The Unintended Consequences of Separating Sex, Marriage, and Babies: A Christian Perspective
In today’s rapidly changing society, many Christians find themselves grappling with the far-reaching effects of the sexual revolution. As parents, mentors, and church leaders, we’re called to guide the next generation through these cultural shifts while staying true to God’s design. But how do we navigate these challenges when societal norms seem to drift further from biblical principles?
This post explores a fundamental lie of the sexual revolution: the idea that sex, marriage, and babies are separable. We’ll examine its impact on society and provide biblical wisdom to help you live out what it means to be truly human in a fragmented world.
The Sexual Revolution: A Paradigm Shift
The sexual revolution has been one of the most influential social movements in recent history, reshaping our understanding of relationships, family, and human identity. Its ideas have gone from being unthinkable to unquestionable in just a few decades, influencing every aspect of our society—from politics and entertainment to law and even science.
The First Lie: Sex, Marriage, and Babies are Separable
At the heart of the sexual revolution lies the notion that sex, marriage, and babies can be separated. As John Stonestreet explains:
“Prior to the 20th century, sex, marriage, and babies were seen as a package deal. And the reason that sex, marriage, and babies were seen as a package deal was because of three fundamental realities that were true wherever humans were.”– John Stonestreet
These realities were:
- Sex makes babies
- Society cares about babies (for its future)
- Babies need a mom and a dad
The invention of contraception, particularly the pill, made it possible to conceive of sex, marriage, and babies as separate entities. This separation has progressed in stages:
- Separating sex from babies: Birth control made it possible to have sex without having children.
- Separating sex from marriage: The sexual revolution made it more acceptable to have sex outside of marriage.
- Separating babies from marriage: There was a rise in single-parent households.
- Separating marriage from babies: Many couples began to focus on their relationship, not on having children.
- Separating babies from sex: New technologies allowed people to have babies without having sex.
This shift has had profound consequences. While the sexual revolution promised freedom, it instead led to a devaluation of sexual intimacy. Women, rather than finding liberation, often face increased pressure to compete in unhealthy ways within this new “marketplace.”
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The Impact on Children and Society
While proponents of these changes often claim, “the kids will be fine,” research suggests otherwise. Studies consistently show that children do better in homes with married mothers and fathers than in any other situation.
“Ideas have consequences. Bad ideas have victims because our ideas walk into the real world and change how we think about ourselves and how we think about others. The disproportionate victims of the sexual revolution, especially that first idea that sex, marriage, and babies are separable, have been children, over and over and over.”– John Stonestreet
This separation has often prioritized adult desires over children’s needs, leading to a variety of social challenges. The disproportionate victims of this paradigm shift have been children—who are left to bear the consequences of broken families and unstable environments.
A Biblical Perspective
As Christians, we’re called to view sex, marriage, and family through the lens of God’s design. The Bible reminds us in Genesis 2:24 (NIV):
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”– Genesis 2:24 (NIV)
This verse underscores the interconnectedness of sex, marriage, and family that God intended. It’s a reminder that these elements are not meant to be separated but are designed to work together for our flourishing and God’s glory.
Trusting Him, Shaping Me, Restoring Us
In light of these cultural challenges, how can we, as Christians, live out what it means to be truly human and participate in restoring God’s vision for relationships? The answer lies in returning to the core truths of our identity in Christ:
- Trust in God’s Design: Trust that God’s plan for sex, marriage, and family is rooted in His love and leads to true flourishing, even when cultural messages seem overwhelming.
- Be Shaped by Christ: Let Jesus’ teachings shape your view of relationships, seeing others as image-bearers of God and following Christ’s example of love and commitment.
- Participate in Restoration: Live out your faith authentically to reflect God’s design and restore truly human relationships in your community. Show others the abundant life God intends.
As we face the challenges posed by the separation of sex, marriage, and babies in our culture, remember that our identity is rooted in Christ, not in our relationship status or sexual experiences. By trusting in God’s goodness, allowing Jesus to shape our perspective, and participating in the restoration of healthy relationships, we can counter the harmful narratives of our culture and experience the fullness of life as God designed.
Living Out True Humanity in a Fragmented World
In light of the cultural challenges that arise from separating sex, marriage, and babies, how can we—as individuals, families, and communities—live out what it means to be truly human? The answer lies in embracing the core truths of our identity in Christ and reflecting God’s design for relationships.
Embrace God’s Design: Trust that God’s plan for sex, marriage, and family is for your good. Live according to His intentions, not out of obligation, but to experience life as He intended.
Cultivate Integrity: Align your beliefs with your actions. Let your view of sex, marriage, and family match how you live, whether single, married, or parenting.
Nurture Holy Relationships: Build relationships that honor God’s design—whether deep friendships, Christ-centered marriages, or healthy family dynamics.
Be a Voice of Hope: Share grace and truth with those struggling. Point them to the beauty and healing in God’s design for relationships.
Engage in Flourishing Communities: Be active in church and community groups that support God’s design for family and relationships, creating spaces for growth and integrity.
How Can We Live Out Our True Humanity?
If you’re looking for resources to deepen your understanding of God’s design for sex, marriage, and family, The Identity Project offers biblically grounded materials to support you in this journey. Whether you want to strengthen your own understanding or help others experience true humanity, we have the tools and guidance you need.
Start your free trial today at IdentityProject.tv and join us in the journey of restoring a truly human understanding of sex, marriage, and family, one relationship at a time.
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