Children of God (The Family International) is a Christian movement founded in Huntington Beach, California, United States in 1968 by David Berg, who was later succeeded by Karen Zerby (also known as Maria Fontaine). It has since spread to many countries around the world and continues to operate under various names. This movement has been controversial due to its teachings about sexual behavior, including encouraging free love and sharing partners between members.
It also places great emphasis on following biblical principles of purity and obedience. How do Children of God members reconcile these seemingly conflicting ideas?
The Bible does speak against premarital and extramarital sex, which is considered sinful. The movement's belief system includes chastity before marriage and faithfulness within marriage. They believe that sexual intimacy should be limited to married couples and that any other form of sexual expression is wrong. At the same time, they encourage members to explore their sexuality and express their emotions freely. They teach that sex is natural and healthy when done in moderation, and that denying oneself sex can lead to physical and mental harm. These two viewpoints may appear contradictory, but there are ways for members to reconcile them.
One way is through self-control. Members must learn to control their desires and impulses, especially when it comes to sexual desire. They are taught to think before acting and consider the consequences of their actions. They are also taught to seek guidance from spiritual leaders and peers when making decisions about sex. By doing so, members can avoid temptations and stay true to the movement's moral standards.
Another way is by understanding that sexual exploration is not always a sinful act. In fact, some argue that sex can even be a spiritual experience if done with the right partner. The Bible says that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman, and that sex within this context is pure and holy. Thus, the movement encourages members to find a partner who shares their faith and values, and to approach sexual intimacy as an expression of love and commitment. This way, members can have fulfilling and meaningful sexual relationships while still remaining true to their religious beliefs.
The Children of God community emphasizes obedience to God above all else. They believe that following His commandments brings blessings and protection, while disobeying Him leads to suffering. As such, they strive to obey His word in every aspect of life, including sexuality. This means being willing to submit to God's will, regardless of how difficult or uncomfortable it may seem at first. It also involves seeking guidance from spiritual leaders and trusting in divine intervention. By doing so, members can reconcile their sexual desires with their religious beliefs and live in accordance with both.
Reconciling sexual exploration and purity/obedience is challenging but possible for Children of God members. Through self-control, thoughtful decision-making, and submission to God, members can enjoy healthy and satisfying sexual relationships while still remaining faithful to their religious beliefs.
How do Children of God members reconcile sexual exploration with religious prescriptions of purity and obedience?
Children of God members have always found themselves in a unique position where they must balance their religious beliefs with their desires for personal freedom and fulfillment. They are taught from a young age that sexuality is something that should be expressed within the confines of marriage, but at the same time, they experience intense pressures to experiment and explore their sexuality outside of those boundaries.