Re-reading 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 in the context of Nigerian Pentecostals' theology of sex

Abstract

This article examines Paul’s teachings on sexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 and the relationship between those teachings and the prevalent sexual practices in Corinth. It is argued that Paul’s quest for robust spirituality among the Christians in Corinth informed his injunctions against certain sexual acts which were permitted in the then Greco-Roman world. The text is also read in the context of Nigerian Pentecostals’ theology of sex. The conclusion of this article is that Nigerian Pentecostals’ theology of sex is diluted in the sense that it emerges from both the African cultural belief and biblical injunctions, especially Paul’s teaching about sex in 1 Corinthians 6:12–20.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The confusion and controversy this kind of theology generates will continue to be a major concern for scholars in the fields of biblical interpretation, theology, sociology and other related disciplines.