By Dr Catherine Hollier
4 min read
Luke’s Journal July 2026 | Vol.31 No.2 | Sexuality
In the Bible, sex is a wonderful thing in its rightful place – monogamous heterosexual marriage. As Christian health professionals, we can uphold that truth with strong scientific evidence for our patients in a world that stridently states otherwise.
Sex sells. It always has, it always will.
Why is that?
Sexual intimacy and enjoyment are deeply embedded in our created design – God made man and woman in His image (Gen 1:27), to leave father and mother, and to cleave to each other (Gen 2:24 KJV, Eph 5:31). This intimate image then reflects the more profound purpose of humanity, as Jesus awaits consummation with His bride, the Church, in the last days (Eph 5:25-27, 32).
No wonder sex is wonderful and we long for that holy connection, even though this earthly version is but a pale shadow of the glory of things to come.
“Sadly, the pure intimate sexual delight necessary to fulfil our mandate in the Garden, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1: 28), is also one of the most twisted and degraded by the Fall.”
Sadly, the pure intimate sexual delight necessary to fulfil our mandate in the Garden, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1: 28), is also one of the most twisted and degraded by the Fall. Thus, sexual degradation initially repels and revolts us, and yet, because of sin, we can also be fascinated and drawn in by it.
This Sexuality issue shows us glimpses of sexual intimacy as it was designed (lauded in poetry and ObGyn Dr Harvey Ward’s article on “What Women Really Want”), alongside the myriad ways our present society and culture seek to subvert those views.
As Christian health professionals, we have a ‘priest-like’ role in helping our patients navigate pathways that lead to human flourishing.
Sexologist, Patricia Weerakoon, expounds this role further as she teams up with her son, Rev Dr Kamal Weerakoon, to guide us in educating teens and their parents through adolescence , carefully exploring the recent explosion of the transgender landscape.
Paul Bedwell raises a clarion call for Christian health professionals and pastoral carers to stand firm against the misrepresentation of scientific evidence amidst social pressures and a legal environment that is increasingly hostile. Medical student Josias Ng explores practical options in addressing our trans patients, starting from our identity embedded in creation, to treating our patients with respect without compromising gospel truths.
“Pornography is so widely and easily available in the cyberworld that the devastating effects on sexual intimacy and relationships affect every class, race and culture across Australia…”
Pornography is so widely and easily available in the cyberworld that the devastating effects on sexual intimacy and relationships affect every class, race and culture across Australia, often from childhood and initially accidentally1. Both the secular and the Christian world are at a loss on how to address this well. Sometimes it feels like an impossible task.
In this issue, counsellor Linden Simmons offers a scaffold for church members to connect in supporting one another when struggling with pornography use. Counsellor Lauren Fung and sexologist Monica Cook expound on our identity in Christ and the sufficiency of grace for those entangled. Pastor David Bott explores how church members might support those struggling with all kinds of sexual sin, remembering our own weakness and looking to Jesus with certain hope.
Rev Dr Rob Smith gives a Biblical perspective on same-sex sexual attraction, whilst Rachel Kay shares her personal story of wrestling with disability, sexuality and faith.
Finally, at the later end of life, Ben Boland proposes a Biblical approach for Christian health professionals assisting those who are ageing, with special regard for those with dementia.
In the Bible, sex is a wonderful thing in its rightful place – monogamous heterosexual marriage. As Christian health professionals, we can uphold that truth with strong scientific evidence for our patients in a world that stridently states otherwise.
We trust that you will find this issue helpful and encouraging as you walk alongside your patients amongst so many competing voices. We pray that you will stay the course and keep the faith, shining light into the darkness.
Dr Catherine Hollier is a part-time GP in Newcastle, NSW, who loves disseminating the wisdom of others through the online medium of Luke’s Journal.
Would you like to contribute content to Luke’s Journal? Find out more…
References:
Bible references are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise stated.