The Children of God (also known as the Family International) is a new religious movement that was founded in Huntington Beach, California, United States in 1968 by David Berg, who later assumed the title "Moses David" after an alleged encounter with God. It has its headquarters in Brazil and currently operates in many countries around the world. One of the most controversial aspects of the movement is its belief in free love and sexual liberation.
The members are also expected to follow certain guidelines regarding their sexual activities. This article will explore how the Children of God balance erotic exploration with religious obligations and marital duty.
Religious Obligations
One of the main tenets of the Children of God is that they should be obedient to God's commandments and live according to His will. They believe that God created them for His pleasure and that He wants them to enjoy themselves in all ways, including sexually. Therefore, they see sex as a sacred act between a husband and wife and consider it a gift from God.
They also believe that there are specific rules that must be followed in order to maintain the purity of this relationship.
Adultery is strictly forbidden, as well as homosexuality, bestiality, incest, and any other form of non-monogamy. Members are encouraged to have regular conjugal relations with their spouse or partner, but only within marriage. They are also taught that masturbation and premarital sex are sinful and that pornography is harmful. These beliefs help to create a sense of structure and discipline within the community.
Erotic Exploration
Despite these restrictions on sexual behavior, the Children of God still allow for some degree of erotic exploration. Members are encouraged to experiment with different sexual practices and positions within the context of their marriages. They believe that this can enhance intimacy and deepen their connection with each other. Some couples even go so far as to engage in group sex or share partners with others in the movement. This openness towards alternative forms of sexual expression has been criticized by outside observers, who argue that it contradicts the movement's claims to promote traditional values.
The movement argues that these activities can be performed in a respectful and consensual manner, without harming anyone else.
Balancing Act
The challenge for members of the Children of God is to balance their religious obligations with their desire for erotic exploration. On one hand, they want to please God by following His rules and living according to His will. On the other hand, they want to enjoy themselves and explore their sexuality. To achieve this balance, they often rely on communication and compromise. Couples discuss what they are comfortable with and try to find a middle ground that works for both of them.
One person might be more interested in bondage while another enjoys spanking - by talking about their desires openly, they can find ways to satisfy both parties. They may also seek out advice from experienced members or leaders in the movement who have experience with similar situations.
The goal is to create a healthy and fulfilling relationship based on mutual understanding and respect.
How do the Children of God balance erotic exploration with religious obligations and marital duty?
Balancing erotic exploration with religious obligations and marital duties can be challenging for individuals belonging to various faith communities, including the Children of God movement. The organization emphasizes celibacy and chastity as core values that its members must follow, which may clash with their sexual desires and needs. The tension between these two poles can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, and confusion, especially if one is married or in an intimate relationship.