PicoBlog

In most applications, Adam and Eve are often categorized as the first husband and wife pairing and, as such, become the prototype for much of the church’s teaching on marriage, gender, and sexuality. This is well-founded, for much of the Bible’s discussion of the original two lends itself to their relationship as the first married couple.

However, as the church continues to navigate appropriate contextual responses to its surrounding cultures, it is apparent that gender and sexuality are being less commonly linked to the institution of marriage in the broader conversation-world of society.

Perhaps one way forward is a retrieval of Adam and Eve’s humanity as one not-yet defined by their marital union. It may be more helpful, in certain settings, to present Adam and Eve—first as brother and sister—logically just before being presented as husband and wife.

In an age in which sexual activity is seen as a basic human right, but also an age in which established understandings for gender and sexuality are being attacked constantly, viewing Adam and Eve as brother and sister sharpens the church’s confession that humans are innately sexual beings yet are not made complete by sexual behavior. (Of course, this is not to undermine the biblical warrant for marriage as the standard design for humanity to carry out one of its key functions given by God—to be fruitful and multiply.)

Not only will such an approach prove useful in cultural dialog while being motivated by redeeming the lost, but also, it may prove helpful for strengthening relational dynamics within the church.

For good reason, the church is an institution that can be trusted to support and encourage the gift of marriage. Yet, all too often, the church can view its members’ sexuality through an exclusive prism of sexual behavior—which, as the Bible teaches, can only find appropriate expression in heterosexual marriage. Whereas human sexuality exists in the psychological, physical, and social make-up of people—the relationships between brothers and sisters provide a healthy demonstration of sexuality expressed without sexual behavior. The church, made up entirely of spiritual brothers and sisters within the family of God, should be an arena in which this may be demonstrated as well.

Additionally, while marriage may be the biblical “standard,” singleness is no less valued in the Scriptures and should not be equated with a forfeiture of sexuality. In other words, singles in churches perhaps best express the logically-first identification of humans as brothers and sisters.

What does this mean for you and me?

It means we should pursue and cultivate friendships with those of the opposite sex irrespective of romantic opportunity (this should be obvious for already-married persons). It means we should remember that the complete Christian “perspective” is one that is informed by both genders interpreting and applying God’s Word in community together. And it means we need each other for encouragement, admonishment, and hope as we strive to walk by faith.

ncG1vNJzZmivmaG5q63CpKqopl6owqO%2F05qapGaTpLpwvI6am5qlXZa7pXnEr5xmr5Wnsm6%2FyJujoqaXqHqntdGsqw%3D%3D