davejonescue
Puritan Board Senior
I'm thinking about trying to slowly write a book about Spiritual Eunuchism. This is what I have so far. There is no logical order to these points, just a couple random thoughts off the top. Please feel free to add more possible points, correct me on points, etc.
Title: "Some Become" A Protestant Theology on Spiritual Eunuchism.
1. Being a Eunuch is not the same as being temporarily single. ---Becoming a Eunuch, whether by birth or by castration, was an irreversible trait or act in the time of Jesus. Spiritual Eunuchism, not Sacred Singleness, is the "free will choice" to forgo sex and marriage for the sake of the Kingdom. While a desire to become a Spiritual Eunuch may always be persistent, always keep in mind that spiritual eunuchism, as well as marriage, are freewill choices, and while one is obligated after the choice of marriage to remain in that state until the death of their partner, one is not required to remain a spiritual eunuch, even after a personal dedication, and is free to marry at any given time during their pilgrimage as long as it lines up with Gods ideal for marriage.
2. Are we a Peter or Paul?
Marriage and Spiritual Eunichism provide opportunities to serve the Lord in different ways. For example, Peter was married and took on what we would contemporarily call the role of a "full-time" minister. He was funded by the church and performed his ministry functions as a calling/vocation. This most likely allowed him to focus on family, and possibly raise children while at the same time contributing a large percentage of his time to ministry. Being that the popular Protestant consensus is that our job is also our ministry, whatever that employment may be, even those who are not formerly in ministry, would still be divided along these lines.
Paul, on the other hand, was what is contemporarily known as a "tentmaker." Instead of splitting his focus trilaterally (work, ministry, family) he was able to also only divide his focus two ways (work/ministry.) The absence of a family is most likely what allowed him to not charge for the Gospel, and to provide his own means and not burden the church, while also spending an equal share of effort in ministry. To applaud Paul for his contributions without factoring in his lifestyle is to be short-sighted.
3. Spiritual Eunichism is factually no more a danger to increase minor victimization than the general public in areas of minor concentration.
----- For instance, in the Catholic Church, which mandates celibacy for its Priests, the rate of abuse within its priestly body is about 4%. The rate of molestation within the American public school system is about 6%. There is no mandated celibacy in public schools, yet it has a higher rate of molestation. While both of these are high, too high, the point is molesting children doesn't stem from denying oneself sexual gratification, it comes from a desire to molest children.
4. A brief History of Christian Eunuchism.
5. The entire NT is written about a Spiritual Eunuch in his humanity (Jesus.) And a majority of the NT books were written by a Spiritual Eunuch.
6. Jesus puts emphasis on embracing Spiritual Eunichism is you feel called or desire to do it, and can do it (in purity.)
" The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matt. 19:12)
Notice he doesn't say "the one who can accept this may accept this," but instead, he says "should."
7. Spiritual Eunuchism is not Esoteric Asceticism.
--The goal of Spiritual Eunuchism should never be to feel like the simple abstinence of sexual or marital gratification somehow elevates one spiritually or draws them closer to God. Instead, it has to do with prioritizing different aspects of life. One may be devoted to family, which is an act of worship, and another may be devoted to prayer, study, or service, which is also an act of worship. The level of relationship or love doesn't change by our abstinence. Every Christian receives an equal recompense under the headship of Christ.
8. Satan may try to convince you to be a Spiritual Eunuch, but he won't empower you to do so.
---- Satan's only goal in convincing someone they "have" to be a spiritual eunuch, would be to keep them in bondage to sexual impurity. Remember, Spiritual Eunuchism is not Sacred Singleness, it is a purposefully, dedicated, perpetual state of abstinence. Spiritual Eunuchism is "always a choice."
(unless one is trying to comply with unscriptural sexual temptations or potential adultery by divorce and remarriage.) Either way, one is free to marry God's way. Either by forgoing those temptations and attractions, or being reconciled back to your previous spouse.
9. Spiritual Eunuchism means never being sexually gratified again.....forever.
----Sexual intercourse ends with this life. By committing to becoming a Spiritual Eunuch, you are making sexual gratification no longer an option. (within the confines of Spiritual Eunuchism. One is always free to forgo the practice and marry; you do not sin.)
10. Spiritual Eunuchism is not "just not having sex."
--- It is not just not having sex. It is not having sex, not watching p0rn, not masturbating, not getting married, not having children. It is even putting to death the mental fornication of obscene imaginations. Furthermore, it is not only not seeking romantically intimate relationships, but not engaging in them when the possibility presents itself. It is not fitting in both in the married group or the singles (hoping to marry) group. It can be a potentially lonely life. One clouded in ignorance in the world, and in the church.
11. The 4 main areas to overcome on the path to Spiritual Eunuchism:
1. The heart. A heart that desires this road, but is willing to admit if it is too difficult.
2. The flesh. First act: Stop physically fornicating. No sex.
3. The eyes. Next act. Stop visually fornicating. No p0rn.
4. The mind. Last act. Stop mentally fornicating. No imaginative sexual gratification past rejecting temptation.
12. Perfection is often times progressive.
---Our inherent sexual drives are one of the most ingrained, God-ordained attributes. As is an infant learning to walk, so too is our ability to resist our nature. Dependence to independence won't happen by the will of self, but by subjecting ourselves to the will of God and embracing brokenness that leads to praying for conviction, that leads to genuine repentance and self-control.
13. The main component of Spiritual Eunuchsim is Self-Control, not the absence of temptation.
----Paul said the gift is self-control (in relation to sexual temptation.) Do not expect to reach a state of not being tempted, but instead, a state of having control over your body and not succumbing to sin.
14. Prospective Calling: While the normal consensus of adult intimacy in the Bible is that of a heterosexual marriage, the sovereign call to perpetual singleness (even though it is a compatibilistic choice of the will) will take on a different form or intended remedy to sexual temptation. The man or woman who seeks to marry, will seek to remain pure in the hopes of ending a cycle of temporal suffering through marriage, i.e. the ultimate remedy for the temptation to fornicate is marriage. The spiritual eunuch will look to self-control as the prize of overcoming temporal suffering, not to a future of gratification; as in the above case where abstinent purity is the blessed precursor to biblical sexual expression, but instead will consider untainted celibacy as the prize, and overcoming temporal suffering as the precursor to the enemy giving up and becoming personally mature in that regard. (James 4:7) So, while spiritual eunuchism is (largely) a choice, if one sees the prize of abstinent purity as freedom from matrimony, instead of obedience until matrimony, it may be a good indicator that one is gifted with spiritual eunuchism. This is within the framework of progressive sanctification, i.e. that if a person is empowered by the Holy Spirit, that all inclinations towards holy aspects of worship stem from that source, and will be gifted to the person so that he can ultimately pursue them purely.
15. How Spiritual Eunuchism may affect ministry opportunities. (Negatively & Positively)
Survey up a select number Churches and inquire if their lead Pastors are single (and if they have never been married.)
16. Explain the consequential implications of spiritual eunuchism for those who involuntarily must succumb to this lifestyle (even if temporarily) in biblical obedience, i.e. unmortified sexual deviancy, divorced (while the spouse is still living, and for any other reason except abandonment because of conversion.) -- still fleshing this out.
17. The idea of the Church (as spouse) and Christians (as offspring) in replacement for the time, money, and effort spent on supporting a traditional family. This is in the framework of acknowledging we are the bride of Christ, yet, we look to the Church with the same affection we would a bride (and give our life for it.)
18. The implications of the creation imperative of procreation and the NT exception to forgo physical multiplicity for full-time devotion. How the Bible paints a familial narrative, and stepping outside that narrative should not be spent on self-pleasure, success, or garnishing wealth (for the purpose of hedonism,) but should be spent on devotion, evangelism, service, and study with the ultimate goal of glorifying God by our gift, not squandering it becoming copies of secular singles who merely don't have sex.
19. The possible biblio-psychological effects of celibacy (both voluntary and involuntary,) and loneliness. The theological remedy.
20. Include incarcerated converts who will never be released as potential recipients of this gift by sovereign decree.
21. While self-control is an indicator of the gift, self-control is also a universal gift of spiritual maturity.
22. Also include "sovereign celibacy" under the deviant sexual attractions of pedophilia, bestiality, and necromancy, etc. Christs redeeming power is available to all those who would embrace it. We need to forgo the popular cycle of hush depravities, and not exclude those who would remain celibate from fellowship. The minute we exclude others simply because we are less depraved in a certain area, we have lost sight that we are all irredeemably depraved as a race; and, we have minimized the ability of God to forgive through Jesus, and the love of God through Christ for the most wicked among us. With this being said, it will and should be up to local elders and shepherds how such a person interacts with the congregation, per their directive to guard the sheep.
23. Develop the idea of "sovereign celibacy" or, that circumstantial celibacy where the initial desire is that of sexual gratification, but the possibility of that desire is void due to depraved desires, consequences of sin, or situational impossibility like physical/mental disorders, sexual addictions, abusive traits, or imprisonment.
24. Include appropriate passages regarding this topic. Especially including commentary from trusted sources.
25. Possibly include devotional material dealing specifically with this issue.
26. Deal with the issue of SSA illegitimate marriages, that divorce is impossible where there is no permissible union, and simply stepping away from that situation holds no relational imperative to be reconciled before initiating Christian celibacy or heterosexual marriage. Only in aspects where there will be legal hindrance should a person legally divorce from an illegitimate marriage, so that the circumstance will be severed, and the state of purity can commence whether in celibacy or straight marriage.
27. Regardless of the most depraved prior sexual deviancies, coming to a place of sexual purity, through the forgiveness of Christ, by progressive sanctification, is the "being in the will of God" for your present sexual state. Reconciliation of our transgression will never be the result of sin (i.e. overcoming sexual impurity by being illegitimately divorced (and saved) and remarrying a different spouse,) it will only come by the narrow path of biblical obedience, whether that is marital reconciliation, abstinence until marriage, or celibacy until glorification. While all sins may be forgiven, even multiple marital adultery, they are not the biblical ideal for saintliness. One of the surest ways to seek the individual will of God, is to walk in obedience. When we step away from that obedience, God will still accomplish his decretive purpose for our election, but will do so by way of our chastisement instead of our blessing. The love of God for his children is irrevocable; with that being said, we best show our love for God by obedience.
28. Make known the newness of life, and not to identify with our temptation over our newness in Christ.
29. SSA is not a pass to deem or impose perpetual celibacy on oneself in the spirit of holding on to an old nature of disinterest or self-perceived unattraction to the opposite sex. While, giving oneself “space” to the process of mortifying the old man should be acceptable, dedicating one’s life to becoming a non-sexually active Christian, while one still yearns for sexual gratification, is only imposing a life of turmoil, conflict, and possibly perpetual failure. Never limit the choices to gay or single. This is refusing to do it Gods way. There has to be a pure motive in both singleness and marriage; regardless of how we struggle. Wanting a route to quell sexual urges is a pure motive for marriage; but not wanting to conform to Gods design for marriage is not a pure reason for seeking perpetual celibacy. Yes, there should be room to work out to whether a current state of temptation would be detrimental to a Godly marriage, for, it is better to fail alone then to bring another down with you. But again, this concern would stem from a pure motive of seeking to conform but presently unable, as opposed to potentially able, but obstinately refusing as a residue of the old man.
30. The popularity in Protestantism to look at perpetual singleness as the result of relational, sexual, or emotional disability.
31. The popularity in Protestantism to think that the power that enables celibacy, stems from lack of attractions, desires, or temptations; instead of the gifted grace to have self-control over them.
Title: "Some Become" A Protestant Theology on Spiritual Eunuchism.
1. Being a Eunuch is not the same as being temporarily single. ---Becoming a Eunuch, whether by birth or by castration, was an irreversible trait or act in the time of Jesus. Spiritual Eunuchism, not Sacred Singleness, is the "free will choice" to forgo sex and marriage for the sake of the Kingdom. While a desire to become a Spiritual Eunuch may always be persistent, always keep in mind that spiritual eunuchism, as well as marriage, are freewill choices, and while one is obligated after the choice of marriage to remain in that state until the death of their partner, one is not required to remain a spiritual eunuch, even after a personal dedication, and is free to marry at any given time during their pilgrimage as long as it lines up with Gods ideal for marriage.
2. Are we a Peter or Paul?
Marriage and Spiritual Eunichism provide opportunities to serve the Lord in different ways. For example, Peter was married and took on what we would contemporarily call the role of a "full-time" minister. He was funded by the church and performed his ministry functions as a calling/vocation. This most likely allowed him to focus on family, and possibly raise children while at the same time contributing a large percentage of his time to ministry. Being that the popular Protestant consensus is that our job is also our ministry, whatever that employment may be, even those who are not formerly in ministry, would still be divided along these lines.
Paul, on the other hand, was what is contemporarily known as a "tentmaker." Instead of splitting his focus trilaterally (work, ministry, family) he was able to also only divide his focus two ways (work/ministry.) The absence of a family is most likely what allowed him to not charge for the Gospel, and to provide his own means and not burden the church, while also spending an equal share of effort in ministry. To applaud Paul for his contributions without factoring in his lifestyle is to be short-sighted.
3. Spiritual Eunichism is factually no more a danger to increase minor victimization than the general public in areas of minor concentration.
----- For instance, in the Catholic Church, which mandates celibacy for its Priests, the rate of abuse within its priestly body is about 4%. The rate of molestation within the American public school system is about 6%. There is no mandated celibacy in public schools, yet it has a higher rate of molestation. While both of these are high, too high, the point is molesting children doesn't stem from denying oneself sexual gratification, it comes from a desire to molest children.
4. A brief History of Christian Eunuchism.
5. The entire NT is written about a Spiritual Eunuch in his humanity (Jesus.) And a majority of the NT books were written by a Spiritual Eunuch.
6. Jesus puts emphasis on embracing Spiritual Eunichism is you feel called or desire to do it, and can do it (in purity.)
" The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matt. 19:12)
Notice he doesn't say "the one who can accept this may accept this," but instead, he says "should."
7. Spiritual Eunuchism is not Esoteric Asceticism.
--The goal of Spiritual Eunuchism should never be to feel like the simple abstinence of sexual or marital gratification somehow elevates one spiritually or draws them closer to God. Instead, it has to do with prioritizing different aspects of life. One may be devoted to family, which is an act of worship, and another may be devoted to prayer, study, or service, which is also an act of worship. The level of relationship or love doesn't change by our abstinence. Every Christian receives an equal recompense under the headship of Christ.
8. Satan may try to convince you to be a Spiritual Eunuch, but he won't empower you to do so.
---- Satan's only goal in convincing someone they "have" to be a spiritual eunuch, would be to keep them in bondage to sexual impurity. Remember, Spiritual Eunuchism is not Sacred Singleness, it is a purposefully, dedicated, perpetual state of abstinence. Spiritual Eunuchism is "always a choice."
(unless one is trying to comply with unscriptural sexual temptations or potential adultery by divorce and remarriage.) Either way, one is free to marry God's way. Either by forgoing those temptations and attractions, or being reconciled back to your previous spouse.
9. Spiritual Eunuchism means never being sexually gratified again.....forever.
----Sexual intercourse ends with this life. By committing to becoming a Spiritual Eunuch, you are making sexual gratification no longer an option. (within the confines of Spiritual Eunuchism. One is always free to forgo the practice and marry; you do not sin.)
10. Spiritual Eunuchism is not "just not having sex."
--- It is not just not having sex. It is not having sex, not watching p0rn, not masturbating, not getting married, not having children. It is even putting to death the mental fornication of obscene imaginations. Furthermore, it is not only not seeking romantically intimate relationships, but not engaging in them when the possibility presents itself. It is not fitting in both in the married group or the singles (hoping to marry) group. It can be a potentially lonely life. One clouded in ignorance in the world, and in the church.
11. The 4 main areas to overcome on the path to Spiritual Eunuchism:
1. The heart. A heart that desires this road, but is willing to admit if it is too difficult.
2. The flesh. First act: Stop physically fornicating. No sex.
3. The eyes. Next act. Stop visually fornicating. No p0rn.
4. The mind. Last act. Stop mentally fornicating. No imaginative sexual gratification past rejecting temptation.
12. Perfection is often times progressive.
---Our inherent sexual drives are one of the most ingrained, God-ordained attributes. As is an infant learning to walk, so too is our ability to resist our nature. Dependence to independence won't happen by the will of self, but by subjecting ourselves to the will of God and embracing brokenness that leads to praying for conviction, that leads to genuine repentance and self-control.
13. The main component of Spiritual Eunuchsim is Self-Control, not the absence of temptation.
----Paul said the gift is self-control (in relation to sexual temptation.) Do not expect to reach a state of not being tempted, but instead, a state of having control over your body and not succumbing to sin.
14. Prospective Calling: While the normal consensus of adult intimacy in the Bible is that of a heterosexual marriage, the sovereign call to perpetual singleness (even though it is a compatibilistic choice of the will) will take on a different form or intended remedy to sexual temptation. The man or woman who seeks to marry, will seek to remain pure in the hopes of ending a cycle of temporal suffering through marriage, i.e. the ultimate remedy for the temptation to fornicate is marriage. The spiritual eunuch will look to self-control as the prize of overcoming temporal suffering, not to a future of gratification; as in the above case where abstinent purity is the blessed precursor to biblical sexual expression, but instead will consider untainted celibacy as the prize, and overcoming temporal suffering as the precursor to the enemy giving up and becoming personally mature in that regard. (James 4:7) So, while spiritual eunuchism is (largely) a choice, if one sees the prize of abstinent purity as freedom from matrimony, instead of obedience until matrimony, it may be a good indicator that one is gifted with spiritual eunuchism. This is within the framework of progressive sanctification, i.e. that if a person is empowered by the Holy Spirit, that all inclinations towards holy aspects of worship stem from that source, and will be gifted to the person so that he can ultimately pursue them purely.
15. How Spiritual Eunuchism may affect ministry opportunities. (Negatively & Positively)
Survey up a select number Churches and inquire if their lead Pastors are single (and if they have never been married.)
16. Explain the consequential implications of spiritual eunuchism for those who involuntarily must succumb to this lifestyle (even if temporarily) in biblical obedience, i.e. unmortified sexual deviancy, divorced (while the spouse is still living, and for any other reason except abandonment because of conversion.) -- still fleshing this out.
17. The idea of the Church (as spouse) and Christians (as offspring) in replacement for the time, money, and effort spent on supporting a traditional family. This is in the framework of acknowledging we are the bride of Christ, yet, we look to the Church with the same affection we would a bride (and give our life for it.)
18. The implications of the creation imperative of procreation and the NT exception to forgo physical multiplicity for full-time devotion. How the Bible paints a familial narrative, and stepping outside that narrative should not be spent on self-pleasure, success, or garnishing wealth (for the purpose of hedonism,) but should be spent on devotion, evangelism, service, and study with the ultimate goal of glorifying God by our gift, not squandering it becoming copies of secular singles who merely don't have sex.
19. The possible biblio-psychological effects of celibacy (both voluntary and involuntary,) and loneliness. The theological remedy.
20. Include incarcerated converts who will never be released as potential recipients of this gift by sovereign decree.
21. While self-control is an indicator of the gift, self-control is also a universal gift of spiritual maturity.
22. Also include "sovereign celibacy" under the deviant sexual attractions of pedophilia, bestiality, and necromancy, etc. Christs redeeming power is available to all those who would embrace it. We need to forgo the popular cycle of hush depravities, and not exclude those who would remain celibate from fellowship. The minute we exclude others simply because we are less depraved in a certain area, we have lost sight that we are all irredeemably depraved as a race; and, we have minimized the ability of God to forgive through Jesus, and the love of God through Christ for the most wicked among us. With this being said, it will and should be up to local elders and shepherds how such a person interacts with the congregation, per their directive to guard the sheep.
23. Develop the idea of "sovereign celibacy" or, that circumstantial celibacy where the initial desire is that of sexual gratification, but the possibility of that desire is void due to depraved desires, consequences of sin, or situational impossibility like physical/mental disorders, sexual addictions, abusive traits, or imprisonment.
24. Include appropriate passages regarding this topic. Especially including commentary from trusted sources.
25. Possibly include devotional material dealing specifically with this issue.
26. Deal with the issue of SSA illegitimate marriages, that divorce is impossible where there is no permissible union, and simply stepping away from that situation holds no relational imperative to be reconciled before initiating Christian celibacy or heterosexual marriage. Only in aspects where there will be legal hindrance should a person legally divorce from an illegitimate marriage, so that the circumstance will be severed, and the state of purity can commence whether in celibacy or straight marriage.
27. Regardless of the most depraved prior sexual deviancies, coming to a place of sexual purity, through the forgiveness of Christ, by progressive sanctification, is the "being in the will of God" for your present sexual state. Reconciliation of our transgression will never be the result of sin (i.e. overcoming sexual impurity by being illegitimately divorced (and saved) and remarrying a different spouse,) it will only come by the narrow path of biblical obedience, whether that is marital reconciliation, abstinence until marriage, or celibacy until glorification. While all sins may be forgiven, even multiple marital adultery, they are not the biblical ideal for saintliness. One of the surest ways to seek the individual will of God, is to walk in obedience. When we step away from that obedience, God will still accomplish his decretive purpose for our election, but will do so by way of our chastisement instead of our blessing. The love of God for his children is irrevocable; with that being said, we best show our love for God by obedience.
28. Make known the newness of life, and not to identify with our temptation over our newness in Christ.
29. SSA is not a pass to deem or impose perpetual celibacy on oneself in the spirit of holding on to an old nature of disinterest or self-perceived unattraction to the opposite sex. While, giving oneself “space” to the process of mortifying the old man should be acceptable, dedicating one’s life to becoming a non-sexually active Christian, while one still yearns for sexual gratification, is only imposing a life of turmoil, conflict, and possibly perpetual failure. Never limit the choices to gay or single. This is refusing to do it Gods way. There has to be a pure motive in both singleness and marriage; regardless of how we struggle. Wanting a route to quell sexual urges is a pure motive for marriage; but not wanting to conform to Gods design for marriage is not a pure reason for seeking perpetual celibacy. Yes, there should be room to work out to whether a current state of temptation would be detrimental to a Godly marriage, for, it is better to fail alone then to bring another down with you. But again, this concern would stem from a pure motive of seeking to conform but presently unable, as opposed to potentially able, but obstinately refusing as a residue of the old man.
30. The popularity in Protestantism to look at perpetual singleness as the result of relational, sexual, or emotional disability.
31. The popularity in Protestantism to think that the power that enables celibacy, stems from lack of attractions, desires, or temptations; instead of the gifted grace to have self-control over them.
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