Casualties of the Sexual Revolution

Origins

Throughout history, there have been many revolutions such as the industrial revolution which brought advances in technology or even revolutions such as the American and French that brought freedom to people struggling in suppression. Historically, revolutions have brought progress even with the initial loss and suffering to the human race and continue their effected growth today in developing modern society. However, one revolution stands out as having a detrimental impact on society and potentially destructive path for society, without change. The Sexual Revolution which was established in the 1960s is still actively shattering the foundations of today’s society.

The Sexual revolution originated in the swelling political movements of the 1960’s, medical developments, and growing philosophies all finding their core in naturalism instead of the traditional foundations of God’s word. The Sexual Revolution profoundly found its origins in the developments of science: 1943 the discovery of penicillin started to decrease the effects of the syphilis epidemic (a sexually transmitted disease) as an effective treatment and reached its highest potential in 1957 (Francis). Three years later, birth control was developed launching the self-focused movement of sexual liberation. God was nowhere in sight, and science was elevated as the new authority in rebellion towards older traditions and beliefs based in God’s word and laws. There was a new push for sexual experience, freedom, and tolerance. New scientific research stated man as the rising hero and centre of the narrative as the highest evolved creature: an animal in his highest form, free to do what he pleased. Instead of the freedom promised by naturalistic philosophies behind the revolution, society was left with broken homes, rising anxiety, suicide, and mental instability. Without God and His word, there is no foundation and no support for relationships, both intimate or societal.

False Freedom

Naturalism attempted to replace the need for God in the 1960 Sexual Revolution by recreating the foundations found in God’s word in a way that served the new god of the world: man. Truth was bound in science, personal philosophy, and the desires of the heart: what nature revealed in man (Mortenson). According to naturalism, mankind finds their origin in evolution and finds purpose in continuing to evolve and reproduce by method of survival of the fittest. Truth comes from nature and moral norms are also derived from observing nature. Naturalism denies anything supernatural and finds science as the ultimate authority. There can really be no objective truth whether things are good or bad because each person’s version of truth is different. According to renowned author and speaker, Dr. Mortenson, naturalism claims that “there are no moral absolutes that apply to all people in all times; moral values are simply personal beliefs or opinions, which themselves are the result of chemical and physical processes controlling matter.” (Mortenson) God’s authority is replaced by both men and science. Man is the highest evolved creature and yet still just a creature bound to instincts and impulses whose destiny is eventual, final death (Mortenson).

Multiple sexual partners, abortion, homosexuality, and many other deviations from a monogamous relationship grew from the expanding beliefs. Man became the only authority. With the naturalist worldview in place, there was little hope for the developing epidemic of sexual abuse bound up in the “progress” of the Sexual Revolution. Those who suffered were merely casualties of the new revolution.

Lasting Effects

Today the so-called freedoms of the Sexual Revolution have been negated by the resulting consequences. Although science was able to bring syphilis somewhat into remission it continues to be an issue as well as other sexual diseases that were not as common-place before the 1960s (NCBI). One of the most predominant diseases highlighted during the revolution was HIV/AIDS (who.int). Medically it was able to be slow down, but never completely irradicated. Many died due to its impact. Another discovery of science that kicked off the revolution, birth control, was also problematic. It did not always do the job as prescribed leading to unwanted pregnancies and in many cases abortions.

Naturalistic philosophies had encouraged society to become sexually active at much earlier ages and “[teen births] began to rise dramatically in the mid-1950s” (Francis). Many faced guilt, depression, and mental distress from these unstable and uncommitted relationships. Divorce rates continued to steadily rise at tremendous rates. Single-parent homes continue to be a common trend today from this period of time. Instead of women becoming empowered by the new rights established by the sexual revolution, they faced more abusive forms of relationships and destructive connections through the freedom sexual liberation afforded.

Naturalism could not be a comfort to those who experienced great loss and pain due to the effects of the revolution. As nothing more than evolved animals, only the strong survive. According to this perspective, evolution would fully justify rape as it is “-not only about sex or passing on genes. At the very least it is also about high levels of testosterone and impulsiveness, the all-too-common consequences of growing up in risky and uncertain environments”(Chisom). The blame was put on the environment and women’s value was scientifically reduced as a weaker creature and did not reflect the rights that the revolution was supposed to have championed. Naturalism had no basis for morality and was said that ”In fact, to live, the naturalist must steal from the Christian worldview to argue that there is some truth (including the laws of nature) and some things that are absolutely right or wrong.” (Mortenson) Life seemed to have no value in that perspective. There was no hope for any escape from the lifestyle once within it. Those who were trapped within abusive relationships, prostitution, and the pornography industry faced incredible objectification all in the pursuit of a celebration of sexuality and freedom from binding traditions. The traditions were much more than what they had seemed during the time of radical beliefs. They were traps for the new generations, and yet, without them, there were severe consequences.

The War Within

Throughout history, Christians have fought against such worldly philosophies that would encourage the lusts of the flesh and fulfill the true needs of every man. In John 4, we see Jesus carefully and gently talking with the woman at the well until he finally reaches her true need of salvation in light of her dependance on sin (sexual immorality and adultery). When consequences arise for these worldly choices it is part of the Christian’s testimony to be ready to help these victims and sinners just like us (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 6:2). Jesus continually reached out to the lost during his ministry and not only healed them of their afflictions but the root (Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21) of their sins. Christ has forgiven us much and as our fellow man it is part of God’s command to share the gospel through the reflection of God’s love. Counseling has been a powerful ally for the Christian community and has brought many to the Lord as they have stepped away from such lifestyles (Colossians 3:5-7) when the Holy Spirit touched their hurting hearts. When they are put in the position of need, they will either choose the help of the world or seek out God through his people (Romans 1; Mark 16:15-16).

Hope

Counselling such cases with psychiatry would be a very difficult task without the hope the Bible has to offer. God’s word affords so much comfort and counsel for the sexually abused and those dealing with the consequences of living outside of God’s plan. Unlike naturalism, there is security and truth in God (2 Timothy 3:16; John 17:17). According to the Scriptures, God created man with a purpose: to glorify God. He forms the foundation of every aspect of our lives and is completely faithful if we are His children. His truth does not depend on the waxing and waning of man’s mind but rather on the firm foundations found in His word (John 17:17; John 1). Man can find security and satisfaction in an unchanging God instead of the fleeting sexual encounters that the sexual revolution claimed would create freedom (2 Timothy 6:6; 2 Peter 1:3).

Where Naturalism fails to support Scriptures take up the heavyweight of the world’s burdens. The Scriptures hold so many promises for each of us. As Christians, we have the opportunity to share an alternative to the naturalist perspective: a perspective that offers hope, love, and completeness through the love and mercy of Christ. Colossians 2:10 “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power”

References

Francis, Andrew M. "The Wages Of Sin: How The Discovery Of Penicillin Reshaped Modern Sexuality". Archives Of Sexual Behavior, vol 42, no. 1, 2012, pp. 5-13. Springer Science And Business Media LLC, doi:10.1007/s10508-012-0018-4. (accessed through website)

Chisom, James. "Evolution And Inequality: Why Some Men Rape". Csus.Edu, 1999, https://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/merlinos/chisholmburbank.html.

"Sexually Transmitted Infections (Stis)". Who.Int, 2019, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis).

Mortenson, Dr. Terry. "The Religion Of Naturalism". Answers In Genesis, 2017, https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/religion-of-naturalism/.

Mortality From Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Reproductive-Aged Women: United States, 1999–2010 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103235/#:~:text=From%201999%20to%202010%2C%20the,1.3%20deaths%20per%20100%20000.