is the body’s instinctual, fight-or-flight stress response to the profound emotional trauma of a significant loss. This is not a metaphor; grief triggers a physiological cascade of hormones and nervous system changes that can have significant physical and mental health consequences.
When a person experiences a traumatic loss, their brain interprets the event as a threat to survival. This activates the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, initiating a series of physiological changes.
Release of stress hormones: The adrenal glands flood the body with cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). While useful for a short-term crisis, persistently high levels of these hormones can damage the body.
Fight-or-flight response: Adrenaline and noradrenaline cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate as the body prepares to confront or flee from a threat. This diverts blood flow away from non-essential functions like digestion and toward major muscles and the brain.
Immune system suppression: Elevated stress hormones suppress the immune system, leading to inflammation and a reduced ability to fight off illness. Studies show that bereaved individuals can experience measurable differences in immune function for many months after a loss.
Changes in brain activity: Neurological changes occur in the limbic system, which controls emotion, and the prefrontal cortex, which handles executive functions like memory, concentration, and emotional regulation.
Physical and mental symptoms of biological shock
The physiological changes induced by the shock of grief can manifest in a wide range of intense symptoms.
Cardiovascular
“Broken heart syndrome”: Medically known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, this is a real and temporary condition where intense emotional stress causes a sudden weakening of the heart muscle. Symptoms can mimic a heart attack, including chest pain and shortness of breath.
Higher heart attack risk: In the days and weeks following a significant loss, the risk of having a heart attack increases.
Elevated heart rate and blood pressure: These effects can last for an extended period after the initial loss.
Nervous system
Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, confusion, and disorientation are common cognitive effects.
Anxiety and panic: The persistent stress response can create feelings of anxiety and panic, sometimes with a heightened sense of alertness.
Numbness and dissociation: The brain may attempt to protect itself from emotional pain by inducing a feeling of numbness, fogginess, or detachment from reality.
Oversensitivity to noise: This can be a result of the heightened state of awareness characteristic of the fight-or-flight response.
Other physical symptoms
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, frequent waking, or excessive sleeping can occur.
Fatigue and exhaustion: Processing emotional trauma is draining and can lead to persistent fatigue.
Digestive problems: Stress hormones can upset the digestive system, causing nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation.
Aches and pains: Muscle tension and increased inflammation can cause headaches, back pain, and joint pain.
Changes in appetite and weight: People often experience a loss or increase in appetite, which can lead to weight fluctuation.
Sin: “Sin” meaning “missing the mark” is a concept derived from the Greek word hamartia and the Hebrew word chata, which were originally terms used in archery to describe an arrow that missed the target. It suggests that sin is a failure to reach a standard, not only through malicious intent but also through a general inability to meet divine standards, as in Romans 3:23: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
Archery analogy
Missed target: An archer who aims but whose arrow fails to hit the bullseye is said to have “missed the mark”.
Missing the mark: The analogy of the archer is used to explain sin as a failure to meet God’s intended standard or purpose.
Smooth Muscle Anxiety: This still state of the body may become more rigid, and individuals might experience symptoms such as digestive discomfort, increased heart rate, or shallow breathing. This condition indicates a higher level of distress where the brain’s processing capabilities diminish. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) becomes less engaged, leading to difficulties in emotional regulation and rational thinking.
Smooth muscle anxiety can impede one’s ability to feel present and connected, thereby hindering personal intimacy and engagement with the environment. Recognizing this state is essential for developing coping strategies that promote relaxation and facilitate a return to homeostasis. Techniques such as deep breathing, prayerful meditation, or gentle physical movement can help alleviate smooth muscle anxiety and improve overall well-being. Smooth muscle anxiety refers to a state of tension and stress that affects the body’s involuntary muscles, which are responsible for functions such as digestion, circulation, and regulation of internal organs. Unlike striated muscle anxiety, which involves voluntary movements, smooth muscle anxiety typically manifests as stiffness or tightness in areas that may not be readily noticeable, such as the gastrointestinal tract or internal organs.
Striated Muscle Anxiety: Striated muscle anxiety refers to a state of heightened tension and activity in the body, particularly involving the skeletal muscles that control voluntary movements. In this state, muscles may tighten, and individuals may exhibit physical signs such as fidgeting, tapping fingers, or shifting positions. This type of anxiety indicates that the brain is still capable of processing experiences, as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is engaged.
However, it is characterized by a reduced ability to be present and intimate due to the stress response. While people may be aware of their emotional state, their ability to fully engage and process situations compassionately is compromised. This level of anxiety can often manifest in feelings of nervousness and restlessness, making it difficult to focus or maintain calmness.
Understanding striated muscle anxiety is important for recognizing how physical tension relates to mental, emotional, and spiritual states, providing insights into methods for relaxation techniques that may improve overall well-being.
Trigger: A trigger is a stimulus (such as people, places, things, sounds, sights, smells, thoughts, or situations) causing a strong and often disproportionate emotional or physical reaction in a person, typically because it reminds them of a past traumatic event or worsens the symptoms of a mental health condition. The response can feel like the past trauma is happening again in the present, and it differs from a typical reaction because the intensity of the emotional response doesn’t match the current situation. Triggers are common in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but they can also affect individuals with anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders. A trigger is the leading edge of yielding to temptation. Understanding our unique triggers and the competence to attend to them can assist as Paul says, to prevail over temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Rev. Dr. Glen B. Maiden PhD, DMin, LMHC, CSAT, CMAT, CST, ANFT
Grief and Traumatic Loss
Nature Immersion:Creation Walk Journal
Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………2-6
How to Use This Journal……………………………………6-7
The 7 Intimacies………………………………………..…..8-11
Creation Scriptures……………………………………..…12-20
Journal: Session One…………………………………..….21-25
Journal: Session Two……………………………….….….26-31
Journal: Session Three………………………………….…32-29
Journal: Session Four……………………………….….….37-40
Journal: Session Five………………………………..…….41-44
Journal: Session Six………………………………….……45-48
Journal: Session Seven…………………………………….49-51
Journal: Session Eight…………………………………..…52-55
Journal: Session Nine………………………………..….…56-59
Key Vocabulary………………………..………………….60-79
The Author
Rev. Dr. Glen Maiden is a 40 year senior pastor serving Bible believing churches. He studied Bible, Greek, and Hebrew at Asbury University, ground zero for the 1971 and 2023 revivals. Glen received a Master of Theological Studies in New Testament and Christian Education from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He completed a Doctor of Ministry at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan focusing on the treatment of addiction and trauma in the church. He earned a PhD in Clinical Sexology from the International Institute of Clinical Sexology in Miami, Florida. This doctoral project focused on the Book of Genesis as a sexual health primer for faith-based families. Glen has certifications in sex addiction and multi addiction therapy through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals, Sex Therapy through the Therapist Certification Association and Sex Therapy Training Institute, and Forest Therapy by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Dr. Glen has full licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington.
Introduction
This journal is the compilation of over 4 decades of pastoral counseling serving thousands of Christians. The approach in this journal relies on Scripture with the life of Christ. Jesus is the exact image of God inherent in all Creation. Please download the free Hope XP app in all stores and click on Imago Curo, Caring for the Image of God, for this beautiful theology of God’s image. All Bible references are from the New International Version.
In addition to Scripture, you will find evidence-based therapeutic exercises, and an anxiety regulation health practice called, Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk. This practice is the most impacting spiritual discipline of prayer and meditation I have ever experienced. I believe you too will love connecting to God with prayer in His creation. When you download the Hope XP app, you may also enjoy a fuller treatment of Nature Immersion and the Creation Walk by clicking on the link.
Nature Immersion builds upon an evidence-based health initiative called Forest Bathing. Forest Therapy, founded by Amos Clifford, of the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy, is the next generation of this treatment. Nature Immersion builds upon this evidence-based research using Scripture and prayer for faith based participants.
Forest Therapy with its Biblically-based counterpart, Nature Immersion, features a 2 hour gentle wander connecting to the image of God in nature. Participants will find this unique stress management downregulates anxieties establishing prayer with reflection as transformational Christian disciplines. Studies show neurological effects are not only immediate, but also endure from one to several days.
The practice of Forest Bathing, known as “Shinrin Yoku” in Japanese, originated during the early 1980s to combat the escalating medical crisis among Japan’s labor force. The term, Shinrin Yoku, translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere,” encouraging participants to immerse themselves in nature to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The Japanese government officially recognized forest bathing as a reimbursable form of health insurance, promoting it as an evidence-based medical treatment to reduce stress. Studies conducted in conjunction with Forest Bathing reveal numerous health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels, improved mood, and enhanced immune function.
Today, Forest Bathing is embraced as a global disease-prevention phenomenon, with many organizations and practitioners offering guided experiences focusing on polyvagal sensory engagement within natural settings. This movement continues to highlight the importance of spending time in nature as a means to promote health and spiritual wholeness.
Over 2000 years ago, Jesus first modeled prayer and reflection in nature. Christ, baptized in the Jordan river by desert prophet, prayed and relied on Scripture while tested in the wilderness, transfigured on mountain summit, and then surrendered to divine will in an olive grove. Jesus then atoned for humankind’s sin by crucifixion on a tree. After three days, Christ rose from death in a garden for grieving loved ones. Do you see connections to the Genesis Creation and the life of Christ?
Scripture reflects the premier pleasure of God at Creation in the forest of Eden. The final scene in the Book of Revelation restores these same beautiful images to post-apocalypse survivors. The forests of Genesis and Revelation both border crystal waters healing humanity broken by trauma. Life-giving light radiates from the Creator of all things without whom only darkness reigns.
Nearly 4 billion humans embrace the Biblical God of Genesis and the Creation. 50% of earth’s inhabitants acknowledge on some level the Creator of Genesis and the image of God in nature. This may be the largest faith based homogenous group on planet earth.
Could nature serve as a “container” for the God of Genesis to transform the human heart? In this place of Eden pleasure grow healing leaves, nurtured by life giving waters, birthed in light created from the heart of God. Does it seem intuitive that nature is the place where the Gospel was first preached to humankind?
Though the Bible does not teach nature is deity, the forest does reflect the image of God. Could the Creator of Genesis and Book of Revelation reconnect the broken places of the heart within nature’s beauty?
The Holy Spirit connects to nature. The Spirit first appears in Genesis 1.1-2. The premier task…nurture chaos darkness to light. The beauty of this scene produces the forests to which is given the first commandment in Scripture, “sprout, grow, reproduce.… (Genesis 1:11)
What if the image of God within nature by design can rewire the human system? Is it possible to connect to the Spirit of God among healing leaves and forest splendor?
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)
Does the Creation still pour forth the speech of God? Do the works of God in nature continue to speak today without words? Could it be nature is the Bible’s container for the Gospel?
Nature Immersion: The Creation Walk
The Creation Walk literally breathes life into lungs of weary worshipers. This gentle 2 hour “wander” connects faith-based people to the God of Creation through His Word. Nature Immersion’s evidence-based techniques lower anxiety allowing the spiritual center of the brain to “come online”.
What to expect on the “Creation Walk”
1. The Creation Walk begins by introducing prayer with reflection.
Group Reflection
2. The 7 Intimacies connect the neurology of the brain with the body.
Group Reflection
4. Prompts for listening prayer with reflection wire the intimacy region of the brain called the insular cortex which regulates the entire human system.
Group Reflection
5. Communion with Gratitude
Closing Group Reflections
How to Use this Journal
The Nature Immersion: Creation Walk Journal is a prayer and reflection discipline assisting to transform the neurological wiring of the brain and body. You will find your nervous system actually resetting to a place of health and balance using these practices. The first mention of the Spirit in Genesis 1:2 carries the nurturing image of a mother caring for and protecting her young. She brings her offspring from the liminal place of dependence to wholeness and transformation. The theology of the Spirit of God throughout Scripture transforms the human heart.
Connecting to the Word of God in Creation begins with the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4; intimacy which is spiritual, beautiful, pleasurable, restful/rejuvenating, compassionate in presence, reconciliatory, and creative. Intimacy in this journal means, “I notice the image of God in Creation, and Christ sees into me, intimacy.”
Your guide will lead you through each of the 7 intimacies. You will experience immediate anxiety regulation with the prefrontal cortex (PFC) coming back “online”.
Three evidence based exercises assist the neuroplasticity of the brain to rewire health and wholeness to the body. These disciplines focus on the reward circuitry of: the pleasurable will of God, attending to triggers, and finally, boundaries.
The 7 Intimacies of Genesis
Anxiety Regulation Exercise
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? What do sense about your skin under your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture? (Please see “created being” in the Key Vocabulary.)
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you? What do you sense about your body’s motion? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity’s pull? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings that touch your heart? Pick up as many as you wish.
Genesis 1:11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.
Gen 4:1 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
Creation Scriptures
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:6-8,14,15
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters…
Genesis 3:8
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day….
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight (pleasure) is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 8:3
When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—
Psalm 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 23:1-4
A psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Psalm 33:6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Psalm 46:1-11
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done,
The desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 115:116
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
the firmament.
Psalm 136.1-9
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
Psalm 150:1-2
Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power…
Proverbs 3:19-20
The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. By His knowledge, the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.
Job 9:8-9
He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, of the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
Job 38:4-7
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, …
Isaiah 40:26
Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 45:12
It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host.
Jeremiah 10:12
The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.
Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You.
John 1:3
Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
John 20:11-16
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene in Garden Beauty
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
Acts 14:17
Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believes….
Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.
Colossians 1:16
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Hebrews 11:13
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”
Revelation 22:2
On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Nature Immersion: Creation Walk Journal
Session One
In this session we will:
Enjoy these beautiful passages of Scripture on God’s Creation
Find a Shalom Space free from the artificial to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Journal specific pleasures for spiritual, relationship, mental, and physical health.
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 3:8
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day….
John 1:3
Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
John 20:11-16
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene in Garden Beauty
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
The Book of Genesis and the Gospel of John follow the same beautiful storyline. God crafted the natural world. Jesus made all created beings. In Genesis 3:8 God walks with and talks to humankind. The container for connection between the Creator and the created is forest splendour. In John 20:11-16 Jesus, The Creator God, raised from death, once again speaks to humans in Eden beauty.
Let’s begin to connect to God in The Creation.
Find your “Shalom Space”, a place where your heart can rest undistracted from anything artificial. (Please see “Shalom Space” in the Key Vocabulary.)
The 7 Intimacies of Genesis
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you?What do you sense about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you sense gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a compassionate God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings that touch your heart? Pick up as many as you wish.
Gen 4:1 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
What do you notice about your anxiety state? When your anxiety lessens, write down what the focus for your spiritual health is today. What aspects of God’s pleasurable will can you focus on for your spirituality: prayer, gratitude, Bible reading, service?
Next journal the pleasure you will focus on in terms of your intimate relationships: text kind words, make amends, reach out, ask partner for a date, inquire how you may serve your family?
Thirdly, can you journal, if you wish, the pleasurable focus you will have for your mental health: rest, go to counseling, connect with your group, read a good book, take pleasure in…?
Finally, can you journal what you will focus on in terms of your physical health: exercise, eat one green meal today, take a nap, enjoy the pleasure of a healthy snack?
Can you end your journaling with gratitude for the life of Christ? His birth, death, and resurrection? What gratitude do you sense in your body?
Session Two
In this session we will:
Take pleasure in these Scriptures
Find a Shalom Space free as much as possible from the artificial world to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Journal “triggers”
Psalm 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”
Revelation 22:2
On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Please read these beautiful passages of Scripture. The Creation speaks. Always. The created order carries the image of God telling us about the character of Christ. Notice how a focus on Creation connects to God’s character in the Law. Creation and the Law reflect similar beauty. The Revelation 22:2 passage speaks of the healing nature of the trees. The Creation in nature speaks of God’s image in goodness, beauty, and pleasure in right living with healthy boundaries.
Please find your Shalom without artificial distractions. Then, can you engage these 7 intimacies?
The 7 Intimacies of Genesis
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you?What do you notice about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity pulling you? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings that touch your heart? Pick up as many as you wish.
Gen 4:1 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
In session one, we journaled the beautiful, pleasurable practices we will engage in this week. Now, can you journal what you notice about your spirituality when triggered (Please see the definition for the term, “trigger”, in the Key Vocabulary): what is the trigger for temptation; perhaps grief, isolation, threat?
Second, can you journal what you notice about your relationships before conflict takes place: what is the trigger for arguments with the people you love; erotic image use, compulsive spending, criticism?
Next, please journal if you wish, triggers for your mental health: shame, financial pressure, rejection, lonliness?
Finally, can you journal triggers for your physical health: intoxication, binging-food, problematic sex, spending?
Can you end your journaling with gratitude for the comfort, guidance, conviction, and cleansing of the Holy Spirit? What gratitude do you notice in your body? What shows up, when you reflect on “being grateful”?
Session Three
In this session we will:
Take pleasure in these Scriptures
Find a Shalom Space free as much as possible from the artificial world to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Journal “boundaries”
Psalm 46:1-11
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done,
The desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Romans 1:16-20
I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believes…For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.
Colossians 1:16
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Hebrews 11:13
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”
Please find your Shalom without artificial distractions to practice the 7 intimacies.
The 7 Intimacies of Genesis
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you?What do you notice about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you sense gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings that touch your heart? Pick up as many as you wish.
Gen 4:1 Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
I love Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” The word “know” means, to be intimate with. This sensation of knowing is spiritual, beautiful, restful, pleasurable, compassionate in presence, reconciling, and is only healthy.
You have journaled the pleasureable focus points for your life this week, then trigger awareness. Finally, please journal the boundaries you will choose this week.
What will you not participate in spiritually this week: shame, condemnation, resentment, distance from God?
What will you avoid with the people you love: criticism, silent treatment, resentment, rage?
What will you not permit for your mental health: shame, self loathing, binging erotic images, work obsession without rest?
What will you not allow your physical health to suffer: intoxication, binging food, over spending?
Can you end your journaling with gratitude to God, for your relationships, mental health, and the image of God in you? Can you pray your journaling to God in nature?
Session Four
Circulatory Shock
In this session we will:
Take pleasure in these Scriptures
Find a Shalom Space free as much as possible from the artificial world to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Take care of the image of God in you when you sense your system is in shock
Seek the compassionate presence of healthy people
Job 3:25-26 What I feared has come upon me; what I dread has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, only turmoil.
Matthew 26:38 My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.
Luke 22:44 And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Find your Shalom apart from the artificial. Can you practice the 7 intimacies in your Shalom Space?
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you?What do you sense about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you sense gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (coering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings/non-artificial that touch your heart? What gratitude do you feel for The Creation?
Genesis 1:24And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so.
One of the early experiences of traumatic loss is literal circulatory-shock. (Please see the Key Vocabulary for “shock”.) The brain dysregulates, adrenaline transfers, catastrophic thinking escalates, and we may feel we won’t survive.
Shock is responsible for the disabling of PFC with its compassion, reason, choice, awareness, and the ability to regulate sexual neural pathways. Attending to physical shock is essential in recovering from traumatic loss.
When adrenaline transfers, heart rate escalates to approximately 120 heartbeats per minute. As adrenaline releases into the brain, negative intrusive thoughts can spin due to the transfer. You may feel catastrophic sensations like, “my relationship is done, I won’t make it through this, etc.” Adrenaline processes through the body between 15 minutes to an hour. Do some light exercise, go for a walk with your breath work of 4 seconds inhale and 8 seconds exhale. When your heart rate normalizes and catastrophic thinking diminishes, you know your body is regulating and the PFC is coming online.
When you are in a state of shock, seek the compassionate presence of safe people. Isolation is the killer at this stage of grief. Being alone in grief can escalate the sensations of shock and increase adrenaline transfer with catastrophic feelings.
Can you journal the safe people you can connect with when you experience loss?
Session Five
Guilt and Shame
In this session we will:
Take pleasure in these Scriptures
Find a Shalom Space free as much as possible from the artificial world to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Journal the guilt and shame you notice
Job 4:7 Eliphaz: Consider now; who being innocent has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.
Job 8:3-4 Bildad: Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? When your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin.
John 11:2-37 Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died…Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?
Find your Shalom apart from the artificial. Can you practice the 7 intimacies in your Shalom Space?
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you?What do you sense about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your muscles? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings/non-artificial that touch your heart? What gratitude do you feel for The Creation?
Find your Shalom with as little artificial distraction as possible.
Breathe in 4 counts and exhale 8 seconds. Do this breathwork until you sense your anxiety diminishing and your focus increasing. I enjoy praying the Lord’s prayer at this point.
The writer of Proverbs 4:23 instructs us to, “above all else guard, protect, watch or be aware of our heart.” (Strong, H5341)
Can you place your hand (if you wish and feel comfortable doing so) over your heart? Do you have any sensations of guilt or shame? Like peeling an onion, can you look underneath? What do you see?
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
James 5:13-1 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
When you are at the bottom of your emotional assessment, can you journal this meditation? End with gratitude to God for the forgiveness of sin by Christ’s atonement on the cross? Can you pray your journaling to God on the Creation Walk?
Journal
Session Six
Anger and Rage
In this session we will:
Take pleasure in these Scriptures
Find a Shalom Space free as much as possible from the artificial world to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Journal anger and rage
Romans 1:18-20 The wrath (rage, Strong G3709) of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Job 3:1-3 After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day he was born. He said, “Let the day be lost on which I was born, and the night which said, ‘A boy is born.’
John 11:33-38 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved (snort with anger: Strong, G1690) and troubled. …Jesus once more deeply moved (snort with anger: Strong, G1690) came to the tomb.
Ephesians 4:26-27 In your anger (rage, Strong G3710) do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry (enraged, Strong, G3950), and do not give the devil a foothold.
Find your Shalom apart from the artificial. Can you practice the 7 intimacies in your Shalom Space?
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you?What do you sense about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your muscles? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings/non-artificial that touch your heart? What gratitude do you feel for The Creation?
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Place your hand on your heart if you feel comfortable to do so. Do your breathwork, inhale 4 seconds, exhale 8 seconds. When you feel anxiety diminishing, can you identify the emotion in your heart area? Do you notice anger or rage? Breathe 4 seconds in, and 8 seconds out. Can you notice any emotion underneath the anger and rage? Keep moving through this exercise until you reach the bottom of your emotional assessment and there is no more sensation of anger or rage.
If anger and rage remain, can you write a letter to the person or persons you feel anger or rage about? Pray the letter to God on a Nature Immersion Creation Walk?
Journal
Session Seven
Despair
In this session we will:
Take pleasure in these Scriptures
Find a Shalom Space free as much as possible from the artificial world to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Journal despair you may notice in your body
Genesis 6:5 The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.
Job 3:11-24 Why did I not perish at birth and die as I came out of the womb? …for sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water.
Lamentations 1:16 This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears. No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed.
John 11:35 Jesus wept.
Find your Shalom apart from the artificial. Can you practice the 7 intimacies in your Shalom Space?
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you?What do you sense about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings/non-artificial that touch your heart? What gratitude do you feel for The Creation?
Genesis 1:31God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
Find your Shalom Space away from the artificial. With your hand on your heart, do your breathwork? When your heart will let you, do you feel catastrophic feelings, guilt or shame, anger or rage, despair? If you feel despair, can you peel back that layer and notice what lies underneath? When you are at the bottom of your sensation of despair, can you journal the underlying drivers of despair ending with gratitude? Can you pray your journaling to God in the Creation?
Session Eight
Intimacy of Surrender, Gratitude, and Worship
In this session we will:
Take pleasure in these Scriptures
Find a Shalom Space free as much as possible from the artificial world to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Journal gratitude for transformation
Job 42:5 My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.
Isaiah 53:10-12
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied: by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore, I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
John 11:43 Lazarus, come out! The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Revelation 11:16-17And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying:“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was,because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.
Find your Shalom apart from the artificial. Can you practice the 7 intimacies in your Shalom Space?
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created non artificial being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice in motion nearest you?What do you sense about your body? What do you feel about the tightness in your muscles? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Can you feel the pull of gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (covering their shame).
Creation: Do you see any created beings/non-artificial that touch your heart? What gratitude do you feel for The Creation?
Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Can you journal the transformation you have experienced and read it to your safe friends and perhaps to God in prayer on a Creation Walk?
Journal
Session Nine
Trauma Shutdown
In this session we will:
Take pleasure in these Scriptures
Find a Shalom Space free as much as possible from the artificial world to practice the 7 intimacies of Genesis 1-4
Journal your trauma narrative
Pray your journal to God in The Creation
Post traumatic stress literature has long identified one response to trauma called “shutdown”. Porges uses the term polyvagal theory to describe this phenomenon in the human body. In this journal shutdown will be connected to the processing of sexual health content. (Please see polyvagal theory and shutdown in the Key Vocabulary.)
When the body experiences real or perceived threat, the polyvagal protective system acts as last resort when fight-or-flight responses are insufficient. It’s characterized by a drop in heart rate, respiration, low energy, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection or numbness.
In shutdown, the body conserves energy and reduces pain perception by:
Dissociating to feelings of detachment from the body or surroundings. When trauma triggers this shutdown, the dissociative brain is unable to process sexual health content. At this point many people of faith report inability to control the urge to use erotic images or act out sexually contrary to their belief system and spiritual discipline.
The disabling of the PFC during shutdown, prevents processing of sexual content. The treatment for sexual trauma shutdown therefore has potential to associate the prefrontal cortex with awareness, compassion, and reason. The Nature Immersion Journal is designed to assist the brain to associate, come back online, and attend to problematic sexuality with compassion and reason.
Find your Shalom apart from the artificial. Can you practice the 7 intimacies in your Shalom Space?
Spirit: What do you notice about the wind? On your skin? Beneath your clothes?As you breathe in, what do you smell? What taste do you notice in your mouth?
Gen 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Beauty: What light do you see far away? What light do you notice nearest you?
Gen 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Pleasure: Take pleasure in a created being around you. What is the texture?
Gen 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden (Pleasure); and there he put the man he had formed.
Rest: What do you see moving furthest from you? What do you notice moving nearest you?What do you sense about your body? What do you notice about the tightness in your body? Do you sense your feet touching the ground? Do you feel gravity? What do you notice about the alignment of your hips, your spine, your neck?
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Compassionate Presence: If a benevolent God made nature for you by His Word, what message do you notice He might be speaking to you personally?
Gen 2:22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
Reconciliation: What do you notice about connection with the Creation? Do you sense wholeness and reconciliation?
Gen 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.
Creation: Do you see any created beings/non-artificial that touch your heart? What gratitude do you feel for The Creation?
When you have achieved a state of balance, can you speak to God about your trauma? Place your hand on your heart, and speak to Jesus about your pain? Do you feel comfortable to ask the Spirit to heal this narrative? What if the problematic sexuality you experience during shutdown, speaks of the trauma you experienced earlier in life? What if this transparent prayer tenderly leads you to redemption and the healing grace of God in Christ?
Can you pray your trauma narrative to God in His Creation?
Journal
Key Vocabulary
This key vocabulary list looks at the Biblical-theological and neuroscience terms used in the Nature Immersion: Creation Walk.
Addictive Process: An anxiety reaction begins the initial transfer of chemicals from neuron through axon to neuron, called feedback. If anxiety state continues at an elevated level, the brain adjusts to restore balance, by changing structure. In terms of alcohol addiction, the alcoholic drinks six beers. The ethyl alcohol metabolizes to dopamine and the result is the intoxicating feeling of euphoria. During the transfer of dopamine through axons, the tubes conducting the neural chemicals expand four to five times carrying the greater volume. The change in axon structure is called tolerance or habituation (May, 1988; Carnes, 2014). After chemical transfer, axon diameter decreases in size but not as small as the original. The axon is now larger in diameter and requires more dopamine to have the same euphoric feeling. The next time the alcoholic consumes six beers, she will need more ethyl alcohol to have the same soothing effects because the diameter of axons has increased. Since the axons have tolerated or changed in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect. If anxiety reaction continues, the brain achieves a state called adaptation (May, 1988). Brain cells transform in composition, personality alters, DNA changes. This addict state now depends on the substance or relationship which began the anxiety reaction whether chemicals, sex, erotic images, gambling, working, etc (May, 1988, Carnes, 2014).
Adaptation: When axons tolerate or change in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect. If anxiety reaction continues, the brain achieves a state called adaptation (May, 1988). Brain cells transform in composition, personality alters, DNA changes. This addict state now depends on the substance or relationship which began the anxiety reaction whether chemicals, sex, gambling, working, etc (May, 1988, Carnes, 2014).
Anxiety State: There are four anxiety states in the human body. 1-Homeostasis is a balanced state of awareness, The Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) is online with spiritual connection. 2-Striated muscle anxiety is a lower anxiety state in which hands and fingers move, eyes blink, facial muscles respond to emotion. This state means the brain is capable to process, be intimate. 3-Smooth muscle anxiety is an anxiety state in which deeper muscles are effected and the body seems stiffer. A person sits without expression or facial muscle movement. The subtle facial reactions of smiling, blinking, itching disappear. The brain is disabling and not able to process content in a compassionate, reasonable, aware state. 4-Cognitive perceptual distortion is a disabled state in which the mind cannot process information and in fact may distort input. Words can be misinterpreted, conspiracy thinking presents, sight and sound altered.
Association and Dissociation: Association is a regulated brain state in which the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is engaged/online with awareness, intimacy, compassion, and reason. This state can be termed, spirituality activated. Dissociation on the other hand is a dysregulated brain state in which the preftontal cortex (PFC) is disengaged/offline. The white matter wires connecting the hemispheres begin separation due to elevated anxiety with loss of blood flow to the PFC. This produces a dissociative brain state in which people, places, things, sights, sounds, smells may not be associated. The dissociative brain is now “unaware” and cannot be intimate. This spiritual state is deactivated or offline.
Cognitive Perceptual Disruption: Cognitive perceptual disruption refers to a disturbance or alteration in the way an individual processes thoughts, perceptions, and sensory information. This can manifest as difficulties in understanding, interpreting, or responding to stimuli from the environment. Such disruptions may affect attention, memory, decision-making, and overall cognitive function, leading to challenges in navigating daily activities and interactions. This phenomenon is caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, fatigue, or neurological conditions, impacting how one perceives the God of our understanding and engagement with the world around them.
Communion: The final act of the Nature Immersion Creation Walk is communion. The Greek term for communion, eucharist, means “giving thanks”. Sharing the cup and the bread of Christ gratefully celebrates the redemption of humankind from sin to intimacy with God through Christ by His Spirit.
Creation: The natural order of beings formed by the intentional will of a compassionate Creator God. Creation by God refers to the divine act of bringing the universe and all its beings into existence. It encompasses the intentional and compassionate will of God, who forms and shapes beings with purpose and meaning. According to theological beliefs, God’s creation is often viewed as not just a one-time event, but a continuous process of nurturing and sustaining life.
In many religious contexts, creation is celebrated as a reflection of God’s character, reflecting His creativity, power, and love. The natural world, with its intricate ecosystems and diverse forms of life, is seen as evidence of God’s glory and artistic expression.
Furthermore, the idea of being created in the image of God establishes a connection between humanity and the divine. This belief emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, suggesting that each person carries an aspect of the Creator’s character within them.
Ultimately, creation by God is viewed as an invitation for humanity to engage with the world, recognizing the sacredness of life and the importance of stewardship over the environment. Through this lens, all creation is a manifestation of God’s ongoing involvement in the world, encouraging believers to experience and reflect on the divine presence in every aspect of life.
Created Beings: The use of the term “being” affirms the image of God in the Creation. This moves meaning from an object or item only concept like a “rock” to a more accurate connection of a solid complex creation of essential minerals and compounds. This term can de-objectify the created order focusing rather on benevolent intention of God. Historically culture “objectifies” humans distancing them from the image of God to become items, commercial containers for economic gain, and or ultimately victims.
Creation Theology: God exists always creating, changing, restoring, redeeming, healing, and speaking. The Holy Spirit in Creation constantly nurtures the natural order as a mother cares for her young. (Genesis 1:1-2) The Created order “declares the glory of God”.
Feedback: Chemical transfer in the brain when anxiety reacts. The purpose of feedback brings balance or homeostasis. For example, when new prescription glasses are worn for several days the prescription may be uncomfortable until the brain responds chemically to reduce the anxiety. When walking on the beach, the brain responds to the sound of crashing waves with feedback to block the sound. Suddenly, attention is drawn to the sound of the waves breaking on the beach and awareness that the brain was blocking the sound. Dairy farms smell pungent. The farmer however no longer reacts to the smell because the brain has adjusted chemically to the acrid aroma bring system balance reducing anxiety.
God Speaks in Creation: The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal “intimacy with God”…their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)
Habituation (Also called Tolerance): The initial transfer of chemicals from neuron through axon to neuron is called feedback. If anxiety state continues at an elevated level, the brain adjusts to restore homeostasis or balance, by changing structure. In terms of alcohol addiction, the alcoholic drinks six beers. The ethyl alcohol metabolizes to dopamine and the result is the intoxicating feeling of euphoria. During the transfer of dopamine through axons, the tubes conducting the neural chemicals expand four to five times carrying the greater volume. The change in axon structure is called tolerance or habituation (May, 1988; Carnes, 2014). After chemical transfer, axon diameter decreases in size but not as small as the original. The axon is now larger in diameter and requires more dopamine to have the same euphoric feeling. The next time the alcoholic consumes six beers, she will need more ethyl alcohol to have the same soothing effects because the diameter of axons has increased. Since the axons have tolerated or changed in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect.
Homeostasis: Neurological homeostasis refers to the state of balance and stability in the brain’s functioning and processes. It involves the regulation of neurotransmitters, neural pathways, and overall brain activity to ensure optimal functioning. In a state of homeostasis, the brain is able to effectively process information, maintain emotional stability, and perform cognitive tasks efficiently. This state is characterized by a well-functioning prefrontal cortex, which is involved in reasoning, decision-making, and emotional regulation. When homeostasis is disrupted, it can lead to various issues, such as anxiety, stress, or other mental health conditions. Overall, achieving neurological homeostasis is crucial for maintaining mental and spiritual well-being.
Humility and Generosity: The PFC focus with Nature Immersion.
Intimacy with God: The 7 intimacies of Creation are: Spiritual, beauty of the created order, rest, pleasure, compassionate presence, reconciliation, and sexually healthy intimacy. (Genesis 1-4) The insular cortex located in the pre frontal cortex is responsible for intimacy in relationships and associating people, places, things, sights, sounds, and smells. Intimacy is essential to bring a dissociated state to an associated state. We call this associated state, “online”.
Meditation: Intentional focus on the character of God in creation through sound, sight, somatic sensation, and movement for the purpose of spiritual growth. Meditation connects the neurology of the brain and body, specifically the prefrontal cortex responsible for spirituality. Blessed is the one whose…pleasure is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water…whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3) Meditation reconnects white matter wiring connecting left and right brain hemispheres producing an associated neurological state called interoception.
Meditation on Motion (MOM): A meditation technique to increase attentive prayer. MOM connects the neurology of the brain and body to movement. This activates the intimacy part of the prefrontal cortex called the insular cortex. Specifically, meditation activates the proprioception and enteroception system of the brain. This system enables the brain to process information externally called proprioception, and internally termed enteroception.
Nature: The word nature originates from the Latin, “natura” meaning birth, origin, natural constitution or quality. The verb form is “nasci” meaning “to be born”. Biblical theology makes a distinction between nature and deity. Although nature bears the image of God, the Bible does not equate nature’s essence to be divinity. Nature and the created order include land and wildlife. The term can also relate to inanimate beings and the processes effecting them. For example, a stone can be referred to as a being as opposed to a product made by conscious decision by humans we call, artificial.
Pleasure: One of seven intimacies of Genesis 1-4. The word “Eden” as in Garden of Eden means, pleasure. The final images of the Book of Revelation 21-22 restore “Eden” to the earth for God and man to enjoy together.
Pleasure of Compassionate Presence (PCP): A meditation technique connecting the neurologcial circuitry of the brain to the body through sensing sight, sound, somatic information, and smell. The Pleasure of Compassionate Presence is a prayerful meditation on the benevolent presence of God in our being.
Polyvagal Theory: Polyvagal Theory, created by Dr. Stephen Porges, is all about understanding how our nervous system affects how we feel and interact with the world. This theory suggests that we have three main parts to our nervous system. First, there’s the sympathetic nervous system, which kicks in when we’re stressed or scared—think fight-or-flight. Then there’s the parasympathetic system, which helps us relax and feel calm. A key player in this is the vagus nerve, which helps us manage our emotional responses and social connections. One interesting concept from Polyvagal Theory is “neuroception,” which is how our body instinctively senses safety or danger around us. When we feel safe, we’re more likely to connect with others and enjoy our surroundings. But when danger looms, our body reacts to protect us—sometimes by revving up for action or, in other instances, winding down to conserve energy.
Prefrontal Cortex: In mammalian brain anatomy, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the cerebral cortex which covers the anterior part of the frontal lobe. Many scholars indicate a direct link between the will to live, personality, intimacy, and spirituality with the prefrontal cortex. This brain region is responsible for spirituality, planning complex cognitive behaviors, system homeostasis, decision making, regulating sexual neural pathways, awareness of social cues, and some aspects of language. The activity of this brain region is called executive function organizing thoughts and actions with meaning.
Executive function analyzes conflicting ideas, good, bad, better, best, same, different, future outcomes, working for goals, predicting results, expectation, and social control. One aspect of social control is regulation of sexual neural pathways. The frontal cortex forms boundaries, and moral code. More anterior regions of the frontal cortex support boundary formation at higher levels of abstract thinking (APA Dictionary, 2021).
Providence of God: The both historical and present care, guidance, nurture, and control of the creation by God moving in divine purpose. Providence refers to God’s ongoing involvement in the world and in the lives of individuals. It encompasses the belief that God not only created the universe but also continues to care for and sustain it. This divine guidance means that God is actively orchestrating events and circumstances to fulfill His purposes and plans.
Providence can be understood in various ways:
1. **Sustaining Power**: God’s providence involves maintaining the existence and order of creation. This includes the natural laws governing the universe, as well as the life and well-being of all created beings.
2. **Guidance and Direction**: Providence implies that God provides direction and guidance, leading people toward their destinies and helping them navigate life’s challenges. This can manifest through circumstances, wisdom, or a sense of peace regarding certain decisions.
3. **Care and Protection**: The concept of providence also emphasizes God’s care for humanity. This includes protecting individuals from harm and providing for their needs, even in times of hardship.
4. **Purpose and Redemption**: Ultimately, God’s providence aims toward the fulfillment of His redemptive plan for humanity. This culminates in the belief that God works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Understanding God’s providence can offer comfort and assurance, especially during difficult times, reinforcing faith in His loving and purposeful engagement with creation.
Sexual Trauma Shutdown
PTSD literature has long identified the parasympathetic response to trauma called “shutdown”.
Porge uses the term polyvagal theory to describe this phenomenon in the human system.
Polyvagal shutdown is a state of prefrontal cortex disabling triggered by the dorsal vagal nerve when the body experiences real or perceived threat. This protective mechanism, acts as last resort when fight-or-flight responses are insufficient. It’s characterized by a drop in heart rate, respiration, low energy, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection or numbness.
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, outlines a hierarchy of nervous system states:
Ventral Vagal State: . This is a state of prefrontal cortex activity is characterized by calm, relaxed breathing, and a sense of connection to oneself and others.
Sympathetic State: . The fight-or-flight response, triggers by perceived danger followed by increased heart rate, breathing, and alertness.
Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown): . When fight-or-flight is not possible, the dorsal vagal nerve activates, leading to shutdown or immobilization.
In dorsal vagal shutdown, the body conserves energy and reduces pain perception by:
Decreasing heart rate and breathing thus reducing the body’s metabolic demands.
Dissociation involves a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings. When sexual trauma triggers shutdown, the brain is unable to process sexual health content.
Numbness and emotional detachment manifest as a lack of feeling or a sense of disconnection from awareness, compassion, and reason relating to sexual health content.
The body conserves energy by reducing activity levels with feelings of fatigue.
Digestive problems, nausea, or changes in pain perception may occur.
In this work the disabling of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in shutdown, prevents processing of sexual health content.
Shalom Space: A place of prayer and reflection on the Genesis God of Creation, Jesus the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Shalom Space has limited artificial distractions, enhancing connection to God in Christ. Jesus speaks about prayer in private. His example often models intimate prayer in nature.
Shock-Biological circulatory shock is the body’s instinctual, fight-or-flight stress response to the profound emotional trauma of a significant loss. This is not a metaphor; grief triggers a physiological cascade of hormones and nervous system changes that can have significant physical and mental health consequences.
When a person experiences a traumatic loss, their brain interprets the event as a threat to survival. This activates the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, initiating a series of physiological changes.
Release of stress hormones: The adrenal glands flood the body with cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). While useful for a short-term crisis, persistently high levels of these hormones can damage the body.
Fight-or-flight response: Adrenaline and noradrenaline cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate as the body prepares to confront or flee from a threat. This diverts blood flow away from non-essential functions like digestion and toward major muscles and the brain.
Immune system suppression: Elevated stress hormones suppress the immune system, leading to inflammation and a reduced ability to fight off illness. Studies show that bereaved individuals can experience measurable differences in immune function for many months after a loss.
Changes in brain activity: Neurological changes occur in the limbic system, which controls emotion, and the prefrontal cortex, which handles executive functions like memory, concentration, and emotional regulation.
Physical and mental symptoms of biological shock
The physiological changes induced by the shock of grief can manifest in a wide range of intense symptoms.
Cardiovascular
“Broken heart syndrome”: Medically known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, this is a real and temporary condition where intense emotional stress causes a sudden weakening of the heart muscle. Symptoms can mimic a heart attack, including chest pain and shortness of breath.
Higher heart attack risk: In the days and weeks following a significant loss, the risk of having a heart attack increases.
Elevated heart rate and blood pressure: These effects can last for an extended period after the initial loss.
Nervous system
Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, confusion, and disorientation are common cognitive effects.
Anxiety and panic: The persistent stress response can create feelings of anxiety and panic, sometimes with a heightened sense of alertness.
Numbness and dissociation: The brain may attempt to protect itself from emotional pain by inducing a feeling of numbness, fogginess, or detachment from reality.
Oversensitivity to noise: This can be a result of the heightened state of awareness characteristic of the fight-or-flight response.
Other physical symptoms
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, frequent waking, or excessive sleeping can occur.
Fatigue and exhaustion: Processing emotional trauma is draining and can lead to persistent fatigue.
Digestive problems: Stress hormones can upset the digestive system, causing nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation.
Aches and pains: Muscle tension and increased inflammation can cause headaches, back pain, and joint pain.
Changes in appetite and weight: People often experience a loss or increase in appetite, which can lead to weight fluctuation.
Shutdown
PTSD literature has long identified the parasympathetic response to trauma called “shutdown”. Porges uses the term polyvagal theory to describe this phenomenon in the human system. In this work shutdown will be connected to the processing and communication of sexual health content.
Polyvagal shutdown is a state of prefrontal cortex disabling triggered by the dorsal vagal nerve when the body experiences real or perceived sexual threat. This protective mechanism, acts as last resort when fight-or-flight responses are insufficient. It’s characterized by a drop in heart rate, respiration, low energy, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection or numbness.
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, outlines a hierarchy of nervous system states:
Ventral Vagal State: . This state of prefrontal cortex balance is characterized by calm, relaxed breathing, and a sense of connection to oneself and others.
Sympathetic State: . The fight-or-flight response is triggered by real or perceived danger followed by increased heart rate, breathing, and alertness.
Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown): . When fight-or-flight is not possible, the dorsal vagal nerve activates, leading to shutdown or immobilization.
In dorsal vagal shutdown, the body conserves energy and reduces pain perception by:
Decreasing heart rate and breathing thus reducing the body’s metabolic demands. Dissociation involves a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings. When sexual trauma triggers shutdown, the brain is unable to process sexual health content.
Numbness and emotional detachment manifest as a lack of feeling or disconnection from awareness, compassion, and reason relating to sexuality. The human system becomes unable to process sexual health and safety content.
The body conserves energy by reducing activity levels with feelings of fatigue.
Digestive problems, nausea, or changes in pain perception may occur.
The disabling of the PFC in shutdown, prevents processing of sexual content. The treatment for sexual trauma shutdown therefore has potential to activate the PFC with awareness, compassion, and reason.
Smooth Muscle Anxiety: This still state of the body may become more rigid, and individuals might experience symptoms such as digestive discomfort, increased heart rate, or shallow breathing. This condition indicates a higher level of distress where the brain’s processing capabilities diminish. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) becomes less engaged, leading to difficulties in emotional regulation and rational thinking.
Smooth muscle anxiety can impede one’s ability to feel present and connected, thereby hindering personal intimacy and engagement with the environment. Recognizing this state is essential for developing coping strategies that promote relaxation and facilitate a return to homeostasis. Techniques such as deep breathing, prayerful meditation, or gentle physical movement can help alleviate smooth muscle anxiety and improve overall well-being. Smooth muscle anxiety refers to a state of tension and stress that affects the body’s involuntary muscles, which are responsible for functions such as digestion, circulation, and regulation of internal organs. Unlike striated muscle anxiety, which involves voluntary movements, smooth muscle anxiety typically manifests as stiffness or tightness in areas that may not be readily noticeable, such as the gastrointestinal tract or internal organs.
Striated Muscle Anxiety: Striated muscle anxiety refers to a state of heightened tension and activity in the body, particularly involving the skeletal muscles that control voluntary movements. In this state, muscles may tighten, and individuals may exhibit physical signs such as fidgeting, tapping fingers, or shifting positions. This type of anxiety indicates that the brain is still capable of processing experiences, as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is engaged.
However, it is characterized by a reduced ability to be present and intimate due to the stress response. While people may be aware of their emotional state, their ability to fully engage and process situations compassionately is compromised. This level of anxiety can often manifest in feelings of nervousness and restlessness, making it difficult to focus or maintain calmness.
Understanding striated muscle anxiety is important for recognizing how physical tension relates to mental, emotional, and spiritual states, providing insights into methods for relaxation techniques that may improve overall well-being.
Trigger: A trigger is a stimulus (such as people, places, things, sounds, sights, smells, thoughts, or situations) causing a strong and often disproportionate emotional or physical reaction in a person, typically because it reminds them of a past traumatic event or worsens the symptoms of a mental health condition. The response can feel like the past trauma is happening again in the present, and it differs from a typical reaction because the intensity of the emotional response doesn’t match the current situation. Triggers are common in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but they can also affect individuals with anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders. A trigger is the leading edge of yielding to temptation. Understanding our unique triggers and the competence to attend to them can assist as Paul says, to prevail over temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The Pacific Ocean connects me to my brothers and their families. My oldest brother lives in Astoria, Oregon and my middle brother and his family lives in San Diego, CA.
The Columbia is a powerful river connecting Portland and our community.
This is a very special place of amazing history. Lewis and Clark drank from these streams. They were noble men who respected the Native American Clatsop peoples.
Awareness
There is one toxic conifer called the Pacific Yew. It can be identified by its red berries, shiny bark, and short needles.
There are no poisonous animal beings in our area. The only threats are bear and cougar.
There have been no sightings of either for years. The trail also has some roots to watch out for. This is a a gentle well groomed path.
Mosquitoes can be problematic in the Summer.
The sit spot is located at the arrow. The trail is indicated by the oval black line.
The Pacific Ocean is at the top of the pic and the Columbia enters just to the right.
Session Four: Treatment for Problematic Sexuality………………………………..……………….………………………………………38
Key Vocabulary…………………………………………………………………………………46
The Book of Revelation Sexual Health and Safety Workbook
Introduction
Welcome to the Revelation and Porn Workshop. For the first time in over 2000 years of New Testament literary history all sexual health terms and images of the Book of Revelation appear in one place. In addition these words compare with the 180 unique terms and images throughout the entire Bible. The goal restores the Scriptural basis for sexual health education into the hands of parents. Seven times the Bible mandates caregivers educate their children about the Word of God including sexual health. The Biblical command directs to parents, not secular or sacred institutions.
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (Deuteronomy 4:9)
The workshop provides all Revelation sexual health terms in the original languages using an online Bible search engine. The Blue Letter Bible (BLB) brings depth and meaning of God’s word to families with easy to understand technology. The free online Blue Letter Bible allows examination of Biblical terms as close to the original authors as possible.
At no time does the Workshop intend to dictate gender politics or coerce sexual ethics. The objective gives caregivers tools to teach their children as the Scriptures mandate.
Rev. Dr. Glen Maiden PhD, DMin is a Biblical sexual health educator and pastoral counselor for over 40 years. His undergraduate degree from Asbury University (1984) majored in Bible and Biblical Languages of Hebrew, Koine Greek, and Classical Greek. Dr. Glen earned a masters in New Testament and Christian Education from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (1987). Doctor of Ministry from Western Theological Seminary focused on the neuroscience and theology of treating addiction and trauma. An earned PhD in Clinical Sexology from the International Institute of Clinical Sexology examined the Book of Genesis as a sexual health positive primer for families (2022). Dr. Glen is a licensed mental health counselor in the State of Washington, and holds certifications in trauma and sex addiction treatment, multiple addiction recovery, and has board certification as a clinical sex therapist.
How to Use this Workbook
The Revelation Workshop uses Biblical theology or the “Scripture interpreting Scripture” method of translation. Orthodox theology embraces the major councils of church history. “Scripture interpreting scripture” is an evidence based method orthodox Christians use to assess the Bible. Orthodox interpretation relies on multiple Scriptural witnesses from the Old and New Testaments for meaning. Biblical theology opposes the “proof texting” method of interpretation shaping major theological beliefs from a single passage of Scripture. Proof texting typically projects personal political agendas rather than the life of Christ as reflected in the Bible. Scripture interpreting scripture is a time tested evidence based methodology.
Before the Workshop please prepare a laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Download the free Hope XP and Blue Letter Bible apps. The Hope XP app has access to all sexual health terms of the Bible. The Blue Letter Bible app is a free search engine to assist in translating sexual health texts.
All sexual health terms in the Workshop define with Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic for the Old Testament, Koine Greek and Classical Greek for the New Testament. English Bible citations in the Workshop come from the The New International Version (NIV), the current most preferred English translation. (Rainer, 2021)The Old Testament Hebrew text reflects the Westminster Leningrad Codex (WLC) and the Greek New Testament is based on the Morphological Greek New Testament (GNT). The WLC and GNT are cited for accuracy. Click on the WLC and GNT links for a deep dive into the integrity of these manuscripts. The Workshop places Biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek in easy to understand ways for parents.
Each sexual health term has a unique identifier. For example, the Greek New Testament (GNT) verb por-NEW-oh,“to sex traffic humans”, connects to the number 72G. The “G” stands for the Greek language. The Old Testament Hebrew counterpart to “sacred sex trafficking” is zah-NAH. This Old Testament term identifies with 72H. The “H” tells readers zah-NAH is a Hebrew word.
For example:
72G. To Sex Traffic Humans or To Engage the Secular Sex Trade, por-NEW-oh (Rev 2:20) Strong, g4203
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality (por-NEW-oh) and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
8 times in 7 GNT (Morphological Greek New Testament) verses
72H. Sacred Sex Trafficking or Secular Sex Trade, zah-NAH (Gen 34:31) Strong, h2181
But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute (zah-NAH)?”
93 times in 81 WLC (Westminster Leningrad Codex) verses
The (GNT) term “to sex traffic humans or to engage the secular sex trade”, por-NEW-oh, is followed by the phonetic Greek spelling for correct pronunciation. The emphasis falls on the second syllable, NEW with raised voice inflection. Parentheses mark the Biblical citation, (Rev 2:20) so the Biblical verse can be examined by the reader. Hover a cursor over (Rev 2:20) and the option of “clicking on” a link leads to the Blue Letter Bible (BLB). This free app is breakthrough technology for studying sexual health terms. Some of the features of the Blue Letter Bible (BLB) include:
Multiple translations
Definitions
Original languages
Commentaries
Lists of word use in the entire Bible
Next, the Strong’s concordance number appears, Strong, g4203. The number 4203 follows “g” standing for the Greek language. Hover a cursor over the Strong’s number and the link connects to the Blue Letter Bible (BLB) examining how a word translates from Genesis through to Revelation. Finally, the number of times within verses of the (GNT) appears.
8 times in 7 GNT (Morphological Greek New Testament) verses
The Old Testament Hebrew word for sex trafficking humans or to engage the sex trade, zah-NAH follows the same method. 72H means the Hebrew, zah-NAH, connects in meaning to the (GNT) New Testament por-NEW-oh, 72G. Next the phonetic pronunciation appears, zah-NAH. Emphasis falls on the second syllable, NAH. Within parentheses the citation (Gen 34:31) can be clicked linking to the Blue Letter Bible (BLB) for assessment. Finally, the number of times the Hebrew term in the Westminster Leningrad Codex (WLC) appears.
For example:
93 times in 81 WLC (Westminster Leningrad Codex) verses
The Hope of the Revelation Workshop
Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” (Deuteronomy 4:10)
The vision of the Revelation Workshop restores the Word of God into the hands of caregivers. Faith based families believe God’s word can change not only humankind but the individual family. The great reformations of history including Moses, The Prophets, King Josiah, Jesus, and the early church were at core sexual health movements. All great cultural revolutions of faith focused on intimacy with God and the Bible’s sexual health and safety vision for children.
The prayerful outcome of this work seeks to bring sexual education choices back to caregivers based on the sacred text of God’s word. What if this generation can replace the porn industry as the primary sexual health educator for our children? What if this reform bases on the Word of God in the hands of caring parents?
The Book of Revelation and Intimacy with God
“Seeing God in creation, Creator-God sees into me, intimacy.”
The Book of Revelation speaks hope and healing to people of faith. Christ rules over the New Heavens and New Earth in the final reveal of chapters 21-22. (Revelation 21-22) The Lamb overcomes global pandemics defeating corrupt political actors. The climax of Christ’s reign redeems the trauma of human trafficking.
John the Revelator “sees” healing for broken humanity in the final snap shot of the Bible.
Rev 22:1-4
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations…They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
The Books of Revelation and Genesis both begin with “seeing”. Intimacy can be thought of as, “Seeing God in creation, The Creator-God sees into me, intimacy.” Genesis uses the phrase, “and God saw…” seven times in chapters 1. (Genesis 1:4,10,12,18,21,25,31) John the Revelator too speaks of “seeing”:
Rev 1:2 …who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Intimacy can be thought of as fully knowing another in Spirit, beauty, pleasure, health, compassion, reconciliation and sexuality. The Prophets of the Old Testament believed the downfall of the people of Israel linked to lack of knowing God. The Hebrew term yah-DAH can mean to know intimately or fully.
Hos 5:4
“Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution (spirit of human sex trafficking) is in their heart; they do not acknowledge (yah-DAH) the LORD.
Hos 6:3
Let us acknowledge (yah-DAH) the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge (yah-DAH)him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
The Hebrew word for intimacy, yah-DAH, connects to the premier sexual health positive term for genital intercourse of Genesis 4:1.
Gen 4:1
Adam made love to (yah-DAH) his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
The New Testament also speaks of fully knowing of God. The Greek term for knowing parallels the Hebrew word, yah-DAH.
Jhn 8:19
Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”
Jhn 17:3
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Jesus mirrors the words of Old Testament Prophets when indicting first century religious leaders for lost awareness. “Knowing” in these passages connects intimacy with God to a spiritual, beautiful, healthy, pleasurable, compassionate, reconciling relationship with Christ. The Workshop views intimacy with God as central to treat problematic sexuality.
Summary of Revelation
The Book of Revelation begins with Jesus encouraging the persecuted church. The first mandates in this great letter? “Write this down…’Do not fear.’” (Revelation 1:11-17) The final two chapters of Revelation reveal the last chapter of life…God controls human destiny. As the Workshop moves through Revelation’s pandemics, politics, and porn…let us…not be afraid…God has your last chapter covered.
Rev 1:17
When I saw him (Jesus), I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”
As a parent and grandparent, unsettled thoughts for my family come to mind. Propagandists coerce sexual politics onto elementary school children. The porn industry leads as primary sex educator for children. Faith institutions neglect the spirituality and beauty of Biblical sexuality modeled by Jesus. Until now.
The goal of the Revelation Workshop places the Word of God into hands of caregivers for the sexual education of their children. The Workshop bases on Biblical data not sexual politics. Parents choose the direction for the family based on the inspired, unerring, unfailing Word of God reflecting through the life of Christ.
Accurate Biblical Content
Sexual health education requires accurate content. The Revelation Workshop places reliable Biblical data into the hands of caregivers who are commanded, “to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.” (Psalm 78:5-7)
26 unique sexual health terms appear in 22 chapters of The Book of Revelation. 9 sexual health positive words occur: covenant, naked, conceive, give birth to, labor, offspring, virgin, bride, and bridegroom. All Revelation sexual health positive terms first appear in the Book of Genesis. I call Genesis “the sexual health big picture of the Bible”. The Book of Genesis sets the tone for all Scripture where 23% of all sexual health terms in the Bible first appear.
All 10 Revelation unhealthy sexuality terms connect to sacred sex trafficking. The final unhealthy sexuality term in Revelation is male sex trafficker, “POR-nos”. Interesting to note “sex trafficked female” is the final Hebrew unhealthy sexuality term in the Book of Genesis, zah-NAH. (Strong, g4205 and h2181) The sexual health vocabulary of the Bible shows remarkable unity throughout.
Seven names and locations for sex trafficking occur in Revelation: Nicolaitans, Balak, Balaam, Jezebel, Sodom, Babylon, and lead female sex trafficker literally, “The Mother of Sex Traffickers”. The only name not mentioned in the Old Testament is, “Nicolaitans”. This means “people of victory” in Greek and may not have existed in the Old Testament.
This may mean that John the scribe of Revelation relied on the Genesis sexual health big picture for content. This makes sense given that nearly 25% of all sexual health terms in the Bible first appear in the Book of Genesis. The sexual health vocabulary of Genesis weaves a thematic message of intimacy, health, and safety throughout the Bible.
The premier sexual health positive word in Revelation is, covenant.
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant (dia-THEY-kay). And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
Covenant connects to the first sexual health positive mandate of (Genesis 1:22). The “be fruitful and increase” command begins every relationship or covenant in the Book of Genesis. Click on the (Genesis 1:22) link and all “be fruitful and increase” Scriptures can be examined. This phrase means reproduction of the created order including the term for intimacy of genital intercourse, yah-DAH, to know. (Strong, h3045) The word group for sexual intimacy and health connect to “covenant” throughout Genesis.
100% of the Revelation unhealthy sexuality terms link directly to the economy of human sex trafficking. Four Greek words, called the “porn word group”, describe sex trafficking. Por-NEW-oh is the action verb meaning “ to sex traffic humans”. (Strong, g4203) The verb appears 8 times in the New Testament 5 of which occur in Revelation. All Revelation por-NEW-oh citations connect to sacred cult worship rather than the secular sex trade called prostitution.
Por-NAY-ah is the feminine noun for “sacred sex trafficking” appearing 24 times in the New Testament. (Strong, g4202) Revelation uses sacred sex trafficking 7 times, 9 times in Paul’s writings and the Gospels with Acts cite 8 times. All Revelation uses of por-NAY-ah occur with idolatrous worship and not secular prostitution.
POR-nay is the noun for sex trafficked female or female sex trafficker appearing 12 times in the New Testament. (Strong, g4204) Revelation uses POR-nay 5 times connecting to demons and spirits, Jesus refers to sex trafficked females 3 times, Paul twice, and the General Epistles twice.
POR-nos is the noun for sex trafficked male or male sex trafficker. (Strong, g4205) Paul cites male traffickers 6 times, the writer of Hebrews twice, and Revelation 2 times. Both Revelation references to POR-nos link idolatrous worship to male sex traffickers and not to males in the secular sex trade.
The Book of Revelation uses the porn word group 19 of 54 times in the New Testament. 34% of the New Testament use of the porn word group appears in the Book of Revelation. John, Revelation’s scribe, and Paul the Apostle are the only authors to use all four forms of the porn word group.
Sacred sex trafficking is the Greek New Testament root word for the modern term, porn as in pornography, porn industry, etc. This may be helpful to caregivers as they teach their children about sexual health, erotic images, objectification for personal gratification, and dehumanizing others for sex and money.
The Porn Word Group and Sacred Sex Trafficking
The sex trade formed a major economic piece of ancient Near Eastern culture the Workshop calls, “sexeconomy”. In the Sumerian era 1750 BCE religious actors coerced children, men, and women into places of worship for “sacred sex trafficking”. The Old and New Testaments of the Bible feature extensive sacred sex trafficking references over 1500 years of authorship. The sacred sex trade devoted food, human sacrifice, and money in places of worship to appease deities and fund institutions. The sex trade of the ancient Near East also involved secular sex workers many of whom were trafficked by slave owners.
Mt. Vesuvius entombed thousands of Pompeii’s residents in a pyroclastic cloud of debris in the first century CE. Volcanic thermal ash both buried and preserved the shapes of 1150 bodies and structures with their artwork. 25 distinct brothels have been excavated in the ancient city of Pompeii’s 10,000-20,000 inhabitants. Inscriptions on buildings and streets reveal penises pointing potential customers to the largest brothel called, “The Wolf Den”. Two stories tall with ten rooms, frescoes featured erotic images and graffiti etched with customer reviews. Small windowless rooms painted with pornographic images offered menus of service with pricing for various forms of intercourse. Pompeii’s brothels prove the existence of the first century secular sex trade distinct from temple cults.
The Bible cites numerous sections for the sexual safety of children. Leviticus prohibits trafficking family members into the sex trade. Leviticus 19:29 commands parents not to sell their daughters for sex. Tannehil makes the case that trafficking a child was more affordable than paying an expensive marriage dowry. (Note too the use of the trigger term, chaw-LAWL, often connecting a decline in sexual health and safety. Chaw-LAWL first appears in the sexual health decline snap shot of Genesis 6. The underlying reason for annihilation of humankind by flood in Genesis 7-9 is global sexual trauma.) (Gen 6:1; Strong, h2490) The prophets of both Old and New Testaments speak against trafficking boys, girls, and adults.
They cast lots for my people and traded boys for prostitutes (zah-NAH); they sold girls for wine to drink.
In the first century CE Paul the Apostle and John the scribe of Revelation repeat similar concern.
1Ti 1:10
..for the sexually immoral (POR-nos, male sex traffickers), for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders (human traffickers) and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine….
Rev 18:11-13
“The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore—…cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.
The phrase “human beings sold as slaves” literally means, “selling human flesh and the souls of men.”
Trafficking provided a sexeconomy not only for the secular sex trade, but also “substantial part of the temple’s income” (Tannehill, 1980, p. 79). The business of the sacred sex trade provided tremendous profit to religious institutions. The sexeconomy coerced sex workers to perform for more money. One sex worker named Metiche, with the stage name, Clepsydra-stop watch, streamlined length of customer intercourse for greater income. (Tannehill, 1980, p. 100). King Solomon posted the greatest economic growth in Israel’s history. The emperor also introduced the sexeconomy of Ashtoreth, known as Asherah, with its history of sex trafficking. 300 years after Solomon introduced Israel to the sacred sex trade of his wives, King Josiah’s reform removed the quarters for sex trafficked males from the temple in Jerusalem.
He (Solomon) followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done. On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods.
2Ki 23:7
He (Josiah) also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the temple of the LORD, the quarters where women did weaving for Asherah.
The Hebrew language uses gendered words for sex trade income. Female earnings are called eth-NAWN. (Strong, h868) The specific male sex trade term for income is meh-CHERE. (Strong, h4242)
You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute (eth-NAWN) or of a male prostitute (meh-CHERE) into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.
Four Forms of The Porn Word Group
God has always connected to humankind through words. Jesus is the word. Sexual health and safety terms of the Bible are important for parents of faith. People of faith understand Scripture bears the image of God breathed by His Spirit. Examining the word for porn in the Bible may very well assist parents educating their children.
The Revelation Workshop uses the the online Blue Letter Bible search engine to assess terms with integrity. The purpose places accurate Biblical content into the hands of caregivers to teach their children about sexual health. Examining the porn word group of Revelation may help parents communicate values about the image of God versus objectifying humans for sex and money.
The first porn citation in Revelation is the verb por-NEW-oh “to sex traffic humans.” (Strong, g4203) All 8 occurrences in 7 verses of the GNT (Morphological Greek New Testament) term por-NEW-oh link to religious cult practice and idolatry.
Rev 2:14
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality (por-NEW-oh).
An infamous Old Testament character, Balaam led the Israelites into the sacred sex trade of Numbers 25:1-3.
Num 25:1-3
While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality (zah-NAH is Hebrew Old Testament and por-NEW-oh is Greek) with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the LORD’s anger burned against them.
Both the Hebrew word zah-NAH (WLC) and the Greek term por-NEW-oh (GNT) connect to food sacrificed to idols and the religion of Baal. Meaning lord, Baal worship links the sex trade to religious cult practice. “Trafficking” appears in the porn definition due to, “power differential”. When a religious institution directs worshipers to have sex for pay, the clergy act in place of the deity. The clergy’s position legitimizes the sex act for both the victim trafficked and the payers. The temple staff received financial benefit from the intercourse. The clergy mediated blessing to the sacred sex participants from deities. Recent history has shown the power differential in clergy sex offending cases. Perpetrators used positions of power to groom and then assault children by ensuring trust from the parents. This power differential legitimized in part because clergy stood in place of deity during religious rituals.
The second porn term to appear in Revelation is the feminine noun, por-NAY-ah, sacred sex trafficking. Appearing 25 times in 24 verses of the GNT, Por-NAY-ah connects to sacred cult practices in 20 of the 25 GNT occurrences.(Strong, g4202) The Gospels feature por-NAY-ah 5 times: twice as cause for divorce and evil thoughts, and once in conflict with religious leaders who resist the idea they are sex trafficked spawn. (Matthew 5:32, 15:19, 19:9; Mark 7:22 and John 8:41) Beginning in Acts 15:20 through Revelation all uses of por-NAY-ah occur with sacred cult worship of food sacrificed to idols. 80% of all uses of por-NAY-ah link to religious practices in the GNT.
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute (POR-nay), who sits by many waters.
Sex trafficked female or female sex trafficker, POR-nayis Greek for the Hebrew word, zah-NAH. (Strong, g4204 and h2181) Appearing 93 times in 91 verses of the WLC, zah-NAH connects to rape and coercive sex in Genesis.
Shechem, a local tribal chief, rapes Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob. In retaliation, Dinah’s brothers annihilate the chieftain’s male population. When confronted for the massacre, the brothers respond,
“Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute (zah-NAH)?” (Genesis 34:31)
The first Biblical use of zah-NAH links the non consensual nature of sex trafficked girls and women. Dinah’s brothers compare her rape to the violence against sex trafficked females. The final two uses of zah-NAH in Genesis relate the coercive sex snap shot of Tamar and Judah.
When Judah saw her (Tamar), he thought she was a prostitute (zah-NAH) for she had covered her face. Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “And what will you give me to sleep with you?” she asked.
This coercive sexuality snap-shot in Genesis 38 narrates the family betrayal of Judah and his daughter in law, Tamar. Judah promised his son, Shelah, in marriage to Tamar but reneged. The vengeful daughter retaliates posing as a zah-NAH, sex trade worker. She conspires to seduce a pregnancy by her father in law. Judah impregnates Tamar unaware of their family connection. When Judah attempts to send payment for the sex act, Tamar is not called a secular prostitute. The designation forTamar is, “sacred sex trade worker”, kah-day-SHAW. (Strong, h6948) Kah-day-SHAW builds on the Hebrew cultic religious term for “sacred or holy” as “God is holy”.
Gen 38:21
He asked the men who lived there, “Where is (Tamar) the shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) who was beside the road at Enaim?” “There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute (kah-day-SHAW) here,” they said.
53 out of 93 uses of zah-NAH in the WLC link to sacred cult practices. Add the 11 times kah-day-SHAW and kah-DEISH appear for sex trafficked females and males, and this means 60% of all Old Testament zah-NAH citations connect directly to the sacred sex trade. The majority use of zah-NAH links to sacred sex trafficking rather than secular prostitution.
The fourth form of the porn word group, male sex trafficker or sex trafficked male, POR-nos,appears 10 times in the GNT. (Strong, g4205) Seven citations directly connect to sacred cult practices of idolatry. The writer of Hebrews and Paul both cite POR-nos without mention of religious worship. These references may indicate secular sex trade work. 70% of GNT male sex trade references link to sacred sex trafficking. The Hebrew parallel to POR-nos is kah-DEISH appearing 6 times in 6 WLC verses. (Strong, H6945) 81% of all male sex trade references in the Bible connect to institutional sexeconomy of religious clerics within a sacrificial system called idolatry.
Rev 21:8
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral (POR-nos), those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
The majority use of the porn word group in the Bible points to coercive trafficking of humans for the sexeconomy of religious cults. This may assist parents as they speak to their children about pornography. Restoring the image of God to human sexuality may treat human trafficking and erotic media of the porn industry. Is it possible objectification and dehumanization form the common ground of trafficking and pornography? Could the intrinsic value of God’s image redeem dehumanization of trafficking? Can this conversation with our children begin to replace the porn industry as the primary education or sexual health?
The greatest pleasure in my life? The grandchildren. They are beautiful, funny, and take me back to the days of laughter and love with my children. The grandchildren represent all that is healthy about family; they reflect the past, our commonality now, and the legacy of future hope. My passionate goal in life? Teach the grandchildren how to fish, to love, to live with honor, and to touch the beauty of knowing God’s compassion for themselves.
Enter healthy sexuality. The grandchildren are portraits of healthy relationship and sexuality. They represent what we believe about life, love, and sexuality. Are they not our legacy of healthy sexuality?
Do we not take pleasure in that knowledge?
My biological father was an ordained minister for the United Methodist Church for 25 years. At the same time he preached Biblical truths on Sundays in long black robe with multi colored mantles around his shoulders, he preyed upon women in his pastoral office who sought his support in prayer. We do not know the number of victims. My family and I have pieced together he seduced the young widow seeking pastoral solace from the death of her husband, the organist, the music pastor’s wife, and numerous counselees transcending decades. The last of his victims he married after divorcing my mother. The pastor predator continued his abuse against his step daughter. My father died virtually alone in a senior living center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Irony enters the story here. His life mission was to connect with a woman in meaningful ways, and pursue a spiritual connection filling his emptiness. It seems the obsession for unhealthy sex cancelled out intimacy and spiritual contentment.
Prosecutors identified 1000 Pennsylvania Archdiocese Catholics sexually assaulted by their priests. One of the most celebrated contemporary Christian celebrities of my lifetime was accused of sexual misconduct spanning decades of twisted abuse and manipulation. His entire leadership team resigned amid threat of liability. This is unprecedented. I still feel shock.
In review, I have never heard a word about healthy sexuality from any of these characters. What I mean is, as I reflect on the abuses of my father, the pedophilia and sexual assault by Catholic priests, and the sexual misconduct of the Christian celebrity I do not recall a movement, a conversation, or a sermon series on the beauty and balance of healthy sexuality. I remember statements of prohibition for sexual behaviors, but no compassion filled movement for healthy sexuality. I cannot point to a narrative of wholeness and redemption of sexuality.
May we begin here…at a place of compassion and love for balance and wholeness? Can we cast a great vision for the sake of our children and grandchildren as we rebuild a family story from the ashes of abuse and contempt?
Let’s begin with spirituality and compassion. Since our conversation has a Biblical narrative let’s dialogue about Christ and healthy sexuality. For my atheist and agnostic readers, please forgive and be patient, I believe you will appreciate this conversation. Hold on to the end, with respect.
Jesus was single and celibate. No sexual scandals. No impeachment for misconduct or abusing his followers. No resignations or accusations for sexual crimes in over 2000 years. Christ cast a compassionate vision of intimacy with God. Jesus wrote no books, no blogs, he shunned celebrity status. The crucifix, more than jewelry, is empirical evidence that he gave his life for what he believed and whom he loved. Jesus believed and lived the story of healthy sexuality. I admire him for all the above.
Jesus meets a woman at a well. He breaks social barriers and gender taboos by speaking to a near eastern racially diverse female. She has a history of traumatic repetition, that is serial sex with multiple partners. Jesus is kind and compassionate. They talk. She finds a rich faith in God. Her whole community experiences transformation because of the compassion and truth of Christ. Religio-racial walls fall, gender taboos mend, sexual wholeness results.
First century religious leaders manipulate a woman to have illicit genital sexual intercourse with a male. The purpose of this seduction is to trap Jesus in a legal conundrum of Jewish legalism and Christ’s compassion. The ultra conservative religious leaders catch the woman in the act of the staged tryst. Humiliated, abused, religious folk drag her into a public square with Jesus and a potential violent mob. The religious leadership demand execution for the woman. Jesus delays, he regulates the anxiety of the mob by writing in the sand. He is calm, composed, compassionate. He raises his head for eye contact with the religious folk and kindly asks the first sinless accuser to cast an execution-stone at the woman. The church suddenly falls silent. The accusers exit. The woman and Jesus stand alone. He does not condemn her. He redeems her unhealthy sexuality and its shame with compassion and truth. He finishes the narrative with, “Neither do I condemn you…go… and sweetie, don’t get yourself in this kind of a mess again, ok?”-Glen Maiden Translation.
Jesus lives and loves healthy sexuality finding the climax of intimacy with God and his friends. Jesus loves children. He blesses them. Christ invites them into his arms. He states the reign of God is like a child. Do not prevent children from the compassion of Christ…. Jesus loves the children. The narrative of Jesus and the children of the first century is one of healthy sexuality, respect, and honor. No scandal here. Jesus is the icon of healthy sex. His healthy sexuality forms what we call the image of God, the holiness of God. You possess within your DNA the same image of healthy sexuality and intimacy with God.
Let’s begin at this place in our healthy sexuality conversation on how to live in culture with our children and our families.
As spiritual people, we enter the vision of healthy sexuality, like Jesus did with compassion and truth. Let’s start with perhaps the most poignant conversation I have had recently; parenting same sex children and grandchildren.
Parents with same sex attraction children report to me they feel shame about their parenting and lack support from their faith community. Specifically, there has been neither sound teaching about same sex attraction or support from clergy. Same sex politics can cause clergy to lose their jobs which escalates the isolation of parents from their pastors and spiritual mentors.
The parents report sadness, anger, and distance from their same sex children and grandchildren. The parents tell me that their same sex family members feel shame, rejection, and rage at religio-heterosexual values. Same sex clients report they fear faith based people due to historic persecution and violence against non heterosexuals. The demeanor of same sex clients I work with is rage at the terror they feel from religious folk.
Once again, let’s examine the words and way of Christ as he conveys a vision of healthy sex.
Matthew 19
19 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. 2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”
4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’[a] 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’[b]? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”
8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”
11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
The Little Children and Jesus
13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.
14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
This Biblical passage is one of many healthy sexuality passages in the New Testament. Jesus teaches his followers about marriage and divorce, intersex Christians-Eunuchs, and finally children. This pericope or narrative forms an inclusio beginning with healthy sex and ending with children as the image of healthy sexuality.
Jesus begins this section with a conversation on healthy sex themes of divorce, intimacy, and celibacy.
Enter litigious religious extremists attempting to trap Jesus in a Biblical debate on sexuality and marriage. They “test” his understanding of Jewish law so they may condemn and execute him. Jesus points to the image of God passage of Genesis 1 stating that God created genders, and the end game of marriage is cognitive, emotional, and physical intimacy he calls one flesh. Jesus affirms the integrity of relationship, clarifies boundaries for adultery, and then his devout and newly discouraged disciples state, “…it is better not to marry.”
Jesus clarifies the conversation of healthy sexuality by referring to intersex people of faith in the ancient near east.
Jesus states, “…there are Eunuchs.”
Eunuchism in the ancient near east was known for the inability to procreate or engage in heterosexual genital sexual intercourse. The Eunuch was a preferred staff member to attend to royal harems preventing romantic relationship with empirical consorts. The Eunuch served as a non threatening link to ensure the purity of the royal blood line and succession to the throne.
The 5th century (AD) Etymologicon by Orion of Thebes cites an early definition for Eunuchism, “guarding the bed” and being deprived of male to female sexual intercourse.
Lucian the ancient author states two criteria for vetting a Eunuch: physical inspection of genitalia proving inability to procreate and intercourse dysfunction during the sexual act with females. (Lucian, Eunuchus 12).
Let’s look at a historical survey of Eunuchism in various cultures.
The most expansive community representing Eunuchism in the United States is the medically castrated population of 500,000 male prostrate cancer patients incapable to procreate or engage in genital sexual intercourse. One study showed that this population lives 13.5 years longer than non Eunuch males due to decrease in testosterone and decreased violence. (Wille, Reinhard & Klaus M. Beier, 1989)
There are many cultures with histories of surgical castration to prevent sexual intercourse with royal consorts. Vietnamese Eunuchism removed both testicles and penis of slave/servants/staff to ensure the progeny of the Emperor. The duties of the Vietnamese Eunuchs were primarily maintenance of the harem for sexual intercourse with the Emperor. (Eunuch, Wikipedia)
The Biblical Hebrew word for Eunuch is Saris. Potiphar in the Biblical Joseph narrative circa 12th Dynasty BCE was a Saris. Daniel of the Babylonian Exile 8th Century BCE served under a Saris and is assumed to be part of the Eunuch culture to secure the purity of heir making. Eunuchism is cited many times in the Bible. The Book of Isaiah 56:4 uses the term (saris). Due to the high value of God’s image in procreation Jewish Hebrews did not castrate their male community, but other Eunuchistic cultures influencing Jewish politics and society included Egypt, Babylonia, the Persian Empire and Ancient Rome. The Book of Esther cites servants of the harem of Ahasuerus. These Eunuchs are named specifically such as Hegai and Shashgaz, Hatach, Harbonah, Bigthan, and Teresh. These are called sarisim, the plural of saris. These slaves/staff were potential threats to impregnate the harem of the king and therefore were castrated becoming incapable of genital sexual intercourse with royalty.
Jesus states in Matthew 19 , “…there are Eunuchs.” He then identifies three different categories for people of faith who do not engage in male to female genital sexual intercourse.
Jesus defines Group One Congenital Eunuchism using the words, “from birth.” This seems to indicate there was no outside intervention or forced castration. Group Two Eunuchs have been castrated rendered unable to procreate. Group Two Eunuchism is typical of the ancient near eastern culture of surgical intervention. Finally Group Three Eunichism comprises those who choose not to engage in male to female genital sexual intercourse for the sake of devotion to their faith.
Jesus and Paul were single and celibate. I wonder if they qualify for Group Three Eunuchism that is, the non genital sexual intercourse population? The reason behind Group Three Eunichism is for the sake of helping people and carrying out the functions of the church without the threat of sexual misconduct. This seems reasonable based on Christ’s words, his history of zero sexual scandal, and the culture in which he lived.
The Eunuch of Acts 8.27-39 may be an example of a Group Two Eunuch castrated for service in the court of Candace the Queen of Ethiopia circa 1 AD.
Let’s look at a study on the population born with some level of characteristics which may connect to Group One Congenital Eunuchism.
Group One Congential Eunuchism according to Jesus was attributed to birth resulting in the inability for heterosexual genital sexual intercourse.
The following are statistics from an article by Brown University researcher Anne Fausto-Sterling.2 This extensive article examined medical data from 1955 to 1998 producing estimates for congenital, at birth, sex variations. These variations are called intersex characteristics.
Not XX and not XY
one in 1,666 births
Klinefelter (XXY)
one in 1,000 births
Androgen insensitivity syndrome
one in 13,000 births
Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome
one in 130,000 births
Classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
one in 13,000 births
Late onset adrenal hyperplasia
one in 66 individuals
Vaginal agenesis
one in 6,000 births
Ovotestes
one in 83,000 births
Idiopathic (no discernable medical cause)
one in 110,000 births
Iatrogenic (caused by medical treatment, for instance progestin administered to pregnant mother)
no estimate
5 alpha reductase deficiency
no estimate
Mixed gonadal dysgenesis
no estimate
Complete gonadal dysgenesis
one in 150,000 births
Hypospadias (urethral opening in perineum or along penile shaft)
one in 2,000 births
Hypospadias (urethral opening between corona and tip of glans penis)
one in 770 births
Total number of people whose bodies differ from standard male or female
one in 100 births
Total number of people receiving surgery to “normalize” genital appearance
2 Blackless, Melanie, Anthony Charuvastra, Amanda Derryck, Anne Fausto-Sterling, Karl Lauzanne, and Ellen Lee. 2000. How sexually dimorphic are we? Review and synthesis.American Journal of Human Biology 12:151-166.
This data reveals that the sexual reproductive systems of 3.25 million current Americans differ from standard males or females at birth. These differing systems include chromosomal variations, physical structure or lack of genitals, hormones, and adrenal system dysfunctions.
This data also suggests that as many as 325,000 current Americans received surgery at birth to normalize atypical genital appearance. A child born with both penis and vagina, a urethra in a different location, an undeveloped vagina or penis, or mixed gonads shocks new parents. Do you recall your first duty as a parent was to count the fingers and toes of the new born? Consider the pain when a parent discovers a vagina and a penis? Or fathom the panic of a parent discovering no genitalia?
What this means is that 1 of 100 politicians, clergy, children within the local school, church, synogogue, and mosque have intersex characteristics, or as Jesus said, were born unable to perform male to female genital sexual intercourse.
Add to this number parents and grandparents of intersex children and you now have 5 percent of the population acutely aware of a family member unable to have male to female genital sexual intercourse.
So, how do we respond to such data? We respond as Jesus did, with compassion and truth.
The heresy of current Christian theology is its condemnation of intersex people. False teachers cite Paul the Apostle in Romans Chapter 1 and his moral mandate against same sex behavior. Paul illustrates the sin of mankind and creates a non exhaustive list including homosexuality. The complete list however includes:
29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. NIV
What false teachers fail to follow is the next text of Romans 2.
2 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? NIV
I love the last line…”the goodness of God leads to life change.” God’s compassion and truth changed lives…not judgement or shame. Compassionate truth transforms culture.
The purpose of the moral mandate of Chapter 1 is to highlight the prescription of Romans 2 which is, “And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?”
God mandates that people of faith do not judge the sexuality of others. Period. First, judgement and shame violate the example and compassion of Christ when he faced unhealthy sexuality in others. Secondly, the morality of current faith based communities in North America statistically does not differ from the non churched population in terms of divorce, porn use, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. No different. Faith based folk are mandated not to judge or condemn the sexuality of anyone. The mandate exists for our protection. Paul is not indirect when he states that the calling out of sexual sin in others is in fact the projection of one’s own unhealthy sexuality. The responsibility of the individual is personal healthy sexuality and accountability with God and family. There is no divine prescription to measure the sexuality of others. Our mission is living and loving healthy sexuality transparently modeling intimacy for our families and community.
The response to sexuality in our culture? Compassion with the truth of healthy sexuality. Zero condemnation. 100% personal responsibility for healthy sexuality in our families.
For you neuroscience nerds and Google geeks, I list the intersex traits after this blog for your review. I pray you will feel compassion toward our intersex children and cease judgement. Time to mend and heal yes?
Let the children come to us…the intersex children, the same sex attraction grandchildren. Let them come, let us bless them with…the compassion of faith and the truth of healthy sexuality.
Dr. Glen
Dr. Glen is a grateful husband of the same wife of over 40 years, father of 3 amazing adults, and obsessed grandfather of 4. He is a Biblical Greek and Hebrew scholar, retired pastor of 30 years, current Addiction and Trauma Specialist, and Clinical Sexologist.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an inherited group of diseases in which a key enzyme is missing from the body. Genetic defects present at the time of birth (congenital) affect several enzymes that are needed to produce vital adrenal cortex hormones.
Almost 95 percent of CAH cases are caused by a lack of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase. The body cannot make adequate amounts of two key adrenal steroid hormones—cortisol and aldosterone—when enzyme 21-hydroxylase is missing or functioning at a low level. This throws off the delicate balance of hormones, preventing the proper synthesis of aldosterone and cortisol, and the adrenal cortex starts to make androgens (male steroid hormones), leading to masculine traits in females. In this classical form of CAH, salt balance can also be drastically altered, leading to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and cardiac rhythm changes.
While many patients are diagnosed shortly after birth, there is a type of this disease that develops later in life, usually in adolescence or early adulthood—it’s called non-classical or late-onset CAH. These people are missing only some of the enzymes that are necessary for cortisol production. Aldosterone production is not affected, so this form of the disease is less severe than the congenital form and shows symptoms that are often mistaken for PCOS, such as:
Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects male physical and cognitive development. Its signs and symptoms vary among affected individuals.
Affected individuals typically have small testes that do not produce as much testosterone as usual. Testosterone is the hormone that directs male sexual development before birth and during puberty. A shortage of testosterone can lead to delayed or incomplete puberty, breast enlargement (gynecomastia), reduced facial and body hair, and an inability to have biological children (infertility). Some affected individuals also have genital differences including undescended testes (cryptorchidism), the opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis (hypospadias), or an unusually small penis (micropenis). https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/klinefelter-syndrome
Most of these conditions involve excessive or deficient production of sex steroids and can alter development of primary or secondary sex characteristics in some affected infants, children, or adults.[2]Wikipedia
Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis
Mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) is one of the most common disorders of sex development (DSD). It is the second most common cause of sex organs that aren’t well formed or clearly male or female.
Gonads are the body’s main sex organs. Gonads form according to a specific chromosomal pattern. Girls are usually born with two X chromosomes (46,XX). Boys are usually born with one X, and one Y chromosome (46,XY).
Because of the chromosome pattern, boys will normally develop gonads called testicles. Girls develop gonads known as ovaries. Babies born with MGD are born with a mixed chromosomal pattern: 45,XO/46,XY.
5α-reductase deficiency, an autosomal recessive condition with alterations of the 5αRD-2 gene, was initially described as pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias because of the striking genital ambiguity/female external phenotype seen in these cases. These patients often have a clitoris-like phallus, severely bifid scrotum, and perineoscrotal hypospadias. Some patients may have less severe genital ambiguity, however. Normal wolffian structures, cryptorchidism, and a rudimentary prostate are other common findings.
At puberty, patients with 5α-reductase deficiency show signs of virilization with increased muscle mass, deepening of voice, substantial growth of phallus, rugation and hyperpigmentation of the scrotum, and normal libido. Migration of inguinal testis into the scrotum has been observed. They do not experience gynecomastia or male pattern balding, facial hair is decreased, and their prostates remain infantile. Although these patients are usually oligo- or azospermic, fertility via intrauterine insemination has been reported. This is also called ambiguous genitalia. (Wikipedia)
Género de Crianza
¿El mayor placer de mi vida? Los nietos. Son hermosos, divertidos y me transportan a los días de risa y amor con mis hijos. Los nietos representan todo lo saludable de la familia; reflejan el pasado, lo que tenemos en común ahora y el legado de la esperanza futura. ¿Mi objetivo apasionante en la vida? Enseñe a los nietos a pescar, a amar, a vivir con honor y a tocar la belleza de conocer la compasión de Dios por ellos mismos.
Ingrese a la sexualidad saludable. Los nietos son retratos de una relación y una sexualidad sanas. Representan lo que creemos sobre la vida, el amor y la sexualidad. ¿No son nuestro legado de sexualidad saludable?
¿No nos complace ese conocimiento?
Mi padre biológico fue ministro ordenado de la Iglesia Metodista Unida durante 25 años. Al mismo tiempo que predicaba verdades bíblicas los domingos con una larga túnica negra y mantos multicolores sobre los hombros, se aprovechaba de las mujeres de su oficina pastoral que buscaban su apoyo en la oración. No sabemos el número de víctimas. Mi familia y yo hemos descubierto que él sedujo a la joven viuda que buscaba consuelo pastoral por la muerte de su esposo, el organista, la esposa del pastor musical y numerosos aconsejados que trascendieron décadas. La última de sus víctimas se casó después de divorciarse de mi madre. El pastor depredador continuó abusando de su hijastra. Mi padre murió prácticamente solo en un centro para personas mayores en Las Vegas, Nevada. La ironía entra aquí en la historia. La misión de su vida era conectarse con una mujer de manera significativa y buscar una conexión espiritual que llenara su vacío. Parece que la obsesión por el sexo no saludable anuló la intimidad y la satisfacción espiritual.
Los fiscales identificaron a 1.000 católicos de la Arquidiócesis de Pensilvania agredidos sexualmente por sus sacerdotes. Una de las celebridades cristianas contemporáneas más célebres de mi vida fue acusada de conducta sexual inapropiada que abarcó décadas de abuso y manipulación retorcidos. Todo su equipo de liderazgo renunció en medio de amenazas de responsabilidad. Esto no tiene precedentes. Todavía me siento en shock.
En resumen, nunca escuché una palabra sobre sexualidad saludable de ninguno de estos personajes. Lo que quiero decir es que, al reflexionar sobre los abusos de mi padre, la pedofilia y la agresión sexual por parte de sacerdotes católicos y la mala conducta sexual de la celebridad cristiana, no recuerdo un movimiento, una conversación o una serie de sermones sobre la belleza y equilibrio de una sexualidad saludable. Recuerdo declaraciones de prohibición de conductas sexuales, pero ningún movimiento lleno de compasión por una sexualidad saludable. No puedo señalar una narrativa de plenitud y redención de la sexualidad.
¿Podemos comenzar aquí… en un lugar de compasión y amor por el equilibrio y la plenitud? ¿Podemos proyectar una gran visión por el bien de nuestros hijos y nietos mientras reconstruimos una historia familiar a partir de las cenizas del abuso y el desprecio?
Comencemos con la espiritualidad y la compasión. Ya que nuestra conversación tiene una narrativa bíblica dialogemos sobre Cristo y la sexualidad saludable. Para mis lectores ateos y agnósticos, perdonen y tengan paciencia, creo que apreciarán esta conversación. Aguanta hasta el final, con respeto.
Jesús era soltero y célibe. Sin escándalos sexuales. No hay juicio político por mala conducta o abuso de sus seguidores. No hay renuncias ni acusaciones por delitos sexuales en más de 2000 años. Cristo echó un visión compasiva de intimidad con Dios. Jesús no escribió libros ni blogs, evitó el estatus de celebridad. El crucifijo, más que joyas, es evidencia empírica de que dio su vida por lo que creía y por quienes amaba. Jesús creyó y vivió la historia de la sexualidad sana. Lo admiro por todo lo anterior.
Jesús se encuentra con una mujer junto a un pozo. Rompe barreras sociales y tabúes de género al hablar con una mujer racialmente diversa del Cercano Oriente. Tiene antecedentes de repetición traumática, es decir, sexo en serie con múltiples parejas. Jesús es bondadoso y compasivo. Ellos hablan. Encuentra una rica fe en Dios. Toda su comunidad experimenta transformación debido a la compasión y la verdad de Cristo. Los muros religioso-raciales caen, los tabúes de género se reparan y se produce plenitud sexual.
Los líderes religiosos del primer siglo manipulan a una mujer para que tenga relaciones sexuales genitales ilícitas con un hombre. El propósito de esta seducción es atrapar a Jesús en un enigma legal entre el legalismo judío y la compasión de Cristo. Los líderes religiosos ultraconservadores atrapan a la mujer en el acto de la cita escenificada. Personas religiosas humilladas y abusadas la arrastran a una plaza pública con Jesús y una turba potencialmente violenta. Los líderes religiosos exigen la ejecución de la mujer. Jesús demora, regula la ansiedad de la multitud escribiendo en la arena. Es tranquilo, sereno, compasivo. Levanta la cabeza para establecer contacto visual con la gente religiosa y amablemente le pide al primer acusador sin pecado que arroje una piedra de ejecución a la mujer. De repente la iglesia se queda en silencio. Los acusadores salen. La mujer y Jesús están solos. Él no la condena. Él redime su sexualidad enfermiza y su vergüenza con compasión y verdad. Termina la narración con: “Tampoco te condeno… ve… y cariño, no te metas en este tipo de lío otra vez, ¿vale?” – Traducción de Glen Maiden.
Jesús vive y ama la sexualidad sana encontrando el clímax de la intimidad con Dios y sus amigos. Jesús ama a los niños. Él los bendice. Cristo los invita a sus brazos. Afirma que el reino de Dios es como un niño. No impidáis a los niños la compasión de Cristo…. Jesús ama a los niños. La narrativa de Jesús y los niños del primer siglo es de sexualidad saludable, respeto y honor. Aquí no hay escándalo. Jesús es el ícono del sexo saludable. Su sexualidad sana forma lo que llamamos la imagen de Dios, la santidad de Dios. Posees dentro de tu ADN la misma imagen de sexualidad sana e intimidad con Dios.
Comencemos en este lugar de nuestra conversación sobre sexualidad saludable sobre cómo vivir en cultura con nuestros hijos y nuestras familias.
Como personas espirituales, entramos en la visión de una sexualidad saludable, como lo hizo Jesús con compasión y verdad. Comencemos con quizás la conversación más conmovedora que he tenido recientemente; crianza de hijos y nietos del mismo sexo.
Los padres con niños con atracción hacia el mismo sexo me informan que se sienten avergonzados por su crianza y que carecen del apoyo de su comunidad religiosa. Específicamente, no ha habido enseñanza sólida sobre la atracción hacia personas del mismo sexo ni apoyo del clero. Las políticas hacia el mismo sexo pueden causar que el clero pierda sus trabajos, lo que intensifica el aislamiento de los padres de sus pastores y mentores espirituales.
Los padres reportan tristeza, enojo y distanciamiento de sus hijos y nietos del mismo sexo. Los padres me dicen que los miembros de su familia del mismo sexo sienten vergüenza, rechazo y rabia ante los valores religioso-heterosexuales. Los clientes del mismo sexo informan que temen a las personas religiosas debido a la persecución histórica y la violencia contra los no heterosexuales. El comportamiento de los clientes del mismo sexo con los que trabajo es de rabia por el terror que sienten por parte de la gente religiosa.
Una vez más, examinemos las palabras y el camino de Cristo mientras transmite una visión del sexo saludable.
Mateo 19
19 Cuando Jesús terminó de decir estas cosas, salió de Galilea y se fue a la región de Judea, al otro lado del Jordán.2 Lo siguió mucha gente, y allí los sanó.
3 Algunos fariseos se acercaron a él para ponerlo a prueba. Preguntaron: “¿Es lícito al hombre divorciarse de su mujer por cualquier motivo?”
4 ¿No habéis leído?, respondió, que al principio el Creador ‘los hizo varón y hembra’,[a] 5 y dijo: ‘Por esto el hombre dejará a su padre y a su madre y se unirá a su esposa, y los dos serán una sola carne'[b]?6 De modo que ya no son dos, sino una sola carne. Por tanto, lo que Dios ha unido, que nadie lo separe”.
7 “¿Por qué entonces”, preguntaron, “ordenó Moisés que un hombre le diera a su esposa un certificado de divorcio y la despidiera?”
8 Jesús respondió: Moisés os permitió divorciaros de vuestras mujeres porque vuestros corazones estaban duros. Pero no fue así desde el principio.9 Os digo que cualquiera que se divorcia de su mujer, salvo por causa de fornicación, y se casa con otra mujer, comete adulterio.
10 Los discípulos le dijeron: “Si esta es la situación entre marido y mujer, es mejor no casarse”.
11 Jesús respondió: «No todos pueden aceptar esta palabra, sino sólo aquellos a quienes ha sido dada.12 Porque hay eunucos que nacieron así, y hay eunucos que otros han hecho eunucos, y hay quienes eligen vivir como eunucos por causa del reino de los cielos. Quien pueda aceptar esto, que lo acepte”.
Los niños pequeños y Jesús
13 Entonces la gente le trajo niños pequeños a Jesús para que les pusiera las manos encima y orara por ellos. Pero los discípulos los reprendieron.
14 Jesús dijo: Dejad que los niños vengan a mí, y no se lo impidáis, porque de los que son como estos es el reino de los cielos.15 Cuando les puso las manos encima, pasó de allí.
Este pasaje bíblico es uno de los muchos pasajes sobre sexualidad saludable en el Nuevo Testamento. Jesús enseña a sus seguidores sobre el matrimonio y el divorcio, los cristianos-eunucos intersexuales y, finalmente, los niños. Esta perícopa o narrativa forma una inclusio que comienza con el sexo saludable y termina con los niños como imagen de una sexualidad saludable.
Jesús comienza esta sección con una conversación sobre temas sexuales saludables como el divorcio, la intimidad y el celibato.
Ingresan litigantes extremistas religiosos que intentan atrapar a Jesús en un debate bíblico sobre la sexualidad y el matrimonio. Ellos “prueban” su comprensión de la ley judía para poder condenarlo y ejecutarlo. Jesús señala el pasaje de la imagen de Dios de Génesis 1 que afirma que Dios creó los géneros y que el objetivo final del matrimonio es la intimidad cognitiva, emocional y física que él llama una sola carne. Jesús afirma la integridad de la relación, aclara los límites del adulterio y luego sus devotos y recientemente desanimados discípulos afirman: “… es mejor no casarse”.
Jesús aclara el tema de la sexualidad saludable al referirse a las personas de fe intersexuales en el antiguo Cercano Oriente.
Jesús afirma: “…hay eunucos”.
El eunuchismo en el antiguo Cercano Oriente era conocido por la incapacidad de procrear o tener relaciones sexuales genitales heterosexuales. El eunuco era un miembro del personal preferido para atender los harenes reales, impidiendo las relaciones románticas con consortes empíricas. El eunuco servía como vínculo no amenazador para asegurar la pureza del linaje real y la sucesión al trono.
El Etimológico del siglo V (d.C.) de Orión de Tebas cita una definición temprana de eunucismo, “guardar la cama” y ser privado de relaciones sexuales entre hombres y mujeres.
Lucian, el antiguo autor, establece dos criterios para examinar a un eunuco: la inspección física de los genitales que demuestre la incapacidad de procrear y la disfunción sexual durante el acto sexual con mujeres. (Luciano, Eunuco 12).
Veamos un estudio histórico del eunuchismo en varias culturas.
La comunidad más amplia que representa el eunuchismo en los Estados Unidos es la población médicamente castrada de 500.000 pacientes masculinos con cáncer de próstata incapaces de procrear o tener relaciones sexuales genitales. Un estudio demostró que esta población vive 13,5 años más que los hombres no eunucos debido a la disminución de la testosterona y la violencia. (Wille, Reinhard y Klaus M. Beier, 1989)
Hay muchas culturas con historias de castración quirúrgica para prevenir las relaciones sexuales con consortes reales. El eunuchismo vietnamita extirpaba tanto los testículos como el pene de los esclavos/sirvientes/personal para asegurar la descendencia del Emperador. Los deberes de los eunucos vietnamitas eran principalmente el mantenimiento del harén para tener relaciones sexuales con el Emperador. (Eunuco, Wikipedia)
La palabra hebrea bíblica para eunuco es Saris. Potifar en la narrativa bíblica de José alrededor de la dinastía XII a. C. era un Saris. Daniel del exilio babilónico del siglo VIII a. C. sirvió bajo un saris y se supone que es parte de la cultura eunuco para asegurar la pureza de la formación de herederos. El eunuchismo se cita muchas veces en la Biblia. El Libro de Isaías 56:4 usa el término (saris). Debido al alto valor de la imagen de Dios en la procreación, los judíos hebreos no castraron a su comunidad masculina, pero otras culturas eunucos que influyeron en la política y la sociedad judías incluyeron Egipto, Babilonia, el Imperio Persa y la Antigua Roma. El Libro de Ester cita a los sirvientes del harén de Asuero. Estos eunucos reciben nombres específicos como Hegai y Shashgaz, Hatach, Harbonah, Bigthan y Teresh. Estos se llaman sarisim, el plural de saris. Estos esclavos/personal eran amenazas potenciales para fecundar el harén del rey y, por lo tanto, fueron castrados y quedaron incapaces de tener relaciones sexuales genitales con la realeza.
Jesús afirma en Mateo 19: “…hay eunucos”. Luego identifica tres categorías diferentes para personas de fe que no mantienen relaciones sexuales genitales de hombre a mujer.
Jesús define el eunucismo congénito del grupo uno usando las palabras “desde el nacimiento”. Esto parece indicar que no hubo intervención externa ni castración forzada. Los eunucos del grupo dos han sido castrados y no pueden procrear. El eunucismo del grupo dos es típico de la antigua cultura de intervención quirúrgica del Cercano Oriente. Finalmente, el eunichismo del grupo tres comprende a aquellos que eligen no tener relaciones sexuales genitales de hombre a mujer por el bien de la devoción a su fe.
Jesús y Pablo eran solteros y célibes. Me pregunto si califican para el eunucismo del Grupo Tres, es decir, la población que tiene relaciones sexuales no genitales. La razón detrás del eunichismo del Grupo Tres es ayudar a las personas y llevar a cabo las funciones de la iglesia sin la amenaza de conducta sexual inapropiada. Esto parece razonable basándose en las palabras de Cristo, su historia de cero escándalo sexual y la cultura en la que vivió.
El eunuco de Hechos 8:27-39 puede ser un ejemplo de un eunuco del grupo dos castrado para servir en la corte de Candace, la reina de Etiopía, alrededor del año 1 d.C.
Veamos un estudio sobre la población nacida con algún nivel de características que pueden conectarse con el eunucismo congénito del grupo uno.
El eunucismo congénito del grupo uno según Jesús se atribuyó al nacimiento que resultaba en la incapacidad para tener relaciones sexuales genitales heterosexuales.
Las siguientes son estadísticas de un artículo de la investigadora de la Universidad de Brown, Anne Fausto-Sterling.2 Este extenso artículo examinó datos médicos de 1955 a 1998 y produjo estimaciones de las variaciones congénitas de sexo al nacer. Estas variaciones se denominan características intersexuales.
1 Dreger, Alice Domurat. 1998. ¿Sexo ambiguo… o medicina ambivalente? Cuestiones éticas en el tratamiento de la intersexualidad. Informe del Centro Hastings, 28, 3: 24-35.
2 Blackless, Melanie, Anthony Charuvastra, Amanda Derryck, Anne Fausto-Sterling, Karl Lauzanne y Ellen Lee. 2000. ¿Qué tan sexualmente dimórficos somos? Revisión y síntesis.Revista Estadounidense de Biología Humana 12:151-166.
Estos datos revelan que los sistemas reproductivos sexuales de 3,25 millones de estadounidenses actuales difieren de los de los hombres o mujeres estándar al nacer. Estos sistemas diferentes incluyen variaciones cromosómicas, estructura física o falta de genitales, hormonas y disfunciones del sistema suprarrenal.
Estos datos también sugieren que hasta 325.000 estadounidenses actuales recibieron cirugía al nacer para normalizar la apariencia genital atípica. Un niño que nace con pene y vagina, una uretra en una ubicación diferente, una vagina o un pene no desarrollados o gónadas mixtas sorprende a los nuevos padres. ¿Recuerda que su primer deber como padre fue contar los dedos de las manos y de los pies del recién nacido? ¿Considere el dolor cuando un padre descubre una vagina y un pene? ¿O comprender el pánico de un padre que no descubre genitales?
Lo que esto significa es que 1 de cada 100 políticos, clérigos y niños de la escuela, iglesia, sinagoga y mezquita local tienen características intersexuales o, como dijo Jesús, nacieron incapaces de realizar relaciones sexuales genitales entre hombres y mujeres.
Si a esto le sumamos los padres y abuelos de niños intersexuales, tenemos un 5 por ciento de la población muy consciente de que un miembro de la familia no puede tener relaciones sexuales genitales entre un hombre y una mujer.
Entonces, ¿cómo respondemos a esos datos? Respondemos como lo hizo Jesús, con compasión y verdad.
La herejía de la teología cristiana actual es su condena de las personas intersexuales. Los falsos maestros citan al apóstol Pablo en Romanos capítulo 1 y su mandato moral contra el comportamiento entre personas del mismo sexo. Pablo ilustra el pecado de la humanidad y crea una lista no exhaustiva que incluye la homosexualidad. Sin embargo, la lista completa incluye:
29 Se han llenado de toda clase de maldad, maldad, avaricia y depravación. Están llenos de envidia, asesinatos, contiendas, engaños y malicia. Son chismosos, 30calumniadores, aborrecidores de Dios, insolentes, soberbios y jactanciosos; inventan maneras de hacer el mal; desobedecen a sus padres;31 no tienen comprensión, ni fidelidad, ni amor, ni misericordia.32 Aunque conocen el justo decreto de Dios de que quienes hacen tales cosas merecen la muerte, no solo continúan haciéndolas, sino que también aprueban a quienes las practican. NVI
Lo que los falsos maestros no siguen es el siguiente texto de Romanos 2.
2 Por lo tanto, eres imperdonable, oh hombre, quienquiera que seas el que juzgas, porque en cualquier cosa que juzgues a otro, te condenas a ti mismo; para vosotros que juzgáis practicad las mismas cosas.2 Pero sabemos que el juicio de Dios es conforme a verdad contra los que practican tales cosas.3 ¿Y piensas esto, oh hombre, tú que juzgas a los que practican tales cosas y hacen las mismas, que escaparás del juicio de Dios?4 ¿O menospreciáis las riquezas de su bondad, paciencia y longanimidad, sin saber que la bondad de Dios os lleva al arrepentimiento?NVI
Me encanta la última línea…”la bondad de Dios conduce al cambio de vida”. La compasión y la verdad de Dios cambiaron vidas… no el juicio ni la vergüenza. La verdad compasiva transforma la cultura.
El propósito del mandato moral del Capítulo 1 es resaltar la prescripción de Romanos 2 que es: “¿Y piensas esto, oh hombre, que juzgas a los que practican tales cosas y hacen las mismas cosas, que escaparás del juicio de ¿Dios?”
Dios ordena que las personas de fe no juzguen la sexualidad de los demás. Período. Primero, el juicio y la vergüenza violan el ejemplo y la compasión de Cristo cuando enfrentó la sexualidad nociva en otros. En segundo lugar, la moralidad de las comunidades religiosas actuales en América del Norte no difiere estadísticamente de la población no religiosa en términos de divorcio, uso de pornografía, violencia doméstica y abuso sexual. No es diferente. Las personas religiosas tienen el mandato de no juzgar ni condenar la sexualidad de nadie. El mandato existe para nuestra protección. Pablo no es indirecto cuando afirma que llamar a otros al pecado sexual es, de hecho, la proyección de la propia sexualidad enfermiza. La responsabilidad del individuo es la sexualidad personal saludable y la rendición de cuentas ante Dios y la familia. No existe una receta divina para medir la sexualidad de los demás. Nuestra misión es vivir y amar una sexualidad saludable modelando de manera transparente la intimidad para nuestras familias y comunidad.
¿La respuesta a la sexualidad en nuestra cultura? Compasión con la verdad de una sexualidad sana. Cero condena. Responsabilidad 100% personal por una sexualidad saludable en nuestras familias.
Para ustedes, nerds de la neurociencia y fanáticos de Google, enumero los rasgos intersexuales después de este blog para que los revisen. Ruego que sientas compasión hacia nuestros niños intersexuales y dejes de juzgar. Es hora de reparar y sanar, ¿sí?
Dejemos que los niños vengan a nosotros… los niños intersexuales, los nietos con atracción hacia el mismo sexo. Que vengan, bendicámoslos con… la compasión de la fe y la verdad de una sexualidad sana.
Dr. Glen
El Dr. Glen es un esposo agradecido de la misma esposa durante más de 40 años, padre de 3 adultos increíbles y abuelo obsesionado de 4. Es un erudito bíblico griego y hebreo, pastor jubilado durante 30 años, actual especialista en adicciones y traumas, y Sexóloga clínica.
Hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita de aparición tardía
La hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita es un grupo hereditario de enfermedades en las que falta una enzima clave en el cuerpo. Los defectos genéticos presentes en el momento del nacimiento (congénitos) afectan a varias enzimas necesarias para producir hormonas vitales de la corteza suprarrenal.
Casi el 95 por ciento de los casos de CAH son causados por la falta de la enzima 21-hidroxilasa. El cuerpo no puede producir cantidades adecuadas de dos hormonas esteroides suprarrenales clave (cortisol y aldosterona) cuando falta la enzima 21-hidroxilasa o funciona en un nivel bajo. Esto altera el delicado equilibrio hormonal, impidiendo la síntesis adecuada de aldosterona y cortisol, y la corteza suprarrenal comienza a producir andrógenos (hormonas esteroides masculinas), lo que da lugar a rasgos masculinos en las mujeres. En esta forma clásica de CAH, el equilibrio de sal también puede alterarse drásticamente, lo que provoca desequilibrios electrolíticos, deshidratación y cambios en el ritmo cardíaco.
Si bien a muchos pacientes se les diagnostica poco después del nacimiento, existe un tipo de esta enfermedad que se desarrolla más adelante en la vida, generalmente en la adolescencia o la edad adulta temprana: se llama CAH no clásica o de aparición tardía. A estas personas sólo les faltan algunas de las enzimas necesarias para la producción de cortisol. La producción de aldosterona no se ve afectada, por lo que esta forma de la enfermedad es menos grave que la forma congénita y muestra síntomas que a menudo se confunden con el síndrome de ovario poliquístico, como:
Desarrollo prematuro del vello púbico.
Períodos menstruales irregulares
Hirsutismo (exceso de vello corporal no deseado)
Acné severo (en la cara y/o el cuerpo)
Problemas de fertilidad entre el 10 y el 15 por ciento de las mujeres jóvenes con CAH
El síndrome de insensibilidad a los andrógenos (AIS) es una afección intersexual en la que hay una incapacidad parcial o completa de muchas células en el varón genético afectado para responder a las hormonas androgénicas.[1][2][3]Esto puede prevenir o perjudicar la masculinización de los genitales masculinos en el feto masculino genético (cromosómico XY) en desarrollo, así como el desarrollo de características sexuales secundarias masculinas en la pubertad.[1][4]Los fenotipos clínicos varían desde un hábito masculino normal con un defecto espermatogénico leve o pelo terminal secundario reducido; a un hábito femenino completo a pesar de la presencia de un cromosoma Y.[1][5][6][7][8][9]Las mujeres (cromosoma XX) que son heterocigotas para el gen AR tienen características sexuales primarias y secundarias normales; esta portadora transmitirá el gen AR afectado a cualquier hijo que tenga con un 50% de probabilidad. AIS es la entidad individual más grande que conduce a genitales submasculinizados 46,XY.[10]
El síndrome de Klinefelter es una afección cromosómica que afecta el desarrollo físico y cognitivo masculino. Sus signos y síntomas varían entre los individuos afectados.
Las personas afectadas suelen tener testículos pequeños que no producen tanta testosterona como de costumbre. La testosterona es la hormona que dirige el desarrollo sexual masculino antes del nacimiento y durante la pubertad. La escasez de testosterona puede provocar un retraso en la pubertad o una pubertad incompleta, agrandamiento de los senos (ginecomastia), reducción del vello facial y corporal e incapacidad para tener hijos biológicos (infertilidad). Algunas personas afectadas también tienen diferencias genitales, incluidos testículos no descendidos (criptorquidia), la abertura de la uretra en la parte inferior del pene (hipospadias) o un pene inusualmente pequeño (micropene). https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/klinefelter-syndrome
La hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita (CAH) es cualquiera de varias enfermedades autosómicas recesivas que resultan de mutaciones de genes para enzimas que median los pasos bioquímicos de producción de mineralocorticoides, glucocorticoides o esteroides sexuales a partir del colesterol por las glándulas suprarrenales (esteroidogénesis).[1]
La mayoría de estas afecciones implican una producción excesiva o deficiente de esteroides sexuales y pueden alterar el desarrollo de las características sexuales primarias o secundarias en algunos bebés, niños o adultos afectados.[2]Wikipedia
Disgenesia gonadal mixta
La disgenesia gonadal mixta (DGM) es uno de los trastornos del desarrollo sexual (DSD) más comunes.Es la segunda causa más común de órganos sexuales que no están bien formados o no son claramente masculinos o femeninos.
Las gónadas son los principales órganos sexuales del cuerpo.Las gónadas se forman según un patrón cromosómico específico. Las niñas suelen nacer con dos cromosomas X (46,XX).Los niños suelen nacer con un cromosoma X y un cromosoma Y (46,XY).
Debido al patrón cromosómico, los niños normalmente desarrollarán gónadas llamadas testículos.Las niñas desarrollan gónadas conocidas como ovarios.Los bebés que nacen con MGD nacen con un patrón cromosómico mixto: 45,XO/46,XY.
Trastornos del desarrollo sexual
Thomas F. Kolon MD, en Penn Clinical Manual of Urology, 2007
Deficiencia de 5α-reductasa
La deficiencia de 5α-reductasa, una afección autosómica recesiva con alteraciones del gen 5αRD-2, se describió inicialmente como hipospadias perineoescrotal pseudovaginal debido a la sorprendente ambigüedad genital/fenotipo externo femenino observado en estos casos. Estos pacientes suelen tener un falo parecido al clítoris, un escroto muy bífido e hipospadias perineoescrotal. Sin embargo, algunos pacientes pueden tener una ambigüedad genital menos grave. Otros hallazgos comunes son estructuras de Wolff normales, criptorquidia y una próstata rudimentaria.
En la pubertad, los pacientes con deficiencia de 5α-reductasa muestran signos de virilización con aumento de la masa muscular, voz más grave, crecimiento sustancial del falo, rugación e hiperpigmentación del escroto y libido normal. Se ha observado migración del testículo inguinal al escroto. No experimentan ginecomastia ni calvicie de patrón masculino, el vello facial disminuye y sus próstatas siguen siendo infantiles. Aunque estos pacientes suelen ser oligopérmicos o azospérmicos, se ha informado fertilidad mediante inseminación intrauterina. Esto también se llama genitales ambiguos. (Wikipedia)
Hope Experience 
