Question
What does the Bible say about sexual harassment? What saving truth does the church uphold which is threatened by sexual harassment? How then does the faith evaluate the problem? What concrete steps does the church invite and challenge its believers to take?
Answer
This is a very good question and is in some ways complex because we are dealing with “modern” definitions which don’t always “fit” into biblical concepts. First, let me say that I will set forth what the Bible says about it, not what the “Church” says about it. I do not know exactly what you mean by “Church”, but usually there is a denominational or Catholic idea behind it. The church, rather than being a collection of congregations ruled by a convention or Pope, is simply those who are saved by Christ in the way He directs. See Acts 2. They work and worship in independent local congregations and seek to follow the Word in their individual lives and while working together. They do not follow “traditions” or “rules” laid down by a ruling person or body that is of human origin. If we believe in what the Bible says, we should follow this, no matter what Protestantism or Catholicism might say about it!
Now, from the Bible viewpoint, the only lawful sexual relations are to take place in marriage. Matt. 19:1-6, Eph. 5:22-33. These relationships are to always be voluntary, not forced even by the husband or the wife. 1 Cor. 7:1-5.
Therefore, what the world condones, voluntary sexual freedom outside of marriage is condemned by the Bible. Gal. 5:19-22. Further sexually charged speech and actions such as looks toward those that are not your spouse (husband or wife) are condemned by the Bible. Matt. 5:27-30, Eph. 4:29, 5:1-17.
As far as the word’s (generally speaking) definition of sexual harassment, the Bible would agree that it is wrong. When someone in a position of power, speaks or acts in ways that “offend” (sin” against someone and imply or insist on sexual gratification, they are wrong! This is true whether the aggressor is a man or a woman. Gen. 39, 1 Samuel 13.
If a Christian is being harassed in this way by someone of the world, the laws are there for their protection. Rom. 12:14-13:7. And, if the person is a Christian that is doing the harassing, even a preacher or elder, there are steps also to be taken to bring them to repentance. Matt. 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 5.
By Gary Hunt
