Maelstrom: Martin's Musings

God don't Blog!

Apparently, according to some it is not Christian to blog. But this is not a case of practicing what you preach!

Tags: religion, blogs, preach, christian

The Bible doesn't say Christian couples can't enjoy sex or sex-tech

I think that the above title pretty much says it all -- But it is not a lurid message in the least. Pastor Joe Beam of Family Dynamics is trying to point out that it is not a sin in a loving Christian marriage to have and enjoy sex. He backs up his message with book, chapter and verse in the bible. Much of his audiences are married conservative Christians. 

There seemed to be a sense that he was giving a sense of relief to those who might already be having sex, and feeling guilty; or permission to those that feel it might be a sin but are interested. He is not giving or suggesting carte blanche, and lays out some rules that basically must be followed -- no one can get hurt, between married couples, no animals, etc. Does not believe that pornography and to a lesser extent masturbation should play any significant role if at all in the sexual relationship even if done together.

Before I read the article I was thinking that it might be someone on the fringe trying to come to get out a sex positive message. This is sex positive but it is also not a fringe perspective. The audience definitely was not.

This obviously deals with adult themes so be warned before looking at the videos of this talks and interview. Article and video on MSNBC. Article and video on Wired.

Tags: sex, conservative, conservatism, morality, marriage, relationships

Some Beginning Threads

As is suggested in my Bio, I am a single father of three kids (Grant, Rachel, Paige), two dogs (Scruffy, Sakima) and a kitten (Simba). I live in Napa, California (USA). I have a girlfriend of two years, Svea. This, I suppose,  is the beginning of one strand.

Maybe this will be the beginning of getting some clarity or meaning in my life. Maybe it will also help me identify what my faith or spiritual journey is or is going to be. A strong "faith" has not been a major or even minor part of my life. I would say that I am not without questions and desire for something as yet undefined. However, I would say that I am a "spiritual" person, but it is difficult to build a community with others in this area if one cannot easily define themselves in relation or context with others.

I find myself looking for and needing a sense of community, and it does not seem to be popping up in other areas. Work, kids, even external family. Exploring faith is a place where people of different backgrounds can come together and explore and hopefully add meaning in their lives. I see my meaning coming from more than a faith focus. But this seems to be one area that is calling to me.

I am trying to be careful not to talk about religion. While that is an obvious subtext to the above, I have had some mixed experiences relative to organized or institutional religion. I find that adding that view just gives me too many reasons to abort exploration. Having a love of history that includes some of the actions taken in the name of religion is enough to make many people do an about face. At the same time, it is difficult for me to deal with people that have unquestioning faith. Faith for me is about a journey. Someone that blindly walks the path is just as easy to veer from it. Checking for directions seems to me to be a good thing.

Tags: faith, meaning, values, family, religion, spirituality

Strands of Understanding or Clarity?!?

It is funny. I guess I see my life, or maybe even just points in life and how you get there as strands or threads such as with a string or a rope. They hopefully come together in a way than can keep us a little stronger. Whatever that means. (Side Note: It seems a little odd that I would start this in the anniversary of 9/11.)

I find myself now in a very trying place in my life. I am in a place that in many ways I could never have imagined. Now seems to be a good time to examine those strands. I feel that if I lay myself bare for a bit, that I might be able to bring the strands together in a meaningful manner. And hopefully a little stronger.

I feel that I might be able to get some meaning or maybe at least make some sense so that I can move on. I believe that people often are in places that make one feel stuck or in rut. What I am talking about is much more than that. It is different strands unraveling at the same time. I believe that I am in this place to learn from it, and that it is not all negative.

I think that getting it out on paper (or at least on a blog ;-)), I might be able to make more sense of it. I tend to have a problem with the victim mentality that society seems to find itself in too easily at the moment. But boy, there is a part of me that feels I am experiencing a type of self victimization. However, I like to subscribe to the notion of critical self reflection (CSR) which for me might keep from this path. I think it difficult for the victim to learn from the events that put them there. It is the taking responsibility and gaining insights from the events that makes us stronger.

Tags: faith, strands, CSR, critical self reflection, religion, spirituality, meaning

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger!"