Reading: Chapter 1 - Marriage Sexual Intimacy, Pleasure, and Reproduction

God's creation of a man and a woman emphasizes the concept of complementarity, a hallmark of the Jewish and Christian understanding of human nature and relationships. 

We read in Genesis 2:18, "God says, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'" And later, in Genesis 2:22-24, the woman is created from the man's rib, signifying the deep connection and unity between the two sexes. The phrase "they will become one flesh" echoes this principle of unity in diversity.

The biological distinction between men and women is not merely physical but also encompasses emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects. Each sex has unique characteristics and abilities, and when these are combined in the context of a committed relationship such as marriage, they have the potential to create a harmonious and balanced partnership.

The fact that humans are generally born male or female is evidence of this divine design. The binary biological sexes allow for the reproduction of life, a miracle first mentioned in Genesis 1:28: "Be fruitful and increase in number." This reality is not just a matter of procreation but also about fulfilling the divine intent for human beings to experience companionship, unity, and mutual support.

We see this binary structure of male and female as dominant even today. However, we now experience the world after the Fall of humanity in Genesis 3, which we address in the next chapter. There are cases of intersex individuals born with physical characteristics that do not fit the typical binary structure of male or female bodies.  

According to the Intersex Society of North America and other resources, some experts suggest that about 1 in 1,500 to 1 in 2,000 people, or 0.05% of live births, exhibit physical traits that don't align with typical male or female bodies. (https://isna.org/faq/frequency/) 

As Christians, we welcome all humans as image bears of God and acknowledge that we live in a post-fall world where creation groans for the new heaven and new earth. We are all born with bodies that have broken and diminished traits. 

Romans 8:22  "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."

The generally evidenced binary nature of human biological sex is a powerful reflection of the creational design outlined in Genesis 2. The ongoing challenge for us as individuals and communities is to honor this design while navigating the complexities of our modern world. As we seek to do so, we remain committed to fostering understanding, compassion, and respect for all. 

In this chapter, we're focusing on understanding how things were meant to be created by God, precisely honing in on the concepts of marriage, sexual intimacy, pleasure, and their profound connections with life's physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects.

To begin, let's consider the story of Adam and Eve. These biblical male and female humans, placed in the Garden of Eden, offer an exemplary lens through which we can study God's original design. Intriguingly, "Eden" translates to the "garden of pleasures." This is no coincidence. Instead, it indicates God's wish for humans to lead lives full of pleasure.

This divinely intended pleasure is not limited to material or aesthetic aspects but extends to sexual intimacy, an aspect inherently hardwired in every human. The words of Moses, as documented in Genesis, enlighten us about our inherent capacity for intimacy. Just after discussing the creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:24, Moses speaks a profound truth: "For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

Sexuality, Reproduction, and Pleasure

The reflections of Moses on the creation of Adam and Eve, and his emphasis on the significance of marriage and sexual intimacy, underscore an undeniable truth. These aspects are integral to our nature, crafted in God's image. Moses's insights suggest that marriage and sexual intimacy existed before the Fall, thus highlighting their centrality in our creation.

Adding to this, there's a distinct link between these aspects and reproduction. As per Genesis 1:28, God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and increase in number." This coupling of sexuality, reproduction, and pleasure in God's design is truly fascinating. It's intended as a win-win situation, with individuals experiencing emotional, physical, and spiritual unity. This intensely pleasurable experience often results in the creation of new life.

Deviations from the Divine Design

Of course, not everyone necessarily has children, a topic we'll delve into later concerning sin entering the world. Nonetheless, the original divine intent was for sexual intimacy to result in new life. This fact can sometimes cause frustration and inadequacy if we don't live up to that aspiration.

An essential aspect is how the modern world increasingly disconnects reproduction from sexual intimacy. This dichotomy is especially apparent in debates around reproductive rights, such as Roe v. Wade. This landmark ruling established that sexual privacy is a woman's business, seemingly unconnected to the impacts of reproduction. It cultivates an impression of disconnected consequences, providing a woman the right to terminate a pregnancy irrespective of her sexual behavior's ramifications.

Yet, as believers, we understand this isn't how God intended it. Every child born of sexual intimacy is an image bearer of God. In instances of abortion, there's an urgent need for ministry and the healing power of Jesus Christ's forgiveness. This is where Genesis provides a decisive ministry moment, underlining that sexuality and having children are pre-fall elements hardwired into us.

Addressing Infertility and the Marriage Worldview

Another critical issue that demands attention is infertility. Many couples experience the pleasure of intimacy and harbor a wish to have a child but cannot conceive. Ministry can play a vital role in these situations. We've encountered cases where childless couples have decided to adopt, providing care for a child who otherwise might not have had a home. In such scenarios, we see God's will enacted meaningfully.

Furthermore, understanding sexual intimacy, marriage, and pleasure from a marriage worldview is crucial. Biblical passages like Hebrews 13:4, advising that "marriage should be honored by all," and Proverbs 6:25, which warns against lusting after beauty, offer valuable insights. These passages speak of humanity's Fall, but they also point toward redemption, emphasizing that the marriage bed should be honored as per the Creator's design. They caution against substituting genuine intimacy with cheap, unsuitable alternatives like pornography.

Celebrating God's Gift of Pleasure

In conclusion, it's essential to remember that God created sexual intimacy, and pleasure is a gift. Adam and Eve were the first to experience this in the Garden of Eden, where they reveled in sexual pleasure devoid of shame or fragility. Physical, spiritual, and emotional oneness occurs in these moments. Further, it's hardwired into reproduction. Today, we advocate hot monogamy for marriage. 

We often confront our human shortcomings as we aspire to live based on God's original design. Yet, our commitment and courage guide us in ministering in this sensitive area. Therefore, let us praise God as we further explore this topic, celebrating the beauty of sexual intimacy in marriage as His divine gift.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the narrative of Genesis 2 provide insight into the divine design and intent for human beings?
2. What is the significance of the creation of Adam and Eve, representing the two biological sexes, male and female?
3. In what ways does the creation of a man and a woman in Genesis 2 emphasize the concept of complementarity?
4. How does the phrase "they will become one flesh" in Genesis 2:24 reflect the principle of unity in diversity?
5. In what ways do the biological distinctions between men and women encompass more than just physical attributes?
6. How does the binary structure of male and female reflect the divine design and intent of human beings?
7. What is the significance of reproduction in relation to the divine intent for human beings?
8. How do cases of intersex individuals challenge the binary notion of male and female bodies?
9. How does Christianity view the brokenness and diminished traits in human bodies due to the Fall in Genesis 3?
10. How can we honor the divine design while navigating the complexities of our modern world, fostering understanding, compassion, and respect for all?