I recently began reading this book for the first time. These two men certainly have a finger on the pulse of man’s greatest temptation — sexual sin. I have found that those in the church that seem surprised by this often are caught in their own web of deceit and justification. Arterburn and Stoeker leave no stones unturned in this book – a book that I warn you is very detailed. From a pastoral perspective one of the things that struck me was their comment that many young men expect that their sinful tendencies in sexual matters will go away once they are married. But the sinful habits of the eyes and flesh that permeate their mind and heart will follow them into the marriage union. That is why young men must begin to slay sexual immorality. As John Owen once stated, “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” While there are many books young men can read (and should!) on the danger of sexual sin (Josh Harris’s Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is) [formerly Not Even a Hint] and Eric Lundgaard’s The Enemy Within are excellent counterparts), this one certainly makes the list. Young ladies might also consider the companion book, Every Young Woman’s Battle.
Sometimes you have to scratch your head and ask, “What are they thinking?” The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) yesterday affirmed a policy change that would allow non-celibate gay men and women in committed relationships to serve as clergy. At present, only men and women who are celibate or married (marriage currently defined as “between a man and a woman” ) are eligible to become clergy, elders, or deacons. But hold on — they vote today to change the marriage language to “between two people.”
None of this should come as a surprise. The PC USA is known to have liberal leanings, leanings that led to the founding of the conservative and biblically informed Presbyterian Church in America. It is distressing, however, to consider the answer to the question I began with, “What are they thinking?” I think one young man speaks for those for the proposed changes, “The world has become a more tolerant and accepting place.” There you have it — a worldview founded on the world and not the Scriptures, one that seeks to please man rather than obey God. Last time I checked, the world is fallen and corrupt. Hence, this worldview is predicated by fallen, sinful man and not the righteous, holy, and just God.
It remains to be seen what will become of the PC USA. The presbyteries must approve both changes by a majority vote, which is not likely on either count — this time. But this denomination continues to gravitate further from the centrality of Scripture to inform their faith. May we learn from their mistake!
Mark Dever has an excellent post, Young vs. Old Complementarianism on the Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. His concern is clearly stated, “It seems to me and others (many who are younger than myself) that this issue of egalitarianism and complementarianism is increasingly acting as the watershed distinguishing those who will accommodate Scripture to culture, and those who will attempt to shape culture by Scripture.” For him (and I agree) this is a bull’s eye issue, one of primary importance in relation to the authority of Scripture.
John Starke takes a similar yet somewhat milder approach in his blog titled The Gospel and Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
Also from the journal is an article by Nancy Leigh DeMoss on how modesty relates to biblical womanhood. You will also find a couple of more links to other of her articles on this issue.
