In part one, we separated religion from the gospel, defined both, and explored their polarized view of shame, salvation and growth.

In part two, we continue our exploration by looking at sex, power, and abuse.

Be sure to read part one for appropriate context.

Sex

• Religion: (loosely) men are entitled, women are obligated, emotional connection is irrelevant
• Gospel: a delightful outflow of abundant emotional intimacy, void of pressure, guilt or expectations

It is commonly taught in religious communities that "men have needs" and women have to meet those needs.  Scripture is twisted to support views that objectify women and feed sexual addiction.  Genuine intimacy is rarely experienced, as psychological, emotional, and spiritual connection are not prioritized for either spouse. 

Women are often pressured to dress and act a certain way, due to men's inability to control their sexual desires.  This blurring of boundaries feeds religious male entitlement and female subservience, setting the stage for destructive sexual expectations in marriage.

The gospel, however, teaches that sex is a beautiful representation of intimacy between a man, woman, and God... each fully knowing and being known by God and spouse... "naked and unashamed."  Sex is merely an overflow of the holistic relational intimacy already present.  Each gender is equally valued, esteemed and cherished, seeking to honor and protect the other.

Genuine intimacy is built on a foundation of safety, trust and emotional attunement, free from demands and expectations for sexual contact. Intercourse becomes a joyous act of mutual giving and receiving, sharing and exploring together respectfully while feeling entirely safe.

Men, especially, learn to protect their wife's body and heart by seeking her well-being first, loving her and sacrificing his desires for her... just as Christ loved and sacrificed for him.

Power

• Religion: “God” → System → Leaders → People
• Gospel: God → Jesus → People

In religious systems, the people are separated from their God to varying degrees based on the denomination, sect or religion.  God is in quotes, because the system manipulates how He's presented in order to preserve their own interests. 

Leaders who align with the system are granted power and authority so long as they do not challenge the system.  The people are expected to obey leaders as though extensions of God Himself.  This arrangement obfuscates God, distorting His character and will to best serve those in power.

In stark contrast, the gospel allows direct access to God through Jesus' sacrifice.  Salvation, forgiveness and acceptance are all received from God Himself, without the need for human intermediaries.

Leaders in Jesus' day were threatened by this arrangement as it undermined their power and privilege.  Rather than conforming to the truth, they wanted the truth to conform to their system, going so far as to murder an innocent man.  Sadly, this tendency remains today... abusing not the flesh, but the mind, heart and spirit.

Abuse

• Religion: protect abusers in power, blame the victims, keep it hidden
• Gospel: protect the vulnerable, judge the wicked, bring it into the light

The life-blood of religious systems is power, so to survive it must maintain or increase power, but never lose it.  Often this looks like those in power using and abusing those with less power, frequently rationalized as being done "for the greater good," "for the church," or even "for God."

Victims who speak out become a threat to those in power and are typically met with a host of additional abuse tactics to minimize potential exposure of the truth.  Once actual exposure occurs, it must be denied.  Those perceived as a liability must be scapegoated and disowned.

The God of the gospel is horrified and enraged by the misuse of power and abuse of His beloved in religious systems.  It Is Wrong!

Consider how He used his infinite power, not for selfish gain, but to create, relate with and save us, the utterly powerless.  Time and again, the gospel advocates for protecting the vulnerable, helping the powerless, giving generously to others.

Human dignity is of utmost importance, sharing oneself for the good of others.  All people are viewed as having immeasurable value, so abuse of any type by anyone is completely unfathomable.  In particular, the gospel gives special honor and blessing to the most vulnerable populations, especially children and women.

Join me in two week for part three as we continue by looking at the System, Splintering, Being Right and the Consequences.

If you want to process the impact of religious systems in your life from a trauma-informed and gospel-centered perspective,

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RELATED:

• Religion vs Gospel - Part 1
• Religion vs Gospel - Part 3 - COMING SOON
• Four Stages of Spiritual Growth