The Pilgrim’s Protest

By Elizabeth Castellow
This semester, TPP set out to investigate and write an article on an issue that is relevant, important, and sensitive. The idea for the article was presented by a former staff writer and, as an Editorial Board, we agreed on the importance of this issue. Now, as I, the editor, sit down to sum up our findings and attempt to write an article that will be thought-provoking as well as move readers to action, I find that the task is far more difficult than I first imagined. Dealing with issues that strike at the core of who we are and how God made us, is never an easy task.
Often, as Christians, we do not talk about the sexual side of our beings; God made us to be sexual but as sinful humans we have perverted how He created us. It seems to be common knowledge that people struggle with sexual issues such as homosexual tendencies, looking at pornography, masturbating, and having pre-marital sex. Some Christians have tried to bring these issues to the forefront and address them in an appropriate way. However, often times these things are shoved away and those who may try to seek help find themselves hurt instead of healed. As TPP set out to delve into this issue, we chose to hold a forum for open discussion and take surveys to gather information. In our information gathering, we found that, although people of both genders struggle with similar issues, often women who struggle with pornography, masturbation, and homosexuality are overlooked or disregarded. Although men certainly struggle with these things it is wrong to assume that women do not or that those who do are simply the unusual few. When asked about this topic, Professor Carrie Caudill said, “The female sexual drive has often been overlooked by the Christian community, and topics of lust typically take a male-only approach. Like men, women have sexual desires. And like men these desires for intimacy can become corrupted. Increasingly in the Christian counseling practice that I work for I am seeing, women confess and look for help in their struggles with masturbation, lust, pornography, homosexual attraction, and other sexual issues. They commonly believe that they are the “only one” who experiences these struggles. It is time for this often buried issue to be brought to the healing & redemptive light of Christ.” Her insights sum up TPP’s findings. In the rest of this article TPP will show some of our findings as well as ways to take action.
In preparation for this article, TPP took surveys of CIU students. These surveys were distributed in a few classes and although they represent only a small sampling of students, the information is revealing. Survey responses were received from 56 students, 24 men and 25 women and 7 who chose not to disclose their gender. The surveys asked whether or not the person had struggled with sexually impure thoughts, homosexuality, pornography, masturbation, or premarital sex and whether those struggles had taken place in the past or in the present. The surveys also asked whether or not those responding had sought help and where they had sought it. 99% of the women surveyed said that they struggled with sexually impure thoughts, either in the past or in the present. 16 of the surveys filled out by women showed that they struggled in the areas of homosexuality, pornography, masturbation, and premarital sex, either in the past or present. The exact struggle varied greatly but that these things are an issue was clear. Although only a minority of women checked that they presently struggled with one of these issues, it must be kept in mind that only a small percentage of CIU students were surveyed. When asked about whether or not they felt comfortable seeking help answered varied. Some answered that they had sought out help and felt accepted by those they spoke to. Others responded that they had not sought help and did not feel comfortable with doing so, for various reasons, such as not wanting others to know, not trusting others, and not wanting to ruin their image and not wanting to be disciplined.
On the surveys, one student wrote that she was not seeking help but probably would seek it at CIU if there was a program or someone she could talk to. For those who want help with their struggles there are some places they can go. TPP spoke with Chaplain Donna Thompson and she spoke about an accountability group that is provided on campus through the chaplain’s offices as well as individual counseling. However, there is also a greater need for these opportunities. R.A.s and other student leaders have the opportunity to begin accountability groups and to be open to helping students with their struggles. The discussion in the forum hosted by TPP also had similar responses. These issues are struggles for women and responses from other believers vary greatly. However, there is always a need for honesty and a listening ear.
This subject should not just be thought of as facts from a survey or isolated quotes from anonymous people but as something that is relevant to all of us. Sexual purity is something that is God desires for all of us. Although these things are personal issues, they are also community issues. As believers we can strengthen one another and build each other up. At the forum some spoke of being hurt by the reactions of other believers but some also spoke of great help and healing provided by other brothers and sisters in Christ. Even on campus there is a dichotomy between those who think that these subjects should be discussed and those that can become offended when topics about sexual matters are brought up. This split is often one produced by each person’s individual background and upbringing but sensitivity is needed on all sides. Good, uplifting discussion of these subjects must start with the leadership. From the CIU administration to chapel speakers to R.A.s these people have the opportunity to encourage positive dialogue and opportunities for healing. Rejection and mistrust are not appropriate responses to someone sharing their heart and seeking help. Instead, we should also seek to provide love and support to those who disclose their needs and concerns.
In conclusion, I hope that this article serves as more than just another piece to raise awareness. It is a call to action, a call do something. As individuals, we must address these things in our own lives and follow God’s will for our thoughts and actions. As a community we must come together as a place for help and healing. Our reactions to others when they bring these things forward can be instrumental in bringing healing or causing additional hurt. As both individuals and as a community we must be a place where we can both find help and give help to those in need. These struggles are not few and far between, nor are they reason to shun another believer. Instead they are reasons to seek God and become transformed to be more like Him.