CEFS 602- Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning FALL 2022
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
Jerome Bonner
Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies, Liberty University
CEFS 610: Human Sexuality
Theology of Human Sexuality Paper Assignment
Author Note
Jerome Bonner
Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies, Liberty University
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Student Name
Email:
jbonner17@liberty.edu
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
Abstract
As counseling students and professionals, it is important to obtain such knowledge around the
theology of sexuality. The purpose of this paper is to identify the development of sexuality and
its change in formation through the years. This paper will identify both Christian world view and
Society’s World view around the outlook of human sexuality. There are many forms of sexual
wounds individuals may encounter. This paper will provide education around the development of
sexual wounds and interventions tailored around healing from them. Concluding this paper will
identify the writes personal theology around human sexuality around the writes beliefs and
understanding of God’s design.
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
Theology of Human Sexuality
Christian worldview perspectives
Throughout the bible, scripture offers guidance and faith-based education around human
sexuality. In the book of Genesis, the reader learns how God created woman and man to live on
earth with each other. Adam and Eve were created to live in the garden of Eden and live in peace,
and communion with God. The Bible tells the story of how sin was introduced into the garden of
Eden, leading to the fallen of men. Sin was introduced to man through Eve’s despiteful
wrongdoing of her consumption of the forbidden fruit. When sin occurred in the garden, God
sent the man to earth to live upon sin and ruins. The Bible identifies how God created and
intended for human sexuality to be. at the beginning of the bible, Genesis 1:26 educates the
reader that every human and creature has been made in God's image, which will lead them to
great value throughout their life. The given verse identifies that all beings are created in God's
image to live and abide by God's plan. The verse intended to provide the foundation for the
Christian faith. The principle of the scripture is to mold and shape our actions with one another.
In terms of sexuality, the bible provides faith-based education around the design God has
created man and woman to be. Genesis 2:18 educates the reader that God has created his human
beings to be male and female. The verse identifies how God intended to design marriage as a
covenant relationship between a man and a woman. Sexuality is identified to be designed as
heterosexual. God's design goes against the homo-sexuality of human culture. God's intention for
marriage is for a man and woman to develop and maintain a commitment between the two for
their lifetime. The commitment around God's design required commitment and a vow between
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
the man and woman. The Bible discusses the meaning of sex within marriage and
heterosexuality. Matthew 5:27 identifies that any sex outside of God's design for sexuality is sin
and harmful to the human body. The verse educates the reader that any form of sexual
relationship outside of God's intentions is considered sinful. Not only sex outside of his design is
sinful, but sex outside of marriage, pornography, and masturbation is also considered sinful and
against the word of God. Such activities will lead to brokenness, shame, and guilt. Corinthians
6:19 provides faith-based education around how one is to treat the human body with respect and
refrain from any sexual activity that may harm the human body. The development around God’s
design did not hold the intentions of homosexuality, sex before marriage, adultery, and sin.
When discussing sex in the church, the topic of discussion may be held around condiment and
judgment. Romans 1:24 educates the reader that all sexual activity outside of God's design will
lead to guilt, shame, and relationship brokenness between the two individuals. Sex outside of
God's design will lead to negative consequences and destruction in the relationship. Sex intends
to express love and intimacy between man and woman who are connected through marriage.
The Bible tells us that God's design for sexuality was intended for individuals to commit
to a heterosexual relationship, bind through marriage, have springs, and teach their children about
God's design. In terms of a general worldview, due to Eves's sin of the forbidden fruit, the world
suffers from sins such as homosexuality, adultery, sexual abuse, pornography, and other sexual-
related sins. According to research homosexual relationships fail more often than heterosexual
relationships. Research shows contributing factors to homosexual relationships are stress,
infidelity, financial concerns, and health-related issues. The bible educates the reader that any
sexual relationship outside of God's design will ultimately be unsuccessful.
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
Healing of sexual wounds
As a counseling professional and student, it is important to be knowledgeable about the
various ways humans may experience sexual wounds as it may be a traumatic topic within the
counseling setting. Obtaining proper education and training around the various topics allows the
counseling professional the ability to support the client through a more educated and empathic
response. Providing the client with an empathetic response allows the client to have comfort
within the counseling setting. Comfortability will allow the client to be transparent and honest
through their responses to the counseling profession.
Sexual abuse can negatively impact an individual's mental health and functioning(Assabu,
Tefra, et al, 2019).
According to a study of one hundred incarcerated females, over ninety percent
of the females were victims of sexual abuse(Assabu, Tefra, et al, 2019). Sexual abuse at any age
can lead to negative behavioral and mental effects if it is not treated. Research shows that
adolescence who has experienced sexual abuse in their home often struggle with behavioral
issues at both school and home.
Sexual abuse may harm one’s psychological and physical health. An individual who
experiences such trauma may be affected by feeling scared, alone, or in danger. In many severe
cases, the individual may suffer from psychosis and other leading mental health concerns from
sexual trauma(Assabu, Tefra, et al, 2019).
Sexual abuse has been proven to cause mental health issues such as Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder. Symptoms of PTSD may look like isolation, often crying, scared, lack of energy, lack
of interest in daily activities, and hyper-thinking over the traumatic event (insert). Sexual abuse
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
may also cause anxiety, causing the victim to feel anxious at most times. Individuals suffering
from trauma may have difficulty going to certain places or doing certain things. Anxiety can harm
one's daily living such as work and school performance.
Results of sexual abuse may also present
in the form of Depression. Depression is defined as a mood disorder that causes an individual to
feel persistent sadness, lack of energy, excessive crying, and loss of interest in daily activities
(Duncan, 2020). According to a study of individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, more
than ninety-five percent of the individuals suffers from mood disorders such as anxiety and
depression. Individuals who suffer from the given disorder may also feel as though they are not
good enough or that they deserved the abuse (Malloy, Sutherland, et, 2021).
Sexual abuse victims may also suffer from physical effects such as sexually transmitted
infections. If the abuser does not use protection when abusing the victims, it puts the victim at
high risk of harmful diseases and infections. There are many ways to treat the many effects of
sexual abuse. The victim of sexual abuse must first identify the effects that sexual abuse has had
on their daily living and identify areas in which they would like to see improvement (Malloy,
Sutherland, et al, 2021).
Treatment for the abused individual may consist of one on one therapy to receive
therapeutic and emotional support. The abused individual may also seek support from group
therapy, individuals who have suffered from the same trauma. Therapy and group therapy can
serve as a way of supporting the individual in processing their feelings and developing effective
coping skills around their trauma. Therapy can support individuals in feeling more confident
within themselves, improve their self-esteem, and decrease their negative self-talk (Duncan,
2020). The individual may also receive treatment by medication to aid their unhelpful symptoms.
Medication can support anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns the victim may be
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
suffering from. The medication can be prescribed by the victim's physician and psychiatrist.
Support groups may also serve as an outlet for the individual to receive healing and guidance
through their experience.
Summary of personal theology
When thinking about sexuality from my point of view, it is safe to say that my opinion is
complex and unique. I identify as a Christian believer, I attend church off and on, and I am also
strong within my faith. Although, I also identify as a homosexual male. In terms of the given
assignment, it made me a bit uncomfortable pursuing biblical research around the given topic.
The Bible tells us that God’s design was for man and woman to be together, join in marriage, and
teach their children about his design. I feel as though there are many contributing factors to an
individual identifying with homosexuality. In my case, homosexuality became a prominent
concern in my life due to past trauma and identity concerns. When I was younger, I lived in many
foster homes where I was often molested and taken advantage of by the other male residents. The
trauma leading from the sexual led me to feel that being with a man was the right thing to do. In
pursuing relationships with other males, I became less attracted to the opposite sex.
Identifying as a Christian and homosexual, It is hard when holding this discussion in the
church due to the hostility the church has toward the LGBTQ community. Growing up,
identifying as a homosexual Christian often lead to being talked about and down to. I feel as
though the church has gotten more accepting of the LGBTQ community as most churches refrain
from shaming individuals for their sexuality. Romans 14:1 “As for the one who is weak in faith,
welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” This verse tells the church to open its doors and
welcome people as they are, without judgment. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The
given verse identifies that Jesus has died for all of our sins, sexuality included.
As a counseling professional and student, it is important to obtain and familiarize myself with
such education around sexuality. Working in the counseling field it is important to receive
education about the many social communities and sexualities. Doing so allows the counseling
professional the ability to relate and respond to the client in a more relatable way. In preparation
for professional counseling, I plan to obtain further education about human sexuality and the
different sexual cultures. Through obtaining the information, I will be able to utilize the
knowledge within the therapeutic settings with clients of different sexualities as my own. As a
current counselor, I will begin utilizing the knowledge I currently have within my counseling
setting. While communicating with the clients, I will practice being open-minded to the various
sexual cultures.
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THEOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
Reference:
Assabu, G., Tefera, M., Abebe, A., & Busse, H. (2019). The magnitude of sexual abuse
and its physical effects among female children seen at gandhi memorial hospital in
addis ababa, ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 33
(3), 174.
Duncan, G. A. (2020). Positioning LGBTIQ as the human sexuality agenda for black
theology of liberation – reflection on vuyani Vellem’s black theology of
liberation.
Hervormde Teologiese Studies, 76
(3), e1-
e12.
https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v76i3.6123
Duncan, G. A. (2021). Hated without a reason – contending with issues of human
sexuality in a south african ecclesial context: A case study.
Hervormde Teologiese
Studies, 77
(4), e1-e8.
https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v77i4.6347
Edwards, D. (2018). Childhood sexual abuse and brain development: A discussion of
associated structural changes and negative psychological outcomes: Effects of
childhood sexual abuse on the brain.
Child Abuse Review (Chichester, England :
1992), 27
(3), 198-208.
https://doi.org/10.1002/car.2514
Lambert, J. (2019). No 'gay gene': Massive study homes in on genetic basis of human
sexuality.
Nature (London), 573
(7772), 14-15.
https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-
02585-6
Malloy, L. C., Sutherland, J. E., & Cauffman, E. (2021;2019;). Sexual abuse disclosure
among incarcerated female adolescents and young adults.
Child Abuse &
Neglect, 116
,104147-104147.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104147
Wilkinson, J. (2020). Peace, unity, and purity and the presbyterian Church’s fifty-year
journey on human sexuality.
Interpretation (Richmond), 74
(3), 275-
288.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0020964320921966
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