Human sexuality in a sexually polymorphous world, Part II.

As noted in the introduction to Part I, we live in a world that manifests a complex and often confusing array of values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding human sexuality, particularly in the midst of the current context of postmodern thought. As Elaine Storkey (2001) observes, "For most social commentators, post-modernity marks the end of any single, unifying worldview that attempts to offer universally valid explanations" (p. 52). In the absence of such a "unifying worldview" and the lack, therefore, of "universally valid explanations," we find our society manifesting what was characterized in Deuteronomy 12:8 and Judges 17:6 as a time when "every man did what was right in his own eyes." Storkey goes on to quote Lars Johansson (1984) regarding the impact of such a philosophical approach to reality.

The postmodern deconstructs the metanarratives of the Western tradition, leaving us with a plurality of narratives and values. One of the metanarratives that has been disclosed is reason. Central to the critique of reason is language. All thinking begins and ends with language. Philosophy is seen as rhetoric in disguise. There is no independent vantage point outside language. (p.216)

As Storkey (2001) thereafter notes, "If language constructs reality, we can bring anything into being. Our words create politics, sexuality, history, God" (p. 53). But when words alone construct reality, then where can an anchor be found, which can guard individuals and society from drifting into the infinitude of human variation with its frequent destructive consequences? Again, the words of Scripture come to mind in the wise reflection of Solomon, "Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the heart" (Prov. 21:2). One is reminded of a stormy sea on which a fleet of sailing vessels is being driven by the wind and tossed against waves with little regard to the efforts of those who man the tillers. In this regard, the Apostle Paul admonishes his readers as follows: "As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to gr ow up in all [aspects] into Him, who is the head, [even] Christ (Eph. 4:1415; NASB). For the committed Christian whose faith is grounded in the fear of the Lord and in the belief that the Bible is our primary source of Truth, speaking this truth is an imperative. So again, we seek to offer a limited sample of articles which are committed to a sound integration of biblical perspective and the latest understanding of biological, psychological, and social data, desiring to contribute to both an adequately informed Christian community and adequately prepared professionals who minister to this community via their respective roles.

We begin Part II with the work of Douglas E. Rosenau and Erica S. N. Tan as they address the challenge of living single in our highly sexualized society. With messages and images that promote permissiveness and essentially non-consequential approach to sexual behavior, Christians find themselves clearly needing the anchor of truth, not only in our society but also around the world. Doug and Erica begin by recognizing the difficulty single individuals face and the fact that the church has not done a good job of assisting them with this challenge. They conclude by offering a practical and helpful model for living as single, committed Christians in their article entitled, "Single and Sexual: The Church's Neglected Dilemma."

Another challenge faced by sincere Christians and neglected to an even greater degree by the church is the issue of disability in the context of sexuality. Coming from her own personal experience as one who suffers a debilitating medical problem in the context of her marriage to a husband who has experienced a significant and lifelong physical disability, Randi S. Chance offers her analysis of this issue in her article entitled, "To Love and Be Loved: Sexuality and People with Physical Disabilities." Randi challenges us all to gain more understanding and to be more responsive to such individuals, a call to the church and to religious professionals to be more informed, compassionate, and helpful in our responses to the physically challenged.

Turning then to the great need experienced by those who struggle with homosexual issues, including same-sex identity concerns and people desiring to find healing and growth toward God's creation model for sexuality, Mark A. Yarhouse, Lori A. Burkett, and Elizabeth M. Kreeft offer their contribution entitled, Paraprofessional Christian Ministries for Sexual Behavior and Same-Sex Identity Concerns." Yarhouse and his colleagues provide a very helpful analysis of such ministries, charting their distinguishing characteristics, and concluding with a current listing of these ministries both here in the U.S. and in other countries, arranged in a series of appendices.

Gary H. Strauss shares another practical attempt to offer truth to those in need thereof as he describes a confidential Q & A ministry that he and his Biola colleague, Marsha Schreiber, director of the Student Health Service, developed with the technical aid of several Biola staff persons. This ministry has sought to serve the needs of Biola undergraduates for "wise counsel" (Proverbs 1:5) regarding essentially any issue of personal concern. The venue used is the electronic campus communication network affectionately know as "BUBBS" (Biola University Bulletin Board System), which is available to all Biola students, staff, and faculty. It offers the opportunity to ask questions to either (or both) Marsha, a nurse, and Gary, a licensed psychologist, in a totally confidential context. With the permission of the asking person, the question and response are made available to the entire university community via a series of Q & A Libraries with all identifying information removed. The development and function of the service are described as well as offering examples of questions and responses.

The final article offered for consideration is one that, in some respects, is the most intriguing and thought provoking, having to do with the experience of spirituality and the encounter with God within the context of physical intimacy. Humankind has for most of its history tended toward the incorporation of sexuality within religious experience, but most attempts have led to excesses, such as the culture wide cultic prostitution of the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan and the personal exploitation of followers by some modern cult leaders. In this article entitled "Profound Sexual and Spiritual Encounters among Practicing Christians: A Phenomenological Analysis," Chuck MacKnee describes a sharp contrast from such apparent self-gratifying approaches of sexual experience, rationalized as worship activity. Using "existential-phenomenological methodology," he "explores the meaning and experience of profound sexual and spiritual encounters described by five men and five women who were practicing Christi ans." Eleven common themes were identified by means of qualitative analysis which, in his words, "portrayed the wonder, euphoria, bonding, arousal, transcendence, blessing, and sacredness of these peak events ..." as "God's presence during sexual intimacy enable the body, soul, and spirit to celebrate ecstatic union collectively in elevated responsiveness." MacKnee's work definitely challenges the reader to think outside the proverbial "box" where the meaning and purpose of sexual intimacy in marriage is concerned.

Again, it is the sincere hope of the editors of this special issue that what is offered will be informative, professionally helpful, and personally challenging to all readers. As with Part I, Part II is offered as a service of worship to our Heavenly Father for His glory and for the good of His world.

REFERENCES

Johansson, L. (1984). New age: A. synsthesis of the premodern, mdern, and postmodern. In P. Sampson, V. Samuel, and C. Sugden (Eds.), Faith and Modernity. Oxford: Regnum.

New American Standard Bible. The Lockman Foundation: 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1988. Anaheim, CA: Foundation Press Publications.

Storkey, E. (2001). Origins of difference: The gender debate revisited. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

AUTHORS

STRAUSS, GARY H. Address: Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639. Title: Associate Professor of Psychology. Degrees: MEd, Elementary School Counseling, University of Northern Iowa; EdD, Counselor Education, Northern Illinois University. Specializations: Human sexuality, and the integration of psychology and theology.

YARHOUSE, MARK A. Address: Regent University, School of Psychology and Counseling, Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Title: Associate Professor of Psychology. Degrees: MA, PsyD, Wheaton College. Specializations: Integration of psychology and theology, marriage and family studies, human sexuality, and ethics.

Correspondence concerning this article may be sent to Gary Strauss, Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, 13800 Biola Ave., La Mirada, CA 90639.