I receive a web-based monthly magazine from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that "explores contemporary issues of interest to young women."

The May issue included an article on commercial sexual exploitation, which I would like to share with you here (click on the highlighted phrase above to link to the article).

In Jen's post from the other day, she mentions "trying to navigate the space between virgin and whore." So much of women's--and increasingly men's--sexuality is defined by extemes: you are either a prowress or a prude. This is not a helpful way of talking about human sexuality. Our society tends to stress the former (prowress), while the church--even if only by keeping silent on the subject--stresses the later (prude). We are often left by ourselves to navigate the space in between.

What do you think is the church's role in helping its members--and especially its young women--develop a healthy sexuality? How can the church combat commercial sexual exploitation in the process?

Read the article and share your thoughts...

Labels: human sexuality, religion and sexuality, sexual exploitation, sexuality and church