A Consideration for Christian Husbands
As a counselor who works with sexual addiction, I run into many manifestations of sexual acts. One I have seen on the rise in Christian marriages is having nude photos of your spouse, particularly of the wife. This has propelled me to examine the health of this practice. I hold a strong view of sex in marriage as being about the other person, to be enjoyed in union together. This conflicts with the idea of photographing our spouses in a sexual context.
Marriage is a sacred institution, and for Christian couples, it is rightly governed by principles outlined in the Bible. In the digital age, questions about privacy and boundaries within marital relationships have become more complex. One such issue is whether a Christian husband should possess nude pictures of his wife. We will consider aspects of both sides of the argument to seek greater understanding.
Argued Pros
- Intimacy and Connection: Some argue that intimate pictures can enhance the emotional connection between spouses. This fosters a sense of closeness and understanding.
- Privacy and Trust: In a committed marriage, sharing such images may be seen as an expression of trust and the expectation of privacy within the marital bond.
Argued Cons
- Potential for Misuse: One significant concern is the risk of these private images being misused, either accidentally or intentionally. This could lead to emotional distress or harm within the relationship.
- Biblical Principles: Many Christians argue that the Bible encourages modesty and warns against lustful thoughts. Possessing explicit images might be perceived as conflicting with these biblical principles.
- Security Risks: With the prevalence of cyber threats, storing sensitive images electronically poses security risks. Unauthorized access could lead to unintended consequences.
- Self-Sexual: What might you do with the picture? It may lead to sexual acts, objectification of the wife, or masturbation.
Biblical Perspective
- Modesty and Purity: The Bible encourages modesty and purity of heart.
- 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (ESV) – “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”
- Matthew 5:28 (ESV) – “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
- Unity in Marriage: The Bible emphasizes unity within marriage, as seen in Genesis 2:24. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The question is whether the possession of explicit images aligns with this unity.
- Guarding Against Temptation: The Bible also advises believers to guard against temptation. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” Having explicit images could potentially lead to temptation.
Conclusion
While there may be arguments on both sides, the decision to possess nude pictures within a Christian marriage ultimately rests on the couple’s understanding of biblical principles and their individual convictions. It is crucial for couples to communicate openly, seeking unity in their decisions and striving to honor God in their intimate relationship. The key lies in maintaining trust, respect, and adherence to biblical values in all aspects of marriage.
As you study these principles and pray, I would encourage you to count the cost.
Written by Troy Snyder MS, NCC, LPC, CCSAS, CPCS
Roswell and Woodstock Locations
troy@restorationcounselingatl.com, ext. 113
Troy’s passion for working with sexually addicted clients has led him to obtain special certification in this study area. He is a “Certified Clinical Sexual Addiction Specialist” by the Christian Sex Addiction Specialists International (C-SASI, formerly IACSAS). He works with men and couples and takes a holistic approach to helping his clients by working closely with the parents, spouse, family members, and friends to help create a better foundation for success.