Forbidden

February 23, 2021

 

Today I want to suggest a theology of “forbidden.” There are two theories on this subject one a scary slide and the other a hopeful hunch.

 

The theory that is scary, because it is dangerous, is the idea that we are drawn to what is forbidden. This position then moves to have unlimited access to those things which are forbidden, without regulation or restraint. The left hand of this thinking villainizes anyone who would point out the danger or seek reasoned understanding as to why something is forbidden.

 

The hopeful hunch is called “sublimation.” In psychology, it is channeling energy used in adverting the forbidden into useful or productive ends. Possibly another way to say that is, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Galatians 2:20 NLT]

 

For something to be “forbidden” there must be a legitimate authority. In America, that authority has been the bulk of culture; especially what used to be known as “politically correct.” For the Christian, the authority is God.

 

The true believer believes God “created out of nothing” by speaking. The entire universe as we understand it, and have yet to understand, we’re designed, made, and sustained by God. As the designer of this world and our species, it gives God the right to decide “good and evil.”

 

One of the problems with the “forbidden” is the unwillingness to take responsibility. This has been accurate from the beginning, “The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” [Genesis 3:12 NLT] Notice, having been caught, Adam blames someone else. Also notice, the inconsistency of his thought process.

 

Adam blames God. Ever since this first utterance, humanity has been itching to cast blame on God. Take for instance the argument that when something bad happens God is either cruel for causing it or weak for allowing it. Yet, we forget there is a reason something is forbidden. Generally it’s because there are unwanted consequences or a horrible result. Did I mention pain?

 

Since humanity is in full rebellion and fatal spiritual failure, we continue to shift the responsibility of our complete moral bankruptcy. Once some marched in the streets for our right to spiral out of control. Then we stepped on the proverbial banana peel of acceptance. Eventually our culture, which is in need of some serious canceling, legalized the selfishness and sin. Some thought we might bottom out by celebrating the forbidden as normal or even special. Yet, our culture continues to aggressively market and shove the forbidden down throats. Doesn’t take a blind monkey to see where this is going.

 

How do we live? I am glad you asked! I think it is a two-step, according to Peter. First step, “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” [1 Peter 2:11 NLT] In other words, don’t get tangled in the forbidden. Don’t accept it, don’t celebrate, and don’t practice it. (Dare I say, don’t vote for it?)

 

Step two, “Live honorably among the unbelievers. Today, they defame you, as if you were doing evil. But in the day when God visits to judge they will glorify him, because they have observed your honorable deeds.” [1 Peter 2:12 CEB] Expect to be defamed if you point out something as “forbidden.” The skill is to do this in such a way as to win them, or at least give them a chance.