A Sex Saturated Society

Written on April 26, 1970
Written by Donald W. Smith

I happen to like cars. On a shelf beside me here in my study I have several copies of automotive magazines which I enjoy perusing. I select all the exotic cars which I hope to own one day.

As I turn the pages there is a phenomenon which I have witnessed many times. Here before me is a full page ad for the Amante G. I. which is pictured in a beautiful setting of grass with foliage in the background. Seated beside the car is a girl –long hair, mini-skirt, pouting lips, etc. In bold type I am reminded that “man does not live by bread alone, Baby” (Christ’s words have been appropriated and given nod appeal.) The buff who would desire this car in described as one who drinks high octane for breakfast and finds the music of a “tuned exhaust” sweeter than anything by Stokowski. This “type” is reminded not to ignore the “hot little number” resting above. Which “hot little number”? The car, of course.

There you have it, an appeal to man’s sexuality as the basis on which this exotic machine will hopefully be sold. Thus we find almost every aspect of our American life permeated with an exploitation of man’s instinctive sex drive. The hucksters of our land have mastered the science of utilizing the universal existence of sexual impulse in the competition of merchandising. This approach must get results for it is increasing in intensity.

The fact that “sex sells” everything from tooth paste to muscular cars must reveal something about our people. It does just that. It reveals that “sex” gets attention when presented symbolically or in the human form. This fact I merely observe and cannot indict. What does cause concern is what transpires after “attention” is obtained. Is our super-saturation with sex helping our people in their struggle to control an instinct which, though inherently good, can easily get out of control? Is not a people which permits the parading of sexual stimuli on every hand acting as one who seeks to quench a consuming fire with highly volatile liquid?

We are witnessing a “sexual revolution.” It originates with a minority who claims license to be self-expressive with complete abandon. The majority is either silent and secretly enjoying the fruit of the revolutionary movement or it feigns indignance while wondering what by-product of pleasure might come its way.

Let us be clear on one point. Many say, “Sex is nothing to be ashamed of.” I can agree if they mean that the human race reproduces itself in a certain way, or in the fact that it gives pleasure. This is not generally meant, however. Most often the insistence that we need not be ashamed of sex refers to the state into which the sexual instinct of man has fallen. To put it directly, man is making a mess of sex.

(This claim is admittedly an appeal to God’s restrictions on our use of our power of sexuality.)

Reasons are set forth for the current revolution and resulting “open flood gate.” Some tell us that the “new freedom” is a reaction to a past “hush-up.” There has been little “hush-up” for thirty years now. Sex is on every tongue; chattered about everywhere. Yet the situation has grown worse. If “hushing” were the cause, then the situation should now be better. It’s probably the other way around. Humanity originally hushed “it” up because “it” had gone so badly.

The sexual revolution is based on at least one lie. All the contemporary propaganda – theater, cinema, literature, car ads – combine to make us feel that all our sex desires are so “natural”, so “healthy” and so “reasonable” that we need not resist them. Sex, it is implied, is simply a biological need. Its expression is “good” and contributes to well being. Sexual indulgence is associated with health, normality, youth, frankness, good humor and “automobiles”. Posters, films, novels, magazines all tell this “lie”.

It is a powerful lie because it is based on some truth. Sex, in the right context (marriage), is “good”, “normal” and “healthy.” The lie comes in saying that any sex act to which one is tempted contributes to one’s well being. This is obviously absurd. All kinds of problems result – impotence, disease, jealousies, lies, etc. All these are contrary to happiness.

The God-given principles of the Bible are strict. Yet, they make sense. God knows what He’s about. Violate them and the immediate pleasure gives way to suffering; the momentary ecstasy yields to pain.

For everything there is a tine. A time to own a machine fashioned of steel to sweep across God’s earth – a time to “rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely hind, a graceful doe. Let her affection fill you at all times with delight, be infatuated always with her love.” (Proverbs 5: 18-19)

Let us revolt against the revolution.

The Reverend Donald W. Smith, Minister

The South Congregational Church