For discussion: An ‘experiment’ in sexuality gone wrong

Questions for reflecting on and discussing the feature article, "An 'experiment' in sexuality gone wrong" (Jan. 5, 2015 issue) 

24 December 2014|Feature Articles|Volume 19 Issue 1

By Barb Draper

1. What has changed since the 1970s and ’80s that conversations about sexual misconduct and sexual abuse are so much more prevalent these days? Does sexual violence happen more now, or are we just more ready to talk about it? Does a sexualized culture make sexual violence more prevalent? Are we less apt to silence or blame victims than formerly?

2. How does your church work at being a safe space, free of sexual misconduct? If something like this should happen at your church, how would the congregation respond? Would you feel the church was a safe place to share your story if you experienced sexual violence? How are open conversations about sexual misconduct helpful? Can they also be harmful?

3. We need to trust church leaders and pastors. How do we also hold them accountable? What can we learn from the John Howard Yoder story? How much has Yoder’s ethical teaching been discredited by his actions?

4. We are surrounded by a sexually permissive society. How can the church best identify and teach proper boundaries and guidelines for youth and adults in order to promote safe and healthy relationships?

–Posted Dec. 31, 2014

See also:

With aching hearts

More evidence of sexual abuse uncovered

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    One response to “For discussion: An ‘experiment’ in sexuality gone wrong”

    1. Elaine Fehr Avatar
      Elaine Fehr

      For discussion: An ‘experiment’ in sexuality gone wrong
      Question 2: “How does your church work at being a safe space, free of sexual misconduct? If something like this should happen at your church, how would the congregation respond?”

      Paul said what to do in 1 Corinthians 5:9-12 –

      “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

      What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

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