Thursday, March 4, 2021

Let's help our brothers by not dressing in a provocative way

By Qistina Bumidin, AsiaOne, 24 February 2021 at 9.48 am


Pastor Joanne Chow explained
PHOTO: Pastor Joanne Chow explained that it was meant to be "an appeal for consideration, with the best of intentions" and that the purpose of her article was not to address "sexual predation or how to avoid it" but "to encourage the Christian community to help each other avoid sexual temptation".
Picture posted by BigStock
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs8iW3fVbx2xvhA7pLS70DiNhHD1V5tb-MpCgAn5AjaaX2wrVOG06zOh4r9burB1DvH2wgedvYKio93gMi_x1Lx4nbJuqFWkNIdTvNXVkVO-2tZ6Vzjp5JBFbqfdIapxZD1-89_QXuEM/s1114/258880408_12.png
https://static3.bigstockphoto.com/8/5/2/large1500/258880408.jpg
https://www.bigstockphoto.com/image-258880408/stock-photo-back-view-of-angel-woman-with-beautiful-long-hair-white-feather-wings-outdoors


Netizens take issue with pastor's remark on sexual temptation.

On Tuesday (Feb 23), Chow said on Thir.st's Facebook page that she realised that her remark angered many people and apologised for the hurt it has caused.

Acknowledging that her message could have been better framed or phrased, Chow explained that it was meant to be "an appeal for consideration, with the best of intentions" and that the purpose of her article was not to address "sexual predation or how to avoid it" but "to encourage the Christian community to help each other avoid sexual temptation".

"It was not my intention at all to insinuate victim blaming or excuse predatory behaviour and I apologise if it came across that way."


It was not my intention at all to insinuate victim blaming or excuse predatory behaviour and I apologise if it came across that way. PHOTO: "It was not my intention at all to insinuate victim blaming or excuse predatory behaviour and I apologise if it came across that way." wrote Pastor Joanne Chow.
Picture posted by Alamy
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn783ljPkakEflZzXfYCSP6DDkNvnCAd0Ch_6t6Omt40cyZ-Ntr_QuNebQUk_f6N8Nwkl2_OYXTIlXert0Avp6jvXk62YSXxMsqjJsGf5n_p7QX2iIWq4k9vec00XBLSoFmLIEGRYjH6U/s1390/XEDYWM_1.png
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/XEDYWM/young-woman-in-bikini-crouching-on-floor-looking-at-camera-XEDYWM.jpg
https://www.alamy.com/young-woman-in-bikini-crouching-on-floor-looking-at-camera-image284278336.html


Social media can either make you or break you, and a pastor in Singapore is bearing the brunt of her remark on sexual temptation.

On Monday (Feb 22), Christian youth-oriented website Thir.st came under fire for publishing an article by Pastor Joanne Chow where she appealed to women to avoid dressing "in a revealing or provocative way" to help men "control [their] lustful thoughts".


Christian youth-oriented website Thir.st came under fire
PHOTO: Christian youth-oriented website Thir.st came under fire for publishing an article by Pastor Joanne Chow where she appealed to women to avoid dressing "in a revealing or provocative way" to help men "control [their] lustful thoughts".
Picture posted by President's personal blog
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQWUKio3lAb5BDN3XeLT956Lz8gOxw0-OMWpiwOyWARRDiibTQT7WiyjS2EU7wjzNJRvkr-pkfBOlhzbuibUxMjGNg6lngUgJ4_ZxYYzVXI4JFzX1422pM9LNu6LQQjlFgW4wFsKbQgI/s998/pixta_26145445_M_1.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9R7szdlJHYyzgfmd6Wqhz-0nER9g_s1Gg6xc0ytkagseg3YCa5ZNLwLkgrgqWWlfETI9eKi3N7he6DsFL_QhG3yFK9m8kYr2_oADiQWue8RRpPV2a_mgyYgRLrZ5FENC8I90FHTdmYY/s1600/pixta_26145445_M.jpg
https://tn-nara.blogspot.com/2020/04/blog-post_20.html


In her article, Chow, a pastor for youths at Pasir Panjang Hill Brethren Church, recounted her own difficulties dealing with sexual temptation when she was in a relationship with her then-boyfriend who is now her husband.

The pastor also offered three tips to help youths from falling into such a temptation.

However, it was a particular remark that sent social media into a frenzy.

Shortly after her article was reposted on Instagram, many took offence with a particular paragraph that appeared to hint that a woman's dressing is to blame for a man's lustful thoughts:


The pastor also offered three tips to help youths from falling into such a temptation.
PHOTO: The pastor also offered three tips to help youths from falling into such a temptation. However, it was a particular remark that sent social media into a frenzy.
Texts from Instagram/Thir.st
Posted by Qistina Bumidin, qistina@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 24 February 2021 at 9.48 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73ISvuWFScj2-mGvj8BuNBZrdS3xTL048IAVP2apV8d0am3YdKKNYJ_BwGqowtaLMFYau2DzPv1ljJq_0vDqpHaRL-_REXa9KYvnGB9XYn0OCwqQFpjPwOKhLFAZWZEYjMY4m2Tloku8/s800/mainpicforthirst.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/mainpicforthirst.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/lets-help-our-brothers-not-dressing-provocative-way-netizens-take-issue-pastors-remark


Responses from netizens were largely negative. Many commented on how Chow's suggestion reiterates the traditional role of women in the sexual sphere.


Responses from netizens were largely negative.
PHOTO: Responses from netizens were largely negative. Many commented on how Chow's suggestion reiterates the traditional role of women in the sexual sphere.
PHOTO: Instagram/thir.st
Posted by Qistina Bumidin, qistina@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 24 February 2021 at 9.48 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGCfQ0gOEPnhj9QE0Zz4J1qlc084NxK1hx-k0H1qz0EYEzabyRwOhLEhlCSTLbQVMEse_PtZXLogj3CVqRIkNUWQmmlWycLg_JVvG187RxB92c8z2z63gUi3x9XQ0DELfm_eSDsDDtno/s700/IMG_0725.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_0725.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/lets-help-our-brothers-not-dressing-provocative-way-netizens-take-issue-pastors-remark


A few others shared their own experiences of being sexually abused.


A few others shared their own experiences of being sexually abused.
PHOTO: A few others shared their own experiences of being sexually abused.
PHOTO: Instagram/thir.st
Posted by Qistina Bumidin, qistina@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 24 February 2021 at 9.48 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireSA-v-s2lju3vhUNOvJmnXJhc3duLubTLmuJonwrWWCaNrPSFKAim725r5XvQ7ZDzbudOZEGMqdwfMT7xTytMPcZwNd0QUAZ5fsldaJ-CpdbHOF5LW0sVaMhg5vesp7kCjwGbhX0Yng/s700/IMG_0721.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_0721.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/lets-help-our-brothers-not-dressing-provocative-way-netizens-take-issue-pastors-remark


Others called for the removal of the Instagram post, with some netizens pointing out that it has shone a bad light on the Christian faith.

A few also stated that while the intention of the writer seemed clear, they felt that it was framed wrongly.


A few also stated that while the intention of the writer seemed clear, they felt that it was framed wrongly. PHOTO: Instagram/thir.st
PHOTO: A few also stated that while the intention of the writer seemed clear, they felt that it was framed wrongly.
PHOTO: Instagram/thir.st
Posted by Qistina Bumidin, qistina@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 24 February 2021 at 9.48 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0dmPH_GJ5uDF5i5sbVfkRO2NUatK-qh7w7TSwSFSP7KWakomU-z8ef66osOCfXOrzgB9p4TeMiDmbA_nJFWDaGPIGJIeFsXGjcF6SXOQ56TnUFCq-hMs4Wqeim0Z6_W592Aef__APUk/s700/IMG_0715.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_0715.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/lets-help-our-brothers-not-dressing-provocative-way-netizens-take-issue-pastors-remark


In response to the backlash, Thir.st said that the purpose of the article was to "offer practical advice on how Christians can avoid falling into sexual temptation", due to a recent case of a global Christian leader being accused of sexual misconduct.

Chow's article is part of a series called 'How not to fall', which focuses on the temptations both men and women face.

Her acknowledgement that everyone is "ultimately responsible for their own thought life" and her suggestion of "girls helping guys by dressing modestly" are "true at the same time and not necessarily in conflict", Thir.st explained.


Her acknowledgement
PHOTO: Her acknowledgement that everyone is "ultimately responsible for their own thought life" and her suggestion of "girls helping guys by dressing modestly" are "true at the same time and not necessarily in conflict", Thir.st explained.
Screenshots of Thir.st's response to the article. PHOTO: Instagram/thir.st
Posted by Qistina Bumidin, qistina@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 24 February 2021 at 9.48 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-YTUDjSOXqY_h_nZ69Dz2SUQjxCwJzO2Nc6Zqnif1yUaeJUiNn9LvXfm1AhLrbA1sWD-7AVgQ0tn8GK6UFLvfWOqXkCjRHpz-XVagstAO8jfgjKxjkJfLE1kBE3bkxDGbeIjEDMhBAk/s725/thirstresponse.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thirstresponse.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/lets-help-our-brothers-not-dressing-provocative-way-netizens-take-issue-pastors-remark


In another comment, Thir.st said that the article does not condone sexual misconduct and added that both the website and the pastor do not intend to victim-blame women who have experienced sexual assault.

They also agreed that it is "simplistic to say that the issue of lust can be solved by modest dressing".

However, their explanation did not sit well with netizens, who pointed out the contrasts in their responses.


However, their explanation did not sit well with netizens, who pointed out the contrasts in their responses.
PHOTO: However, their explanation did not sit well with netizens, who pointed out the contrasts in their responses.
PHOTO: Instagram/thir.st
Posted by Qistina Bumidin, qistina@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 24 February 2021 at 9.48 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ8nPPFRab9Z7oGE7nPqKY8oh90R-cfU6nA8jRETDwYScP2Pfag8KXnO_qJbamv0p8M1LWINDzRvCsV1DnRvr3ReUViQsPk-yvbAWPkqy1fg9qeOFJQN9M8YRC68OxT15jNcrHBs38Mg/s800/IMG_0714.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_0714.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/lets-help-our-brothers-not-dressing-provocative-way-netizens-take-issue-pastors-remark


Sexual temptation and immorality - The Bible has many to say on this topic.
PHOTO: Sexual temptation and immorality - The Bible has many to say on this topic.
The harsh truth:
"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21).

The dipolmatic advices:
"Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. . . . ." (1 Corinthians 7:1-40).

Pastor Joanne Chow and thir.st probably are trying to convey the following message. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul said, "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." In our language, it simply means: To Avoid Sexual Temptation, We Must Guard the Eyes of Others. [2]
However, the Bible also said: To Avoid Sexual Temptation, We Must Guard Our Eyes (Matthew 5:27-30). [2]

Painting by Jean-Leon Gerome (1824-1904) - Bathsheba
Jean-Leon Gerome was a French painter and sculptor in the style now known as Academicism. The range of his oeuvre (work of a painter) included historical painting, Greek mythology, Orientalism, portraits and other subjects, bringing the Academic painting tradition to an artistic climax.
Posted by Me Quietly, painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme - King David subsequently committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxsL1qWLYONeLkjaTM6h3CBrLJhsR5X59mmVxyks597WaHHC8BJnv9_ITmPrdjGzck4dujAg-IySY907fnh8DxJlKP4V2S_-dK7YSUbB7j1z9ko1VKwzLhdeWJUQWfaB2TjIeHpunHLA/s1600/bethsabee-809-2-1.jpg
http://www.deshow.net/d/file/cartoon/2009-12/bethsabee-809-2.jpg
http://www.deshow.net/cartoon/bethsabee-809.html
http://em-mim-serenamente-2.blogspot.sg/2013/06/jean-leon-gerome-betsaba.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2015/09/reflection-king-david-bathsheba-and.html

Reference
[1] Qistina Bumidin, qistina@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, Let's help our brothers by not dressing in a provocative way, posted on 24 February 2021 at 9.48 am, https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/lets-help-our-brothers-not-dressing-provocative-way-netizens-take-issue-pastors-remark

[2] From the series: The Bible Teacher’s Guide, The Sermon On The Mount: Experiencing God’s Kingdom On Earth, 13. How To Avoid Sexual Temptation (Matthew 5:27-30), https://bible.org/seriespage/13-how-avoid-sexual-temptation-matthew-527-30


Links





New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,