Paul – The First Advice Columnist?

This sounds like the beginning of what could perhaps be the ancient world’s Ann Landers column. Someone writing for advice to someone who may have help and insights to problems they are facing.

What we read in Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth seems to be a response to letters of concern he received from the young Christian community. In this reading, it’s all about sexual behaviour.

In today’s world, we speak more about sexuality and sexual expression than in my parents’ generation, but perhaps it is still not enough. Paul very openly spoke about such matters with the congregations he cared for; he addressed their concerns openly.

Maybe if we spoke more openly, there would be less sexual harassment in our world and “#me too” campaigns could be a thing of the past. Maybe people would be more confident in their sexuality and people could be comfortable in their own skin.

Yet we are sexual beings, and passion sometimes gets the best of us. Thanks be to God for a grace and love we will never understand.

Forgiving God, may each of us treat our bodies and others' with great respect. Amen. — HRW

Contributed by Paul – The First Advice Columnist?

This sounds like the beginning of what could perhaps be the ancient world's Ann Landers column. Someone writing for advice to someone who may have help and insights to problems they are facing. What we read in Paul's letters to the church in Corinth seems to be a response to letters of concern he received from the young Christian community. In this reading, it's all about sexual behaviour. In today's world, we speak more about sexuality and sexual expression than in my parents' generation, but perhaps it is still not enough. Paul very openly spoke about such matters with the congregations he cared for; he addressed their concerns openly. Maybe if we spoke more openly, there would be less sexual harassment in our world and "#me too" campaigns could be a thing of the past. Maybe people would be more confident in their sexuality and people could be comfortable in their own skin. Yet we are sexual beings, and passion sometimes gets the best of us. Thanks be to God for a grace and love we will never understand.
Eternity for Today