Pornography —Is It Just a Harmless Diversion?

The Bible's Viewpoint

Pornography

—Is It Just a Harmless Diversion?

WHEN Victorian archaeologists began systematically excavating the ancient ruins of Pompeii, they were shocked at what they uncovered. Scattered freely among the beautiful frescoes and artwork were many sexually explicit paintings and sculptures. Appalled by their lurid nature, the authorities stashed them in secret museums. They coined the term "pornography"—from the Greek porne and graphos, meaning "writing about prostitutes"—to classify these explicit artifacts. Today pornography is defined as "the representation of erotic behaviour in books, pictures, statues, motion pictures, etc., that is intended to cause sexual excitement."

These days, pornography is all-pervasive and appears to be accepted in most of modern society. Where once it was the province of disreputable cinemas and red-light districts, it is now eminently mainstream in many communities. In the United States alone, pornography generates more than ten billion dollars annually!

Some defenders promote pornography as a way to spice up a dull marriage. Says one writer: "It stimulates an active fantasy life. It offers instruction for sexual pleasure." Others claim that it encourages frankness and openness about sexual matters. "Pornography benefits women," claims writer Wendy McElroy.

But not everyone agrees. Pornography has often been linked to a wide range of harmful outcomes and attitudes. Some suggest a connection between pornography and rape as well as other forms of violence against women and children. Infamous serial killer Ted Bundy admits that he had a "strong appetite for violent pornography." He says: "This condition is not immediately seen by the individual or identified as a serious problem. . . . But this interest . . . becomes geared towards matters of a sexual nature that involve violence. I cannot emphasize enough the gradual development of this. It is not short-term."

In light of the endless debate and the prevalence of pornographic material today, you might wonder, 'Does the Bible offer any guidance in this matter?'

The Bible Is Frank About Sex

In the Bible, sexual matters are dealt with candidly and without shame. (Deuteronomy 24:5; 1 Corinthians 7:3, 4) "Rejoice with the wife of your youth," counseled Solomon. "Let her own breasts intoxicate you at all times." (Proverbs 5:18, 19) Clear advice and counsel are given regarding sexual relations, including the limits within which they should be enjoyed. Sex outside of the marriage arrangement is forbidden. So are all forms of deviant and perverted sexual practices.—Leviticus 18:22, 23; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:19.

Even within these boundaries, restraint and respect are expected. "Let marriage be honorable among all," wrote the apostle Paul, "and the marriage bed be without defilement." (Hebrews 13:4) This counsel is in stark contrast with the intent and message of pornography.

Pornography Distorts Sex

Rather than portraying sexual relations as a beautiful and intimate expression of love between a man and a woman in honorable marriage, pornography demeans and distorts the sexual act. Casual and perverted sex are portrayed as exciting and desirable. Personal gratification with little or no regard for the other person is highlighted.

Women, men, and children are portrayed as objects that exist only for sexual gratification. "Beauty is measured by proportion of body parts, shaping unrealistic expectations," says one report. "Depicting women as anonymous, ever-wanting/waiting, empty sex toys for men, stripping and exposing their bodies for monetary gain and entertainment cannot possibly translate into a message that can exist in harmony with equality, dignity and humanity," concludes another report.

Pornography distorts one's view of the opposite sex

On the contrary, love "does not behave indecently," wrote Paul. "[It] does not look for its own interests." (1 Corinthians 13:5) The Bible exhorts men to 'love their wives as their own bodies' and to 'assign them honor,' not to view women as merely objects for sexual gratification. (Ephesians 5:28; 1 Peter 3:7) Is someone, whether male or female, who regularly feeds on sexually explicit images of other people truly behaving decently? And is that person really showing honor and respect? Instead of love, pornography cultivates self-centered, selfish desire.

There is also another factor. Soon, like any other improper stimulation, what initially arouses becomes mundane and routine. "Over time," says one writer, "[the users of pornography] require more explicit and deviant material . . . They may push their partners into increasingly bizarre sexual activities . . . , diminishing their [own] capacity to express real affection." Does that sound like a harmless diversion? But there is another important reason to avoid pornography.

The Bible and Lust

While many today feel that there is nothing wrong or dangerous about feeding sexual fantasies, the Bible disagrees. It clearly explains that there is an intrinsic relationship between what we feed on mentally and how we act. "Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire," points out the Christian disciple James. "Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin." (James 1:14, 15) Jesus said: "Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."—Matthew 5:28.

As James and Jesus both indicate, humans act on the impulse of internal desires. Those desires, when fed and nourished, can in time become powerful obsessions. Obsessions are very hard to resist and can eventually push a person into action. Thus, what we introduce into our minds can have a powerful effect on what we eventually do.

Sexual fantasies can directly interfere with our worship of God. That is why Paul wrote: "Deaden, therefore, your body members . . . as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."—Colossians 3:5.

Paul here links sexual appetite with covetousness, which is an inordinate desire for something that one does not have.* Covetousness is a form of idolatry. Why? Because the one coveting puts that desired thing before all else, including God. Pornography stimulates lust for something that one does not possess. "You want somebody else's sexual life. . . . You can have nothing in your mind but that appetite for what you lack. . . . What we lust for, we worship," says one religion writer.

Pornography Corrupts

"Whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is . . . , continue considering these things," exhorts the Bible. (Philippians 4:8) A person who feeds his eyes and mind on pornography is rejecting Paul's exhortation. Pornography is immodest because it shamelessly exposes the most intimate and private acts to public view. It is hateful because it demeans and dehumanizes people. It is unloving because it does not promote either tenderness or caring. It merely promotes selfish lust.

By gratuitously portraying immoral and lewd acts, pornography undercuts or sabotages a Christian's efforts to develop a 'hatred for what is bad.' (Amos 5:15) It highlights the committing of sin and is in stark violation of Paul's encouragement to the Ephesians to "let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people; neither shameful conduct . . . nor obscene jesting, things which are not becoming."—Ephesians 5:3, 4.

There is nothing harmless about pornography. It is exploitive and corrupting. It can destroy relationships, perverting the natural expression of sexual intimacy into a voyeuristic activity. It poisons the mind and spirituality of the voyeur. It promotes selfish, greedy attitudes and teaches people to view others as objects fit only to satisfy their lust. It undermines efforts to do good and have a clean conscience. Most important, it can hamper or even destroy one's spiritual relationship with God. (Ephesians 4:17-19) Truly, pornography is a scourge to be avoided.—Proverbs 4:14, 15.

* Paul was not here talking about normal sexual appetite—the desire to have normal sexual intimacy with one's marriage mate.

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True Christianity Is Flourishing

True Christianity Is Flourishing

In this series:

Can the Churches Be Saved?

True Christianity Is Flourishing

Related topics:

"Can I Worship God in My Own Way?"

Should You Belong to a Church?

Jehovah's Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?

 

JESUS CHRIST'S ministry burst onto the world scene in the first century. His message was invigorating, illuminating, and inspiring in a way that astounded people. Many of those who heard him speak were profoundly touched by his words.—Matthew 7:28, 29.

Jesus fearlessly rejected involvement in the oppressive ecclesiastical and political systems of the day but made himself approachable to the common man. (Matthew 11:25-30) He openly acknowledged the pervasive influence of wicked spirits on earth and demonstrated God-given power over them. (Matthew 4:2-11, 24; John 14:30) Jesus skillfully illuminated the fundamental connection between suffering and sin, and he lovingly pointed to God's Kingdom for lasting relief. (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 11:2, 17-23) Once for all time, he lifted the veil of darkness that had so long obscured the true personality of his Father, making God's name manifest to all those interested in having a personal relationship with Him.—John 17:6, 26.

It is not surprising, therefore, that despite intense religious and political persecution, the disciples of Jesus spread his dynamic message rapidly. In just 30 years or so, vibrant Christian congregations were formed in Africa, Asia, and Europe. (Colossians 1:23) The simple truths Jesus had taught enlightened the hearts of humble, righthearted people throughout the Roman Empire.—Ephesians 1:17, 18.

How, though, would all these new disciples from such diverse economic, cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds come together in a truly united "one faith," as the apostle Paul called it? (Ephesians 4:5) What would keep them 'speaking in agreement' so as not to drift apart? (1 Corinthians 1:10) In view of the serious disunity among professed Christians today, we do well to examine what Jesus himself taught.

The Basis for Christian Unity

When on trial before Pontius Pilate, Jesus identified the basis for Christian unity. He said: "For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice." (John 18:37) Therefore, acceptance of Jesus' teachings along with the rest of God's inspired Word, the Bible, has a powerful uniting influence on Christ's true disciples.—1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Of course, Jesus' disciples would have sincere questions or disagreements among themselves at times. What then? Jesus explained: "When that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things coming." (John 16:12, 13) Thus, God's holy spirit would enable Jesus' true disciples to understand the truth as it was progressively revealed by God. Also, that spirit would produce fruitage, such as love, joy, and peace, which in turn would promote unity among them.—Acts 15:28; Galatians 5:22, 23.

Jesus left no room for dissension or factions among his disciples; nor did he authorize them to reinterpret divine truths to accommodate cultural or religious traditions of those whom they would meet. Rather, on his last night with them, he fervently prayed: "I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word; in order that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth." (John 17:20, 21) Genuine unity, then, in spirit and truth was to be a distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples from the start down to our time. (John 4:23, 24) Nevertheless, today's churches are, not united, but divided. Why is that so?

Why Churches Are Divided

The frank explanation for the vast diversity of beliefs and practices among professed Christians today is that they have not adhered to Jesus' teachings. One writer observed: "As in the past, today's new Christians tend to take from the Bible whatever fits their needs—and ignore whatever fails to resonate with their own native religious traditions." This is exactly what Jesus and his apostles predicted would happen.

For instance, under inspiration the apostle Paul wrote to his fellow overseer Timothy: "There will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories." Would all Christians be misled? No. Paul continued: "You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:3-5; Luke 21:8; Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Peter 2:1-3) Timothy and other faithful Christians lived by that inspired counsel.

True Christians Are Still United

Like Timothy, true Christians today are keeping their senses by rejecting human reasoning and by accepting only Scriptural authority for their doctrinal beliefs. (Colossians 2:8; 1 John 4:1) In imitation of first-century Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses are accomplishing their ministry in over 230 lands, bringing Jesus' original message, the good news of the Kingdom, to people everywhere. Consider four important ways in which they unitedly imitate Jesus and practice true Christianity regardless of where they live.

Their beliefs are based on God's Word. (John 17:17) A parish priest in Belgium wrote about them: "One thing we can learn from them [Jehovah's Witnesses] is their willingness to listen to God's Word and their courage to witness about it."

They look to God's Kingdom for relief from global problems. (Luke 8:1) In Barranquilla, Colombia, a Witness spoke to Antonio, a strong supporter of a political movement. The Witness did not take sides with him, nor did he advocate some other political ideology. Instead, he offered to study the Bible with Antonio and his sisters free of charge. Soon Antonio realized that God's Kingdom really is the only hope for poor people in Colombia and in the rest of the world.

They honor God's name. (Matthew 6:9) When Jehovah's Witnesses first met Maria, a sincere Catholic living in Australia, she allowed the Witnesses to show her God's name in the Bible. How did she respond? "When I first saw God's name in the Bible, I wept. I was so moved by the knowledge that I could actually know and use the personal name of God." Maria continued to study the Bible, and for the first time in her life, she got to know Jehovah as a person and was able to build a lasting relationship with him.

They are united by love. (John 13:34, 35) An editorial in The Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle, Canada, commented: "Regardless of your religious persuasion, or lack of, you've got to hand it to the 4,500 Jehovah's Witnesses who worked around the clock during the past week and a half to build a 25,000-square-foot [2,300-square-meter] Assembly Hall in Cassidy . . . To do this cheerfully without arguing, dissension or glory-grabbing is a mark of true Christianity."

So consider the evidence. While Christendom's theologians, missionaries, and churchgoers continue to grapple with the gathering storm of controversy in their churches, true Christianity is flourishing worldwide. Indeed, true Christians are going about their assigned ministry of preaching and teaching God's Word. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) If you are among those who are "sighing and groaning" over the detestable things now taking place and are troubled by the disunity among the religions of Christendom, we invite you to join Jehovah's Witnesses in united Christian worship of the only true God, Jehovah.—Ezekiel 9:4; Isaiah 2:2-4.

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Is Astrology the Key to Your Future?

Is Astrology the Key to Your Future?

Related topics:

Is Your Future Predestined?

Is Hypnotism for Christians?

Did Three Wise Men Really Visit Baby Jesus?

HOW can you improve your life and find success in the pursuit of love and money? Many people look to astrology for the answer. Every day millions consult newspaper horoscopes in the hope of improving their prospects. Even world leaders have been known to guide their decisions by the stars.

Is astrology trustworthy? How do astrologers make their predictions? Should Christians allow celestial bodies to determine how they live?

What Is Astrology?

According to The World Book Encyclopedia, astrology “is based on the belief that the heavenly bodies form patterns that can reveal a person’s character or future.” Astrologers claim that the precise positions of the planets and the signs of the zodiac at the time of a person’s birth can influence his life course.* The position of these heavenly bodies at any given moment is called a horoscope.

Belief in astrology is ancient. Some four thousand years ago, the Babylonians began to predict the future according to the positions of the sun, the moon, and the five most visible planets. They claimed that these heavenly bodies exerted certain forces that affected human behavior. Later they incorporated the signs of the zodiac into their predictions.

A Long History of Failure

The Bible highlights the connection between Babylon and astrology, and several times it makes reference to Babylonian astrologers. (Daniel 4:7; 5:7, 11) In the days of the prophet Daniel, astrology was so widespread in Chaldea (Babylonia) that using the term “Chaldeans” was practically the same as referring to astrologers.

Daniel witnessed not only the influence of astrology on Babylon but also the failure of its astrologers to predict the fall of the city. (Daniel 2:27) Note what the prophet Isaiah had accurately foretold two centuries earlier. “Let your astrologers come forward and save you—those people who study the stars, who map out the zones of the heavens and tell you from month to month what is going to happen to you,” Isaiah wrote scornfully. “They will not even be able to save themselves.”—Isaiah 47:13, 14, Today’s English Version.

Apparently, the Babylonian astrologers could not foretell their city’s downfall even a few hours in advance. And when God’s own adverse judgment appeared on the wall of King Belshazzar’s palace, the astrologers proved incapable of interpreting the cryptic writing.—Daniel 5:7, 8.

Today astrologers have not proved any more effective in predicting significant events. After examining more than 3,000 specific astrological predictions, scientific investigators R. Culver and Philip Ianna came to the conclusion that only 10 percent were accurate. Any well-informed analyst could do better than that.

In Conflict With Bible Teachings

The Hebrew prophets, however, did not reject astrology merely because of its manifest failure to predict the future accurately. The Law that God gave to Moses specifically warned the Israelites against looking for omens. “There should not be found in you . . . anyone who employs divination . . . or anyone who looks for omens,” the Law stated. “Everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah.”—Deuteronomy 18:10, 12.

Although astrology is not mentioned by name in that scripture, the prohibition evidently included the practice. The Encyclopædia Britannica notes that astrology is a “type of divination that consists in forecasting earthly and human events by means of observing and interpreting the fixed stars, the Sun, the Moon, and the planets.” All forms of divination—whether based on the stars or other objects—violate God’s guidelines. Why? There is good reason.

Rather than attribute our successes or failures to the stars, the Bible clearly states that “whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) God holds each of us responsible for our actions, since we are free moral agents. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; Romans 14:12) True, we may suffer an accident or an illness because of events beyond our control. But such calamities, the Scriptures explain, are due to “time and unforeseen occurrence,” not our horoscope.—Ecclesiastes 9:11.

With regard to human relationships, the Bible urges us to clothe ourselves with such qualities as compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, long-suffering, and love. (Colossians 3:12-14) These qualities are the key to forging lasting friendships and strengthening marriages. “Astrological affinity” is not a reliable guide for choosing a marriage mate. Psychologist Bernard Silverman analyzed the birth horoscopes of some 3,500 couples, 17 percent of whom had subsequently become divorced. He did not find a lower divorce rate among those who had married a partner who was ‘astrologically compatible.’

Clearly, astrology is both unreliable and misleading. It could cause us to blame the stars rather than ourselves when we make mistakes. Above all, it is clearly condemned in God’s Word.

*  The signs of the zodiac are the 12 different heavenly constellations used by astrology.

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050808/article_01.htm

What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?

The Bible’s Viewpoint

What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?

Related topics:

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a Protestant Religion?

Ancient Customs in Today’s Mexico

Jesus Christ—His Message and You

“IN MY country to be a Christian means to go to church once a week,” says Kingsley, from one African country. Raad, from the Middle East, explains: “In our community Christians are viewed as a group who follow Western customs and traditions in their dress, celebrations, and treatment of women.”

But does being a Christian simply mean that one attends a church service once a week and follows certain social customs and traditions? Logically, should not the word “Christian” refer to a way of life that reflects the attitudes, values, and conduct that Christ preached and exemplified?* How was Christianity practiced at its inception?

Early Christianity—A Way of Life

Jesus said to his followers: “You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you.” (John 15:14) Since Jesus’ teachings affected all aspects of their lives, Christ’s disciples initially referred to their religion as “The Way.” (Acts 9:2) Soon thereafter, “[they] were by divine providence called Christians.” (Acts 11:26) This new name they bore meant that they believed that Jesus was the Son of God, who had transmitted to mankind the will of his heavenly Father. This belief led them to follow a way of life that differed from that of the world around them.

Christ’s teachings moved his followers to follow Bible teachings, which meant avoiding “fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, . . . drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these.” (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:17-24) The apostle Paul reminded Corinthian Christians that some of them had once practiced these very things. Then he added: “But you have been washed clean, but you have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

E. W. Barnes relates in his book The Rise of Christianity: “In its early authoritative documents the Christian movement is represented as essentially moral and law-abiding. Its members desired to be good citizens and loyal subjects. They shunned the failings and vices of paganism. In private life they sought to be peaceful neighbours and trustworthy friends. They were taught to be sober, industrious and clean-living. Amid prevailing corruption and licentiousness they were, if loyal to their principles, honest and truthful. Their sexual standards were high: the marriage tie was respected and family life was pure.” Such were aspects of being a Christian in the early days.

Another distinctive sign of early Christianity was its zealous evangelizing work. Christ commanded his followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) Jean Bernardi, a professor at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France, noted: “[Christians] were to go out and speak everywhere and to everyone. On the highways and in the cities, on the public squares and in the homes. Welcome or unwelcome. To the poor, and to the rich encumbered by their possessions. . . . They had to take to the road, board ships, and go to the ends of the earth.”

True Christianity Today

True Christians today should stand out for their distinctive way of life, just as they did in the first century. Accordingly, Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to adhere strictly to the precepts established by the first Christians. Their efforts to pattern their lives after the teachings of the Bible are noticed by others.

True Christians are zealous evangelizers, as they were centuries ago

For instance, the New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that Jehovah’s Witnesses are known as “one of the best-behaved groups in the world.” The Deseret News of Salt Lake City, Utah, observed that Jehovah’s Witnesses “promote strong family ties and develop productive and honest citizens.” The newspaper added: “Members believe in a strong moral code. They believe smoking, overdrinking, drug misuse, gambling, sexual promiscuity and homosexuality are spiritually damaging practices. They teach honesty and good work habits.”

The Witnesses also take to heart their responsibility to be zealous evangelizers. Commenting on this the New Catholic Encyclopedia says: “The fundamental obligation of each member . . . is to give witness to Jehovah by announcing His approaching Kingdom. . . . To be a true Witness one must preach effectively in one way or another.”

Clearly, true Christianity is much more than membership in one of the many religions of Christendom. Jesus himself foretold the rise of counterfeit Christians. (Matthew 7:22, 23) Jehovah’s Witnesses invite you to learn what Jesus taught and put it into practice. That is what it means to be a Christian. Jesus said: “If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.”—John 13:17.

* One dictionary defines a Christian as someone who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or who follows the religion based on his life and teachings.

HAVE YOU WONDERED?

Whom did Jesus call his friends?—John 15:14.

What sort of conduct should true Christians shun?—Galatians 5:19-21.

In what work should Christians take part?—Matthew 28:19, 20.

Appeared in Awake!  April 2007

Does the Bible Discriminate Against Women?

The Bible’s Viewpoint

Does the Bible Discriminate

Against Women?

Related topics:

Violence Against Women—What Is the Bible’s View?

Women—What Does the Future Hold for Them?

The Bible Can Help You Find True Joy

 TERTULLIAN, a third-century theologian, once described women as “the devil’s gateway.” Others have used the Bible to portray women as less important than men. As a result, many people feel that the Bible discriminates against women.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a 19th-century pioneer for women’s rights in the United States, felt that “the Bible and the Church have been the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of women’s emancipation.” Of the first five books of the Bible, Stanton once said: “I know of no other books that so fully teach the subjection and degradation of woman.”

While some today might hold such extreme viewpoints, many still feel that some parts of the Bible support discrimination against women. Is such a conclusion justified?

How Women Are Viewed in the Hebrew Scriptures

“Your craving will be for your husband, and he will dominate you.” (Genesis 3:16) Critics point to this as a judgment of Eve by God and as divine approval of woman’s subjection by man. However, rather than a declaration of God’s purpose, this is an accurate statement of the sad consequences of sin and rejection of God’s sovereignty. Abuse of women is the direct result of mankind’s fallen nature, not God’s will. Wives in many cultures have indeed been dominated by their husbands, often in very harsh ways. But this was not God’s purpose.

Both Adam and Eve were made in God’s image. Moreover, they received the same mandate from God to become fruitful, fill the earth, and subdue it. They were to work together as a team. (Genesis 1:27, 28) Clearly, at that point neither was cruelly dominating the other. Genesis 1:31 says: “God saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good.”

In some cases Bible accounts do not indicate God’s view on a matter. They may just be historical narrative. The account of Lot offering his daughters to the Sodomites is related without moral commentary or judgment by God.*—Genesis 19:6-8.

The fact is, God hates all forms of exploitation and abuse. (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 27:19; Isaiah 10:1, 2) The Mosaic Law condemned rape and prostitution. (Leviticus 19:29; Deuteronomy 22:23-29) Adultery was prohibited, and the penalty was death for both parties. (Leviticus 20:10) Rather than discriminate against women, the Law elevated and protected them from the rampant exploitation common in the surrounding nations. A capable Jewish wife was a highly respected and esteemed individual. (Proverbs 31:10, 28-30) The Israelites’ failure to follow God’s laws on showing respect for women was their fault, not God’s will. (Deuteronomy 32:5) Ultimately, God judged and punished the nation as a whole for their flagrant disobedience.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Jesus treated women respectfully

Is Subjection Discrimination?

Any society can function well only when there is order. This requires the administration of authority. The alternative is chaos. “God is a God, not of disorder, but of peace.”—1 Corinthians 14:33.

The apostle Paul describes the family headship arrangement: “The head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3) Every individual except God submits to a higher authority. Does the fact that Jesus has a head mean that he is being discriminated against? Of course not! The fact that men Scripturally have been assigned to take the lead in the congregation and the family does not mean that women are being discriminated against. To prosper, both the family and the congregation need women and men to play their respective roles with love and respect.—Ephesians 5:21-25, 28, 29, 33.

Jesus consistently treated women with respect. He refused to follow the discriminatory traditions and regulations taught by the Pharisees. He talked to non-Jewish women. (Matthew 15:22-28; John 4:7-9) He taught women. (Luke 10:38-42) He protected women from being abandoned. (Mark 10:11, 12) Perhaps the most revolutionary step for his time was that Jesus accepted women into his inner circle of friends. (Luke 8:1-3) As the perfect embodiment of all of God’s qualities, Jesus showed that individuals of both sexes have equal value in God’s eyes. In fact, among the early Christians, both men and women received the gift of the holy spirit. (Acts 2:1-4, 17, 18) For those anointed, who have the prospect of serving as kings and priests with Christ, there will be no distinction of gender at all once resurrected to heavenly life. (Galatians 3:28) The Author of the Bible, Jehovah, does not discriminate against women.

*  See The Watchtower, February 1, 2005, pages 25-6.

Appeared in  Awake!  November 8, 2005

Are We Living in
“THE LAST DAYS”?

In this series:

• What Are “the Last Days”?
• Are We Really Living in “the Last Days”?

Related topics:

• What Is the Source of Evil?
• Where Is This World Headed?
• Do You Recognize the Sign?

What Are “the Last Days”?

DO YOU wonder what the future holds for you and for your loved ones? Many people pay close attention to the news media to see how world events might affect their lives. Paying attention to God’s inspired Word, however, gives us true insight. This is because the Bible long ago foretold not only the current state of affairs but also what is yet to come.

For example, when Jesus Christ was on earth, he spoke extensively about the Kingdom of God. (Luke 4:43) Naturally, people who heard him wanted to know when that marvelous Kingdom would come. Indeed, three days before Jesus was wrongfully put to death, his disciples asked him: “What will be the sign of your presence [in Kingdom power] and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matthew 24:3) Jesus told them that only Jehovah God knew the precise time when the Kingdom would take full control of the earth. (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) However, Jesus and others did foretell certain developments on earth that would serve as proof that Christ was ruling in Kingdom power.

Before we examine the visible evidence that we are living in “the last days” of the present system of things, let us briefly consider an important event that happened in the invisible spirit realm. (2 Timothy 3:1) Jesus Christ became King in heaven in the year 1914.* (Daniel 7:13, 14) Immediately after receiving Kingdom power, Jesus took action. The Bible tells us: “War broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled.” (Revelation 12:7) “Michael the archangel” is Jesus Christ in his heavenly position.^# (Jude 9;1 Thessalonians 4:16) The dragon is Satan the Devil. How did Satan and his wicked angelic followers, called demons, fare in the conflict? They lost that war and were “hurled down,” or cast out of heaven, to the vicinity of the earth. (Revelation 12:9) On this account the “heavens and [those] who reside in them,” that is, faithful spirit sons of God, rejoiced. Humans, though, have experienced no such rejoicing. “Woe for the earth,” foretold the Bible, “because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”—Revelation 12:12.

Satan, in his fury, has brought woe—suffering and affliction—to those dwelling on earth. That woe, however, will be brief, “a short period of time.” The Bible refers to this time as “the last days.” We can be glad that soon the Devil’s influence over the earth will be totally done away with. Butwhat proof is there that we are living in the last days?

---

*  See The Watchtower, July 15, 2006, pages 6-7.

^#  For more information, see What Does the Bible Really Teach?pages 218-19, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Does God Approve of Same-Sex Marriage?

The Bible’s Viewpoint

Does God Approve

of

Same-Sex Marriage?

Related topics:

Homosexuality—How Can I Avoid It?

What's Wrong With Premarital Sex?

You Can Remain Chaste in an Immoral World

DURING the church ceremony, the two men stand hand in hand before a renowned Episcopal bishop. They make a “covenant . . . before God and the church.” Clothed in ornate gold-and-white vestments, the bishop publicly blesses their union. Afterward the couple hug and kiss and are given a standing ovation. According to this bishop, such homosexual relationships “are holy and deserve to be blessed, . . . deserve to be called what they are: sacred.”

However, other religious leaders voice strong opposition to same-sex unions. “We are so disturbed by this [bishop’s] decision,” stated Cynthia Brust, spokesperson for the American Anglican Council, a group of conservative Episcopalians. “Same-sex blessings contradict the clear teaching on marriage and sexuality from the Bible,” she said, adding that “sexuality . . . is to be confined to a man and woman in holy matrimony.”

The fire storm of controversy over this issue is not restricted to religion. Internationally, heated political debates are raging, since the social, political, and economic implications involving pensions, joint health care, and taxes are great.

Issues involving civil rights and legal recognition are often very complicated and divide public opinion. True Christians are careful to maintain neutrality by avoiding political debates. (John 17:16)* Still, some who respect the Bible find themselves confused regarding the subject of same-sex marriage and homosexuality. How do you view same-sex marriage? What is God’s standard for marriage? What impact does your attitude have on your relationship with God?

Our Creator Sets the Standard

Our Creator established rules governing marriage long before governments began regulating the institution. The opening book of the Bible tells us: “A man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) The Hebrew word “wife,” according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, “connotes one who is a female human being.” Jesus confirmed that those yoked together in marriage should be “male and female.”—Matthew 19:4.

Thus, God intended marriage to be a permanent and an intimate bond between a man and a woman. Men and women are designed to complement each other so they may be capable of satisfying each other’s emotional, spiritual, and sexual needs and desires.

The well-known Biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah reveals God’s feelings about homosexuality. God declared: “The cry of complaint about Sodom and Gomorrah, yes, it is loud, and their sin, yes, it is very heavy.” (Genesis 18:20) The extent of their sinful depravity at that time was apparent when two guests visited the righteous man Lot. “The men of Sodom . . . surrounded the house, from boy to old man, all the people in one mob. And they kept calling out to Lot and saying to him: ‘Where are the men who came in to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have intercourse with them.’” (Genesis 19:4, 5) The Bible says: “The men of Sodom were bad and were gross sinners against Jehovah.”—Genesis 13:13.

The men became “violently inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males.” (Romans 1:27) They had “gone out after flesh for unnatural use.” (Jude 7) In countries where homosexual rights campaigns are pervasive, some may object to using the word “unnatural” to describe homosexual behavior. However, is not God the final arbiter when it comes to nature? He commanded his ancient people: “You must not lie down with a male the same as you lie down with a woman. It is a detestable thing.”— Leviticus 18:22.

Your Accountability to God

The Bible is clear: God does not approve of or condone homosexual practices. He also disapproves of people who “consent with those practicing them.” (Romans 1:32) And “marriage” cannot give homosexuality a cloak of respectability. God’s direction that “marriage be honorable among all” precludes homosexual unions, which he considers detestable.—Hebrews 13:4.

Still, with God’s help, anyone can learn to “abstain from fornication,” which includes homosexual acts, and “get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor.”(1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4) Admittedly, this is not always easy. Nathan#, who formerly pursued a homosexual life-style, said: “I thought I could never stop.” But he did change with help from “the spirit of our God.”(1 Corinthians 6:11) As Nathan discovered, no problem is too big for Jehovah, who can provide the strength and help needed to meet His standards and receive His blessings.—Psalm 46:1.

* Even when the laws of the land are in conflict with their Bible-trained conscience, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not engage in protests or any form of political campaigns in order to change such laws.

Taken from http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050408a/article_01.htm