frequently asked questions
Why is Sex Education a Life Issue?
"Christian sex education" that unwittingly builds on humanistic ideology and secular principles wrongly identifies children. Wrongly identified, the life of a child takes on a very different meaning and purpose. "Sexual from birth" affects the way we see ourselves and others. It becomes who we are and easily influences the choices we make. It might assume a "right" or a "need." It provides an excuse for a buffet of sexual preferences. "Reproductive rights" become necessary to enable people to live their lives as "sexual from birth." The secular humanist founders of modern sex education denied that God has absolute authority over what we do with our bodies. The pro-abortion mantra of "my body, my choice" takes the premise that "children are sexual from birth" to a natural but deadly conclusion. It sacrifices children in the name of "my sexuality." It demeans the vocations of fatherhood and motherhood. It assaults marriage and family, which God designed as the pillars of civilization.
There was a time when abortion was clearly not an option for someone who professed faith in Jesus Christ. But do you think sex education that continually refers to boys and girls as "sexual from birth" or "sexual beings" made abortion thinkable for young Christians who have become sexually intimate? Ultrasound technology--indeed, a "window to the womb"--has caused a younger generation to be more pro-life than their parents' generation, but these same young people defend cohabitation, homosexuality, transgender, and same-sex "marriage." We may think that odd, but once people identify themselves as "sexual," they become increasingly open to and tolerant of personal expressions of sexuality. They may challenge the boundaries that God places around the "one flesh" union of marriage.
...We want to grow culture of life, but we cannot do so until we see that abortion is the consequence of an identity problem … Even pro-life people stand on slippery ground when we default to labeling ourselves "sexual beings." Consider, for example, the woman with five children who says she will "never have an abortion" but is not married to any of her children's fathers. What is her behavior saying about her identity? Identifying first and foremost as a sexual being puts baptized children of God at odds with themselves. [65-67]
Why is sex education a Baptism issue?
Sex education as intended by its founders assigns an identity contrary to the one God bestows at Baptism. At Baptism the sign of the cross is made over us to indicate that we are redeemed by Christ the crucified. We have His mark on us. We are baptized, not in the water of sexuality, but in the water of pure Word and through the work of the Holy Spirit. We are called not to ways of weak flesh, but to holy and noble purpose. We are encouraged not to glorify self, but to glorify Jesus Christ who makes us children of God. Baptism is "an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). Even as Baptism cleans the sinner, it gives strength to be different from the world and restrain our own fickle desires. Baptism changes our perspective. Our Baptism is a daily reminder to see ourselves the way God sees us. We are so much more than sexual beings; we are heirs of God! "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:5-8). Through daily contrition and repentance, the Old Adam in us is drowned and dies with all wrong thoughts and desires. A new person in Christ rises up to live before God in righteousness and purity (Romans 6:4). [67-68]
The message we want to share with children about male, female, and anything having to do with sexual activity runs counter to the sin-warped world. The manner in which we instruct should, too. [159]
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If sex education in a Christian classroom teaches the "yeses" of sexuality at the same time it desensitizes the child, then we might be naïve to think that the child will be armed for battled in a sexualized culture. [146]
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Although called a "science," sex education that gives early and much information disregards the developmental/cognitive capabilities of children and adolescents. [120]
But... what if my daughter has been sexually assaulted? She did no wrong, but she feels unclean. Has her purity been stolen?
No, her purity has not been stolen! "God's own child I gladly say it; I am baptized into Christ" (LSB 594) Purity is not our work, nor is it something that anyone can steal from us. The believer is made pure and holy in Christ. It is part and parcel to our identity! God says: I choose you! You are Mine! You shall be holy, for I am holy. You have "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading..." (1 Peter 1:4).
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