Sexting in a Christian World: What’s Wrong With This Picture?

I was not surprised by another Congressman sending lewd pictures of himself. But I was horrified by the growing public acceptance of sexting.

I was disappointed but not surprised by the immoral actions of yet another national politician recently. But I was horrified by what his evolving scandal revealed about the behavior—and most importantly—the attitudes of Americans about “sexting.”

First, let’s establish a relevant point: The vast majority of Americans consider themselves to be Christians. Not just “people of the Book” (the Bible), but people who claim to identify with its teachings enough to label themselves as followers of its principal teacher, Jesus Christ. According to a 2009 Gallup poll, 76 percent of Americans still call themselves Christian.

Next, for the sake of those who might not know, let’s define “sexting.” Oxford and MacMillan Dictionaries define it as, “The practice of sending sexual images or messages to someone’s mobile phone.” It’s a phenomenon of the cell phone culture, and it’s provoked a strong debate over the past decade.

“Consensual” does not define “moral”

What shocked me the most in the recent congressional disgrace was how accepted sexting is by the adult population. I read or heard comment after comment about how there was nothing wrong with it “because it was consensual” or “because everyone does it.” The New York Times (among many other media outlets) posted an invitation to debate the question “What’s wrong with adult sexting?” Too many people decide what is acceptable today on the basis of commonly held opinion.

Have so many lost their bearings? “Consensual” does not define “moral” or “acceptable”! Neither do fads. Just because something is popular doesn’t make it okay behavior.

Fact: Sexting between an adult who is married and another married adult or an unmarried adult is a proven pathway to infidelity—that is, adultery. “A new study finds that the practice of ‘sexting’—sending salacious texts or nude photos over the Internet—is now a key tool for Americans bent on infidelity.” See the details yourself in this USA Today article, “‘Sexting’ Common for Those Who Cheat,” written after the recent congressional humiliation.

Americans—and all Westerners, for America (sadly) leads the way—need to stop lying to themselves that sexting is innocent and that “consensual” means it’s okay.

What God says

I started by stating the fact that the United States at least claims to be a Christian nation. So, let’s seriously consider what the Bible says. This is not up for debate, for an online poll or for the daily topic of a radio talk show.

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, read His opinion:

“But fornication [any sexual intimacy outside of marriage] and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:3-7, emphasis added).

For those who prefer slightly more modern English, here it is from the Holman Christian Standard Bible:

“But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. And coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. For know and recognize this: no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient. Therefore, do not become their partners.”

Is anything considered coarse anymore?

Answer these questions: What is “crude joking”? What is “foolish talking”? The media pushes the boundaries so much that one wonders, “Is anything considered coarse anymore?”According to the highest authority, the Word of the living God, some communication is foolish; some is coarse; some joking is crude—and unfit for our eyes and ears.

Living in this world makes it virtually impossible not to be swept along by its social current some of the time. But Christians must have a clear sense of what crosses the line, and we must avoid it.

Are you a Christian—really? If you are, it shows—thank you for your example! It you aren’t, it also shows, and you are hurting many more than just yourself.

Cecil Maranville coordinates providing personal replies to those who write to the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.