Summary
Author David H. Jensen explores narratives within the Bible that contribute to controversial concepts that exist today in the book The Embrace of Eros: Bodies, Desires, and Sexuality in Christianity, Chapter 1 The Bible and Sex. He further provides his interpretation of how the Bible’s scripture corresponds to the debates of modern-day society.
Major points
The author begins addressing the concept of sexual acts in reference to the Bible. Jensen recognizes, “In the rightly ordered sexual universe, one simply says ‘no’ to prostitution and homosexuality; extramarital and premarital sex; fornication and too much passion within marriage; bestiality and masturbation” (Jensen, 2010). He views this concept as how the Bible prohibits these
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Jenson affirms, “The majority voices in Scripture, in other words, assume male privilege and the secondary status of women” (Jensen, 2010). He addresses the troublesome nature of these narratives and how they are more directed toward a patriarchal perspective. This perspective creates the idea that women are the property of men. The author further includes the assumption of comparing marriage to slavery, this allows for the interpretation that those within marriage do not have full autonomy. Some theologians suggest others approach interpreting the Bible’s scriptures with an unbinding connotation of sex. The author connects these narratives to contemporary times by conveying the concern of establishing a perspective of marriage and sex with only the Bible’s narrative. Jensen acknowledges how the Bible’s scripture in the modern age is arguably problematic when endorsing oppressive …show more content…
It is understandable that everyone will not generate the same perspective when interpreting the Bible, especially when considering controversial concepts. Considering this approach, this material will help when confronting alternative opinions. It is acceptable to recognize that I will not always agree with everyone’s opinions. It is best to keep an open mind when approaching concepts to create a knowledge-based opinion, similar to Jensen’s analysis when interpreting the Bible. This practice will also be useful in the professional setting when making decisions and interpreting results. In conclusion, there is an understanding of the need to utilize an unbiased