The Gospel And Sex By Tim Keller.pdf

A Concise Summary (Tim Keller)

This article challenges three dominant historical perspectives on sex:

1. Sexual Realism: Views sex as a natural appetite, demystified and controlled like any other bodily function.
2. Sexual Platonism: Sees sex as animal passion, a degrading necessity for procreation with no place for pleasure.
3. Sexual Romanticism: Considers sex a form of self-expression and essential to individual happiness.

Keller argues for a Christian perspective that diverges from all three:

Sex is good: The Bible explicitly states this (Genesis 1:31).
Sexual desires are broken: They require discipline and aren't inherently safe guides (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Love isn't primary for happiness: Marriage and sex are meant to serve the greater purpose of knowing Christ and building his kingdom.

Key Christian tenets about sex:

Sex as a Sacrament: It co-creates a new soul, propagating humanity (Genesis 1:28). Singleness is also a legitimate way of life for some, dedicated to serving God's kingdom.
The Politics of Sex: The traditional family and its status are not idols; the church takes precedence in Christian society. Premarital sex undermines faithfulness, essential for building community.

In essence, Keller argues that:

Sex is sacred because it points towards God's purpose for humanity.
* Its proper place is within a marriage covenant dedicated to serving Christ and his kingdom.