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I have no desire or intent to become a social/political commentator, giving my opinion on every social ill, political subversion, entertainment excess or religious stumble. However, whenever one of these issues are directly dealt with scripturally and specifically impact Christians, I will. Our Bible dealing broadly with most aspects of life, directly or by inference covering nearly everything we are confronted with.

One issue I’ve struggled with responding to is what Christina Hoff Sommers labels as the Great Sex Panic of 2017. And while I agree that the men who have for decades forced women to submit to their wills in various ways should be held accountable, we must be on guard against the loss of due process, false or exaggerated accusation, manipulation and vindictiveness that some women are capable of wielding as well. (Stanley Brand, former general counsel to the House of Representatives cautioning that, “This is not a process being driven by legalities or rules anymore. It’s being driven by public perception, and so the rules are going out the window.”)

And no, I’m not victim-blaming, but recent polling suggests some inflated reporting concerning the number of women legitimately harassed in the work-place. The underlying problem arising from how we define genuine harassment. More than one moderate feminist commentator questioning where all this is going and lamenting its detrimental consequences – for women – on mentorship, business experience and genuine relationships between men and women in the work-place.

All of which leads us to questions such as: Is it appropriate for a man to pat a woman on the back (not her backside) in congratulations for a job well done, to place an arm on her shoulder in camaraderie, or embrace her in compassion when she is suffering through loss and remorse? Probably not in this climate, which is too bad. (And while these examples may see simplistic, there are some who make little distinction between women being whistled at and those being manipulated into unwanted sex. (Even as they dismiss the notion that some women dress and act provocatively, as if they’re literally up for grabs.) Overly broad definitions of harassment create doubt in the minds of some about the seriousness of this issue, trivializing the legitimate complaints of women who’ve been mentally and physically assaulted; fostering resentment and a lack of trust on both sides of the issue.

This debate, like so many others facing us today, is highly nuanced. But make no mistake, if any member of my family were groped, spoken to suggestively or pressured to acquiesce to inappropriate expectations, a reprimand from the authorities would be the least of their problems. But – we must be absolutely sure not to devolve into vigilantism, rushing to judgment and punishing inappropriately.

For example, Teen Vogue columnist Emily Lindin recently wrote, “If some innocent men’s reputations have to take a hit in the process of undoing the patriarchy, that is a price I am willing to pay.” The obvious problem being, she wouldn’t be paying any price at all. (Even if she’d been a victim of harassment or real assault, punishing the innocent in a desire to satisfy the need for justice would solve nothing and likely be counter-productive.)

The truth is, men and women need each other, on so many levels. And as is often the case, a certain amount of tensions is already built into our relationships. On one level, we complete each other, but precisely because of the differences in our physical, mental and emotional make-ups that can be so fulfilling, we often confuse and even irritate one another as well. But creating new barriers in the process of tearing others down is unnecessary and detrimental to all.

The sheer number and diversity of the men being outed as grossly – literally – abusing their power has been relentless and staggering. (Many of whom having been, in their own way, accomplished and decent men. Their predicament proving the point of the old maxim: Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.) Lending credence to Vice president Pence’s assertion, for which he was roundly criticized, that he never meets “privately”, with any woman other than his wife. (A practice any number of counselors, doctors and preachers observe as well.)

Still, some ask why that should be the case. And I suppose in a perfect world, that wouldn’t/shouldn’t be necessary. But scripture rightly teaches that we live in, “…a crooked and depraved generation,…” Philippians 2:5 Jeremiah succinctly diagnosing the problem when he says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and (outside of Christ) beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 Prompting the writer of Proverbs to encourage us to, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Prob. 4:23 Jesus agreeing, pointing out, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.” While conversely, “…the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (And his actions flow) Luke 6:45

It’s only when we go humbly to God, requesting that he “Create in (us) a pure heart… renew(ing) a steadfast spirit within (us).” Psalm 51:10, that we can then be considered blessed by Jesus and promised the opportunity to “see” God. (Mat.5:8 As well as Psalm 119:9)

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Washed by the Water of the Word