Body, Mind, and Spirit.

One of the reasons that modern Satanism has been so successful is because it guarantees sexual gratification.

The Church, on the other hand, virtually denies sexual gratification.

The Church bases this teaching on the writings of St. Paul.

St. Paul was originally a member of an extremely strict sect of Pharisees who denied sex altogether (he was not married).

He wrote, "Who will rescue me from this body of death?"  Romans 7:24b (NRSV) and, "To set the mind on the flesh is death, but ot set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."  Romans 8:6 (NRSV)

He also wrote, "so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil."  Hebrews 2:14b (NRSV)

So it is clear that these beliefs are based on the writings of St. Paul.

You will not find these claims in Jesus' teachings.

Jesus made no mention of any conflict between Spirit and flesh.

In fact he was known for eating with prostitutes and sinners.

Speaking of the Pharisees he said, "'Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.'" Matthew 21:31b (NRSV)

So we are justified in challenging this doctrine which gives so much power to the devil.

Better to integrate body, mind, and spirit into a blessed whole - a sacred trinity of Life, Light, and Love.



[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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