Sex is a gift, marriage institution in need of renovation

I believe sexuality is a precious gift from God.

I do not believe that sex is only condoned by God in the confines of marriage. I do not believe that there is scriptural support for restricting marriage to "the union of one man and one woman" - meaning that I am a supporter of same-sex marriage.

That said, I do not believe that every expression of sexuality is appropriate or healthy. I believe that now that the definition of marriage has been expanded in Canada and in parts of the US, it is time to stop fighting over who is allowed to partake - and start joining forces to fix an institution that has been in decline for years. I believe that the majority of our culture has no idea of the relevance of marriage in our society whether they are straight, gay, lesbian or indifferent. And since that is the case, marriage is in danger of losing relevance - and it is not because two men or two women can marry today. How many times have you heard a straight couple (usually the man) say "we don't really see any reason to get married"?

If I have raised your defenses in these last few paragraphs (whether you think I am advocating licentiousness or that I am just sex-negative or old fashioned) I urge you to stay with me as this discussion begins.

This topic is rarely discussed in a way that acknowledges the wisdom and sincerity of opposing camps. I believe it is for this reason that the discussion tends to go nowhere and degrades into an arm-wrestle of political power.

I invite dissent, discussion and debate in this blog. I require that comments are respectful, and that contributors take the time to read and contemplate a posting or comment before posting a response.

So I hope you will join me in exploring the intersection of sex, intimacy and spirituality.