Sex, Capital, and Power Meta-Theology on Sexuality

Abstract

Sexuality is essential to human beings. Human history began and has been preserved by sexual activities. In a narrow sense, sex satisfies on of the basic desires and pleasures of the creatures, and in a broad sense it brings them security and happiness in relation to the family system. However, when sexuality is abused, many problems arise. Sexuality concerns not only an individual but also a community. How sexuality is treated in theology? Sexuality is not a main topic of theology, being compared with the other discipline. Although biblical studies deal with the issues related to sexuality, they are limited to specific subjects and the biblical scholars failed to reach an agreement. It is no exaggeration to say that the church does not touch the issue of sexuality. It seems to put a taboo on the subject. The Bible considers sexuality as a source of happiness and holiness (Gen 2; Lev 18-20; Song) as well as that of evil (Deut 22:21), but the church sometimes takes an ambivalent attitude to sexuality. Christians have a choice of two extremes, either secretly indulging in sex or living abstinent lives. This paper tries to investigate the theology of sexuality in the Old Testament in a holistic manner. Sexuality shows an aspect of the religion of ancient Israel in that individuals and their community are closely bound up with capital and power through sexuality. Written in an ancient language, the Bible is not an old document that is abrogated today. But it can serve as the rules of life. Therefore, we have to provide a theoretical basis to solve sexual problems brought up in the real life.