Journal of Psychology and Theology 2018, Vol. 46(1) 22–37 © Author(s) 2018 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0091647117750654 journals.sagepub.com/jpt JPT Enlightened Sexuality: Exploring the Implications of Sacred SexualityG. Corey Carlisle Amridge University, Montgomery, Alabama Abstract For many Christians spirituality and sexuality are kept in separate compartments of life, limiting both spiritual formation and adult sexual development. This study explored a concept of sacred sexuality, how it might fit into adult sexual development, how it might be expressed across path preferences, and its association with sexual satisfaction. A nonrandom convenience sample of adults was recruited to measure the relationship and strength between the prevalence of sacred qualities during sexual episodes and sexual satisfaction using a multiple regression analysis. It was determined that sacred qualities uniquely predicted a significant portion (12%) of sexual satisfaction after accounting for dyadic adjustment. This study can assist clinicians and spiritual directors in advancing the sexual welfare of their communities, leading to a sexuality that is truly salt and light in the world. Keywords adult sexual development, spiritual formation, spiritual sexuality, sacred qualities, sexual satisfaction, sexual path preferences Introduction The Christian community is becoming increasingly comfortable in discussing sexuality. There appears to be a shift away from the negative and often conflicting messages such assex is dirty, save it for the one you love. More Christians seem willing to proclaim sex as one of God’s good gifts to humanity. At the same time, many still appear to struggle in appreciating and articulating the wonder and fullness of their own sexual experiences (MacKnee, 2002). For many, the conversation does not move beyond sexual morality. Many words are offered regarding when and with whom sex is appropriate. While this is an important conversation, an unfortunate result is that a hyper-focus on sexual morality can leave many Christians with a shal- low sexuality. In fact, it appears many have the right context but still miss the heart of sex, essen- tially adopting the world’s core view and merely applying Christian morality to it. For example, the modern worldview tends to focus on the biopsychosocial aspects of sexuality (i.e., anatomy, health, techniques, relationship status, etc.), with the inclination to rely on greater scientific understanding in the quest for sexual fulfillment. It is common, for instance, for many Corresponding author: G. Corey Carlisle, Amridge University, 1200 Taylor Road, Montgomery AL 36117 USA. Email: [email protected]750654 PTJ00 10.1177/0091647117750654Journal of Psychology and TheologyCarlisle research-article2018 Article
Carlisle23 popular magazines to boast about the latest scientific discovery to improve one’s sex life.
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