14
The War Cry | OCTOBER 2015
W
e speak more openly
about it today, but
sexual misconduct is
not unique to our
time.
A quick read through the account of
King David's life reveals instances of rape
(palace concubines), incest (Amnon and
Tamar), and adultery (David him-
self). While the term "sexual
abuse" didn't enter our vocabulary
until the mid-1970s, sexual "indis-
cretions" have been whispered about
for hundreds of years.
The prophet Jeremiah's words ring
as true in our age as they did in his: "Are they
ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they
have no shame at all; they do not even know how
to blush" (Jeremiah 8:12, TNIV).
Sexuality is a gift given to us by God to be expe-
rienced in accordance with Scriptural principles.
In that light, we are disturbed by the damage to
body and spirit that occurs when trust is exploited.
So as parents, as people of faith, as a church, what
do we do? How do we react when a trusted youth
pastor molests one in our midst?
A proactive response starts with our children.
Modeling a healthy attitude toward sexuality is a
first step, with age-appropriate direction, such as
Raising
Our
Voices
by
MAJOR
JOANN SHADE
A prominent member of the
community is
indicted for child
pornography
on his computer.
A pastor
confesses to an
affair with a parishioner
who
came to her for counseling.
A kindergarten teacher is arrested
for
taking pictures of his students
while they use the toilet.
What's happening in our society?
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9/22/15 12:22 PM