The Bible, Sex, And Ideological Fundamentalism A DIALOGUE WITH JACQUES ELLUL JACQUES ELLUL AND SEXUAL "ETHICS": A CRITIQUE Rev. Dr. Thomas Hanks Part 2: Proper Use of Scripture for Sexual Questions 8. Sexual Exclusivity and Heterosexual Monogamy |
| 8. Sexual Exclusivity and Heterosexual Monogamy. Theologically, any case for sexually exclusive (homosexual) relations or heterosexual monogamy must be built on the fundamental Biblical continuities and understood as an expression of Christian freedom, justice and love. African or American Mormon attempts to build a "biblical case for polygamy" by reading a cultural ideology of polygamy into certain Biblical texts (patriarchal polygamy in Genesis, the cases of David and Solomon) is not sufficient; neither is a cultural ideology of monogamy read into other texts (the Creation story, often cited in the New Testament: "the two shall become one"). Ideological proof-texting from either side is ultimately unconvincing. Sound psychological and biological understanding of human (and animal) sexuality is also relevant (see the common belief that males are "by nature" polygamous and females monogamous). In his brief Appendix on polygamy (1984:302-305) Ellul makes what is perhaps his most significant critique against traditional heterosexist ideology. He strongly opposes cruel traditional missionary efforts in Africa to impose their cultural ideology of monogamy and exclude all polygamists from the Communion Table. However, he seeks to build his theological case for monogamy as the Christian norm and ideal basically by ideological proof texting; supportive arguments from justice and love will only convince those who uncritically accept his ideology. Perhaps his most perceptive comment is the brief footnote (305) explaining the divine command concerning levirate marriage as an expression of concern for a childless widow in desperate straits and a dead male (the ultimate form of "weakness," even being left without progeny and heirs). In broader methodological terms Ellul moves here in the correct direction by pointing us to insights into Christian evaluation of polygamy that are arising from within polygamous African societies and churches, rather the "solutions" cruelly imposed as part of their cultural baggage by well-meaning (but ideologically captive) missionaries from without. Obviously in terms of Christian justice, it cannot be permissible to grant freedoms and "privileges" to males that are denied to women. However, as Episcopal Bishop John Spong points out, in some contexts in Africa, for a woman faced with the stark alternatives of starvation or prostitution, polygamy may represent a necessary temporary provision (1990:3; cf. 1988:131-132). |
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Writings on this page... Tom Hanks on Jacques Ellul & Sexual "Ethics" Other Sheep Founder, 1992. Other Sheep Theologian and Director of Mission |
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"I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also."
John 10:16 NRSV
John 10:16 NRSV
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