What do you think of when you see or hear the word sex?  Inappropriate? Sinful? Beautiful? Body parts? Remorse? Guilt? Healing? Fear? Shame? Love? Erotic? Marriage? Worldly? Confusing?

It seems that everyone has their own definition of sex. Some see it merely as another physiological need that must be met in order to live well. Some see it as something horrible and dirty. In their minds it should be avoided except for baby-making purposes alone. A few, however, see sex as something beautiful  that comes from the very heart of God designed for the marriage relationship between a husband and wife to express love, intimacy, romance, pleasure, and unity.

Defining sex becomes a different monster when you bring in an expert. Dr. Harry Schaumburg is one of these experts on sex and sexual counseling. He spent some time with the students here at Baptist Bible College this week, and his insight had a solid impact on the students here. Here’s a short bio from the web:

Harry Schaumburg is the Executive Director of Stone Gate Resources and the author of which has been described as “The finest work available for all who struggle with their sexuality or want to help those who do” (Dan Allender). The mission of Stone Gate Resources is Pointing People Away From Sexual Brokenness to Restored Intimacy with God and Others. Harry serves through Stone Gate as a teacher, counselor and administrator. He holds master’s degrees in religion and educational psychology, and a doctorate in pastoral counseling. He has completed postgraduate work at the Center for Family Studies/Family Institute of Chicago and is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado. His wife, Rosemary, serves as Hospitality Coordinator for the periodic Brief Intensive Counseling sessions (8-10 days) sponsored by Stone Gate Resources for singles and couples at a retreat center in the countryside near Colorado Springs. Harry and Rosemary have been married for thirty-one years and have two adult sons, Aaron and Nathan.

In his Q and A session with close to 100 BBC students (myself included), Dr. Schaumburg took us to the heart of the matter with all of the questions asked. The heart of the matter with sex and sexual problems is our relationship with God. In counseling over 3,000 people during his career, Dr. Schaumburg recognizes that every sexual issue goes back to each individual’s relationship with God. The forgiveness needed in marriage can only come from God. The healing needed for a sinful past can only come from God. The love needed for young singles to be ready to engage in pure sexuality inside marriage only comes from God.

Talking sex with an expert was not only informative.

It was spiritually challenging.